Give $7 on March 7 for the Y's Day of Giving
The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is participating in the YMCA’s National ‘Day of Giving’ on Tuesday, March 7th, in an effort to bring in donations to support our income-based financial assistance programs.
According to Jean Adler Stean, Senior Director of Donor Impact, the funds will be used to support the Y’s Open Doors initiative that provides low-cost or free programs, child care, and memberships, thanks to generous support from members and donors.
YMCA Fitness Instructor Ed Sabo says, “I love the idea that if you walk in the door and say you can’t afford it, you’ll probably walk out a member. It’s not a luxury. The Y is a place where everybody should be able to afford to go.”
At the Y, we are helping more individuals and families than ever before. In 2022 we were able to provide $5.7 million in financial assistance, and that number is projected to increase in 2023. If you have the ability to give, please donate just $7 in support of children and families in need. Visit ymcashr.org/give to make belonging possible for everyone in our community.
7 reasons to give $7 on March 7
1. Thomas has been a lifelong Y member and is now part of the staff team. It's been a joy to see Thomas grow up at the Y and we are grateful to be a part of his story.
2. Float Over Fear is an initiative that started in 2021 to offer free swim lessons for families and children in Portsmouth, Virginia. In the first year over $2,000 was raised; by 2022, proceeds surpassed $11,000.
3. Through a simple gesture provided by the staff at the Y, Braiden was able to participate in childcare activities that he may otherwise have found overwhelming.
4. Aubree is a happy and energetic eight-year-old who loves to come to the Y to see her friends in ballet class. Though she faces some physical challenges, she doesn't let them slow her down in dance class or the pool.
5. Después de perder a su esposo, Ana encontró una comunidad en la Y, canalizando su dolor a través de los clases de baile y aprendiendo a tejer.
After losing her husband, Ana has found community at the Y, channeling her sorrow through dance fitness classes and learning to knit.
6. The Y partners with Norfolk Friends of Foster Care to offer services to our most vulnerable young people. We love this partnership and the joy it brings to Jacob, Rosemary, Katherine, and so many more.
7. Jeb had been waiting all season to make his first basket, so parents, volunteers, and teammates set Jeb up for success. Watch as the players from both teams worked to make it happen for Jeb. Y staff and volunteers taught kindness and compassion through a small deed that meant a lot.