Kamloops YMCA-YWCA running 40 per cent of community programs

KAMLOOPS – YMCA fitness facilities are closed to the public, but the charitable organization continues to run about 40 per cent of its programs.

The YMCA continues to operate its Women’s Emergency Shelter.

The Childcare Resource and Referral program and Youth Mental Health programming are operating in a virtual format.

While fitness classes are no longer happening in person, some instructors have posted classes online.

“So we are doing a combination of things to encourage people to be physically active in their homes and to stay engaged with the community,” said YMCA-YWCA CEO Colin Reid. “Obviously, our communications people are in contact with members and attempting to help solve whatever questions they have or inquiries.”

When the fitness centres were shut down, the YMCA stopped collecting membership fees.

Reid says the YMCA has lost around 55-60 per cent of its revenue stream.

However, the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year is underway right now, with Y Dream Home Lottery tickets selling quickly.

The YMCA will also accept donations from the public.

“From a fiscal perspective, there’s a shortage of revenue,” Reid said. “Depending on how long this goes, we’ll have used up a bunch of cash reserves and may be carrying debt. But, the whole idea is to get through this and come out the other end and to be ready to serve the community the best we can.”