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Inspire the Future: YMCA of Eastern Ontario Launches 2025 Annual Campaign

Dear YMCA Friends and Members,   Every day at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, we witness how one small act—whether it’s a kind word, a high-five, or a generous gift—can lead to meaningful change within our community. These moments of connection and caring are at the heart of what makes our Y so special.   That’s why I’m proud to share the launch of our 2025 Annual Campaign, built around the theme Inspire the Future. This campaign isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about standing together to uplift our neighbours and build a healthier, more inclusive, and more connected community. It’s where action meets impact.   When you give to the YMCA, you’re doing more than making a donation—you’re helping to build stronger, healthier communities, supporting local families, and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Your support doesn’t just help today—it lays the foundation for lasting change for generations to come.   This year, we’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $435,000. These funds directly support programs that make a real impact—meals for children and teens, safe spaces for youth, swim lessons, leadership training, summer camps, housing supports, and so much more.  

Last year, your generosity helped:  
Provide 327 weeks of summer camp to local kids
Deliver 30,000 meals to young people
Issue 408 aquatic leadership certifications
Support 25% of our members with financial assistance
Offer 90% attendance rates in Alternative Suspension and Student Impact programs
Deliver 37,500 swim lesson days across our communities
Provide 2,000 days of housing through our Hearthstone program

  And that’s just the beginning. With your support, we can continue to open doors and change lives.
Whether it’s $35 to give a child a month of recreation, $245 to send a child to summer camp, or $1,000 for lifeguard training, every dollar counts.   You can make your donation or learn more at eo.ymca.ca/annualcampaign
Mark your calendars for these upcoming campaign events:   Send a Kid to Camp: Now through August 10 Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament: August 14 Paul F. Fournier Memorial Fire Truck Pull: October 19 Inspire the Future Pickleball Tournament: Date coming soon   On behalf of everyone at the YMCA, thank you for being part of this community. Your involvement truly helps us inspire the future.   Keep your eyes open for more events, stories, and opportunities to get involved in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to share what’s next.   Warm regards,
Rob Adams CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario

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Federal All Candidates Debate- April 16th

Last night, we hosted a Federal All Candidates Debate live from the YourTV studio. The debate was streamed live on Cogeco and the YourTV YouTube channel.

A special thank you to all the candidates who participated, to Doreen Barnes for moderating, and to the YourTV team for their incredible assistance in organizing this debate on such a tight timeline.

If you missed it, you can watch the full debate below.

L-R: Moderator Doreen Barnes (YourTv), Lorna Jean Edmonds (Liberal), Hailey Simpson (People’s Party of Canada), Paul Lancione (NDP), and Michael Barrett (Conservative). No reply was received from Green Party’s Randi Ramdeen.


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Ontario’s minimum wage will increase on October 1, 2025

On October 1, 2025, the general minimum wage rate in Ontario will increase to $17.60 an hour, which is based on the Consumer Price Index.
 
Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), the new wage rates must be published on a Government of Ontario website by April 1st. To view all of the new rates, visit Ontario.ca/minimumwage.

If you need help understanding your responsibilities and rights under the ESA, you can:

  • Visit Your guide to the Employment Standards Act at Ontario.ca/ESAguide.
  • Call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551 or TTY (for hearing impaired) at 1-866-567-8893. Information is available in many languages.

To stay up-to-date on Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development news, subscribe to our newsletter.

Thank you,
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development 


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