Strong Kids

Strong Kids is about creating opportunities. Opportunities for kids to reach their full potential. Opportunities to have fun and be active. Opportunities that build friendships and belonging. Opportunities to build confidence. Opportunities to shine. Now more than ever, the Y plays a vital role in shaping the futures of local youth. Sponsor a Y Membership for youth and families in need. Support the Strong Kids Campaign today!

Strong Kids is YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s annual spring appeal. By supporting Strong Kids you help ensure all kids and youth have access to Y programs. Every gift helps kids be active and healthy, develop self-confidence, feel like they belong, and grow to be strong leaders. It wraps up with the May 29 YMCA-YWCA Strong Kids Radiothon on 103.1 Virgin Radio. Donations will be announced as part of the May 29th Strong Kids Radiothon on 103.1 Virgin Radio*.

Make a Gift

*Excluding donors who wish to remain anonymous

Sponsored memberships include access to life-changing programs!

When we believe in the potential of kids and youth, we support the whole community to thrive. See how building Strong Kids builds healthy communities.

Recreational Programs & Active Play

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Health, Fitness & Sport Activities

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Swim Lessons & Water Safety

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Youth Drop-in Programs

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Y Mind: Youth Mental Wellness Program

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Youth Leadership Program

Help us remove barriers and create opportunities that reflect our commitment to community:

Committed to Equity:

Strong Kids removes financial barriers to accessing programs so there is fair opportunity.

Committed to Diversity:

The Y respects diverse backgrounds, values and experiences and provides culturally tailored programming that honours these differences. Strong Kids provides culturally tailored programming such as Newcomer Swim Lessons and Mind Medicine (a culturally-tailored version of Y Mind) to ensure everyone has access and feels safe and welcome in our programs and facilities.

Committed to Inclusion:

The Y creates spaces where kids and youth can be themselves. Strong Kids also ensures kids with physical and developmental disabilities have equitable access and can fully participate in programs. See this in action in our After School Program for Youth with Additional Support Needs and Adaptive Swim Lessons (a swim program for youth with disabilities who need a smaller class size with more individual instruction).

Your Support at Work

With the help of our donors, the Fekiri family have not only become active Y members since arriving in Canada, they have become a part of our community. In addition to accessing swimming lessons, basketball and soccer (or football to the Fekiri family), Kamel says "We’ve all made friends through coming to the Y, the kids are learning the language, and we are really starting to feel like we are a part of Winnipeg ... Thank you so much for your help. Our family is very lucky to have this membership and thank you.”

Partners for a Strong Future

We believe that when we work together, our collective impact shines. Our network of partnerships with community-serving organizations enhances our impact and together we can accomplish great things. Working with local partners, we reach approximately 1000 kids and family members annually and are able to connect with those most in need. Strong Kids may be referred by Y staff, the schools and charitable organizations we partner with, government agencies and private individuals.

Want be a partner and join our network supporting Strong Kids? Email us.