More Than a Membership:

"I like open gym the best,” says Hunter, 13. “The Y has made a pretty big difference in my life. It’s been the exercise for me."

It’s a simple moment—Hunter with his headphones in, zoning into his own rhythm, lifting weights or shooting hoops. But it’s also one of the moments that keeps him grounded, healthy, and strong.

His younger sister Riley, 6, takes a different approach: “I’m doing karate, dance, swimming, and gymnastics!” she says with a shy but proud smile.

At the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, both kids have found what they need: a space to grow in their own way, and people who see them for who they are.

“Riley is very outgoing,” says their mom, Shanda. “She makes friends very easily. And then Hunter is a little more reserved, so he likes putting on his headphones and going to the gym—just doing his own thing.”

For the kids, the Y is more than a place to play—it’s where they explore independence, build community, and take a break from screens. Their Y story is filled with moments that matter—moments of belonging and growth.

And yet, it almost came to a halt.

When a Canada Post strike disrupted her partner’s income, Shanda faced an impossible choice.

“We were going to end up having to cancel our membership,” she says. “We just couldn’t afford it anymore. We were trying to play catch-up with everything.”

Without the Y, Shanda says their routines would’ve fallen apart.

No more workouts. No more open gym.
No more social time or stress relief.

Just long days, more screen time, and fewer chances to move, grow, or connect.

That’s when Joanne Simmons, the South Y’s Member Service Experience Lead, nominated the family for a Strong Kids membership.

“I’ve loved watching this family grow with the Y,” Joanne says. “They’re such a positive presence here. They come often, they participate fully, and they bring this quiet strength and warmth wherever they go.”

The support came just in time.

Shanda now studies at the Y five mornings a week while the kids are at school. Riley and Hunter continue to build confidence, strength, and friendships in a space where they feel safe and known.

“It’s just that everybody here is friendly,” says Shanda. “We’ve gotten to know a lot of the staff. They know us when we come in—it’s nice to feel that connection.”

Because of donors like you, this family didn’t lose the structure, support, and community that help them thrive. Instead, they shine on—moment by moment.

Joanne nominated the family for a Strong Kids membership—ensuring they could continue accessing the programs and community that support their physical, emotional, and mental health.

“We were here at least two or three times a week,” says Shanda. “Having this membership means everything. It’s part of our life now.”

Whether it’s a chance to make new friends, try something new, or simply feel like they belong, the Y continues to be a place where this family can show up, grow stronger, and feel supported—together.