Winnipeg Rallies Behind Strong Kids, Raising Over $200,000 to Support Local Youth

The power of community was on full display this spring as YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Strong Kids spring campaign and radiothon raised more than $200,000 in support of children and youth across our city. 

These funds will help provide more than 500 youth with access to Strong Kids memberships, opening the door to safe spaces, meaningful connections, physical activity, leadership opportunities, and programs that help young people thrive. 

At the heart of this year’s campaign was an extraordinary act of generosity from Ken & Peggy Talbot, whose remarkable $75,000 matching gift inspired the community to rally together and maximize their impact. Their leadership and commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to belong and succeed helped propel the campaign forward in a powerful way. 

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg would also like to recognize and thank Ace Burpee and the incredible team at Virgin Radio Winnipeg for their unwavering support of Strong Kids throughout the campaign. Ace’s passion for community and dedication to helping children and youth access life-changing opportunities has been instrumental in helping us reach our record-breaking amount. 

“The incredible generosity shown by our community, including the leadership of Ken & Peggy Talbot and the unwavering support of Ace Burpee and Virgin Radio, will have a lasting impact on hundreds of young people and families across Winnipeg. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for our community.” said Cordella Friesen, President & CEO of YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “Thank you to everyone who donated, shared our message, and rallied behind Strong Kids. Your generosity and support will help create lasting change in the lives of hundreds of children and youth throughout our community.” 

Strong Kids helps remove financial barriers so children, youth, and families can access YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg memberships, camps, youth leadership programs, health and wellness opportunities, and supportive spaces where they can grow in confidence and feel a true sense of belonging. 

The impact of this campaign extends far beyond a membership card. 

For many young people, Strong Kids means having a safe place to go after school. It means finding supportive mentors, building friendships, developing leadership skills, improving mental and physical health, and discovering opportunities they may never have otherwise had access to. 

Because of the generosity of this community, hundreds more youth will now have the chance to participate, connect, and build brighter futures. 

As the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg looks ahead, the success of this year’s campaign is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its young people. Every donation, every shared story, and every act of support helps create a stronger, healthier, and more connected future for everyone. 

To everyone who donated, shared, supported, and believed in the mission of Strong Kids — thank you. Your generosity will change lives for years to come.