FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24th, 2014. Chatham, Ontario.

The Chatham-Kent YMCA was proud to kick-off their annual YMCA Strong Kids Fundraising Campaign today with a goal of $106,500 and a generous $15,000 donation from TekSavvy Solutions. The annual campaign helps fund local YMCA programs that improve the lives of children and youth from families with financial barriers, by giving them access to nutritious food, recreation and healthy environments. With the support of YMCA financial assistance programs and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, the YMCA welcomes more than 2,400 children, teens and young adults to the YMCA every year.

We are grateful for the first significant corporate donation of $15,000 from TekSavvy, a great indication of the business community’s support of Strong Kids”, says Jim Janzen, CEO of YMCAs across Southwestern Ontario. “We want to provide opportunities for young people to reach their potential achieve their goals and improve their lives. Last year, one in six kids coming to a YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatic Centre required financial assistance, and that need continues. The YMCA Strong Kids Fundraising Campaign helps eliminate the very real financial barriers these children face, and without it we would not be able to serve them. We want to provide a healthy, safe and positive environment where children, teens and young adults can flourish, and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, along with generous donations from local businesses like Tech Savvy, help make that a reality.”

The Chatham-Kent YMCA provides a wide variety of programs that help people live active, healthy lives. Much needed community-based programs and services in the areas of health, fitness and aquatics; child care; youth leadership; and camps offer youth opportunities to grow in the type of healthy, caring environment all young people need and deserve.

“The YMCA has a policy of not turning anyone away due to their financial circumstances,” said Pierre Aube, COO TekSavvy Solutions. “I believe our donation each year assists the YMCA in closing the funding gap. This campaign allows every kid a chance to reach their potential by getting involved at the YMCA – something that Chatham-Kent really needs and TekSavvy is proud to support.

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign runs February 19-April 30; however donations can be made throughout the year. Many activities are planned throughout February and March to highlight the campaign. For campaign details please visit www.ystrongkids.ca.

About the YMCA

The Y is a charitable organization dedicated to serving our community through the development of all people in spirit, mind and body, regardless of their ability to pay. The Y reaches out to children and families throughout the community to provide opportunities they might otherwise never have. Through programs and services, the Y provides the recreational, learning and life-enriching experiences that build healthy communities.

For further information, please contact:

Jim Janzen, CEO

YMCAs across Southwestern Ontario

(519) 336-9622 ext 224

jjanzen@ymcaswo.ca

Mike Walters – VP Funds Development

YMCAs across Southwestern Ontario

(519) 350-3206

mwalters@ymcaswo.ca

For Media Relations, please contact:

media.relations@teksavvy.ca