Achieving more, together: Introducing YMCA BC

A collage of people enjoying YMCA facilities and activities. A YMCA BC logo is highlighted at the bottom of the collage.

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver completed its legal unification with the YMCA of Northern BC and Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA in early January to form a single entity—YMCA BC.  

The new YMCA BC now serves more than 150,000 individuals throughout British Columbia at hundreds of service locations ranging from Fort St. John to the Sunshine Coast. With YMCA BC’s expanded region and a larger population to serve comes an even greater opportunity to help children and families thrive, and to build healthy communities on a wider scale.  

This amalgamation strategy is consistent with the growth of other YMCAs across the country and within Canada’s charitable sector. Even just a few months after unifying, we’re already seeing the three regional associations combining their collective strengths to achieve more as one. 

“Each organization came to this unification from a position of strength, and we knew that by coming together, we could have even more impact in communities across the province,” said YMCA BC President and CEO Heidi Worthington.  

“As one strong, unified team, we are continuing to build communities, transform lives and provide unique opportunities for people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities to learn, grow, thrive and reach their potential.” 

Although we’re now serving significantly more of the province than before as YMCA BC, the goals of the What Really Matters Capital Campaign remain the same. We’re still focused on building centres of community in the Greater Vancouver region that foster a strong sense of wellbeing and belonging—facilities where people can be themselves, get support, make friends and feel safe. 

“YMCA BC values donors to our What Really Matters Capital Campaign for helping us establish crucial community amenities in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley,” said YMCA BC Vice President, Fund Development, Darlene Hepburn.  

“Though our unified YMCA BC is now working collectively to better serve British Columbians across the province, we remain committed to directing funds raised via the campaign toward facilities within the Greater Vancouver region.” 

We are excited for what our future as YMCA BC holds for our generous donors, members, staff and volunteers, and thank you for your continued support of our mission to build healthy communities!