A new era of the YMCA’s long history in the Fraser Valley has begun, as the centre of community in Chilliwack has a new name to honour one of the Y’s most dedicated and longest-serving patrons—current What Really Matters Capital Campaign Co-Chair Bob Chan-Kent.
The facility is now officially known as the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA, which will continue to deliver the crucial services, recreational opportunities and programming that area residents are accustomed to at the former Chilliwack YMCA. The new name was unveiled during a small ceremony on Oct. 2 that included Chan-Kent, wife Linda-Mae and their four daughters, and other guests invited to mark the occasion.
Chan-Kent is known to many as a YMCA ambassador and champion of our values over many years. First inspired by an initial visit to the Langara Family YMCA five decades ago, he has been an enthusiastic and influential YMCA proponent, volunteer and donor in the years that have followed.
“This is really the pinnacle of my volunteerism in the YMCA,” Chan-Kent said. “I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to have my name – and that of my family – associated with the Y in such a manner.
“Throughout my 40 years of volunteerism, I have come to appreciate, better understand and greatly admire the work of the YMCA, so I am thrilled by this special affiliation.”
Among his wide-ranging service to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, Chan-Kent has spent the past 15 years as a key member of our volunteer governance leadership team. His presence on the Board of Directors has coincided with key milestones for the Chilliwack YMCA, including its expansion and renewal completed in 2019.
“Chilliwack holds a special place for me,” said Chan-Kent. “It’s an incredible community that has long stood for strong family values and a commitment to caring for each other.
“To be connected to the community of Chilliwack in such a way speaks not only to my belief in the amazing future of the YMCA there, but of the opportunity to be of service no matter where we live.”
The facility’s renaming comes on the heels of an expanded YMCA presence in the Chilliwack community. The City of Chilliwack recently selected the Y to operate its two existing leisure centres and the outdoor Rotary Pool, with the YMCA effectively taking over stewardship of the city amenities in mid-September.
As a true believer in expanding the Y’s reach to benefit communities the world over, Chan-Kent’s impact has also been felt at the national and international levels as a past member of the Boards of Directors for both YMCA Canada and the World Alliance of YMCAs. His tireless dedication resulted in him receiving a YMCA Fellowship of Honour Medal – an accolade presented to a select few individuals across Canada over the past 40 years – in 2017.
Reflecting on his legacy with the YMCA, Chan-Kent said he hopes he can inspire others to think about how they can give back to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.
“There’s so much need right now and each of us will have our chance to do our own part in the way that best reflects our ability and beliefs,” he said. “But it’s so important to take that first step.”