
Eddy (Edward) Mejlholm, his wife Laura and their three boys moved to Chilliwack 11 years ago and have been passionate about their community ever since. Whether it’s at church, work, school, the neighbourhood or the Chilliwack YMCA, they enjoy connecting in positive ways with others. Their passion for community also extends to taking care of a stray cat!
For the Mejlholm family, what matters most is helping people reach their potential. “We want to see others break down the barriers holding them back from achieving great things and positive change in their life, whether it’s physical, financial, mental or spiritual,” says Eddy. “Being physically active can make such a positive difference in all aspects of someone’s life and we want to see people thrive and do the very best they can.”
As a member of the Chilliwack YMCA, Eddy also shares the YMCA’s values. “There is a great deal of symmetry between the YMCA’s values and my own. I believe in doing the right thing, putting people first, keeping my promises, and leading by example.”
It was this alignment of personal values that made it obvious to the Mejlholms that they wanted to make a generational investment into their community through the Chilliwack Y. “The YMCA has been a major positive force in our lives and we want others to experience that too,” says Eddy.
The Mejlholms’ first felt the impact of the Y when their children were younger. At the time, they found it was difficult to be physically active. “The engaging children’s activities made a massive positive change in our lives at that time and encouraged us to be active together as a family,” explains Eddy.
With that experience and many others, Eddy and Laura have seen, first hand, why the YMCA is important for communities. “The YMCA is one of a few organizations in Chilliwack that really breaks down barriers for all people and gets people involved at the level they can engage at. This allows people to start at a place that works for them and work up to maximizing their potential as time goes on. The Chilliwack YMCA is truly a wonderful place where families can be active together and really connect in a day and age when technology rules vast parts of our lives and can isolate us from connecting with others,” Eddy says.
Upon its opening, the Mejlholms have returned to the newly renovated Chilliwack YMCA. “My first spin class at the new YMCA was extremely rewarding as I saw the investment we chose to make really paying off right away. The class was full and participants were stretching themselves because the volunteer instructor was passionate about seeing everyone push their limits and reach new goals,” Eddy shares. “Everything that makes the Chilliwack YMCA great was happening all in one place at that time.”
The YMCA isn’t the only organization Eddy, Laura and their boys support. They are also involved in their faith community at Central Community Church in Chilliwack. Through the church, they support various initiatives in the community.
We are so grateful to the Mejlholms for their support and generous gift to the Chilliwack YMCA. If you would like to get involved too, please consider donating or learn about the different ways to give.