Pictured from left at a June 3 event celebrating the BC Maritime Employers Association’s support of the Bettie Allard YMCA: City of Coquitlam Coun. Steve Kim; BCMEA VP, Training and Safety, Shayne Daum; BCMEA Director, Public Affairs & Corporate Social Responsibility, Marissa Chan-Kent; BCMEA VP, Government and Public Affairs, Rob MacKay-Dunn; Chair, YMCA What Really Matters Capital Campaign Coquitlam Cabinet, Tracy Price; Global Container Terminals Inc. VP, Public Affairs, and Coquitlam Cabinet member Marko Dekovic; and BCMEA Director, Data Analytics, Andrew Barnes.
The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), its 49 member organizations and waterfront workers are an integral part of our communities. Representing some of BC’s largest private maritime employers and thousands of waterfront workers stationed up and down British Columbia’s coastlines, the BCMEA and its members are more than just a vital cog in our economy—they are our friends and neighbours, and we are grateful and proud to call them tremendous supporters of the YMCA, too.
Much like the Y, the BCMEA is a people-focused organization, committed to strengthening and enhancing the communities where its waterfront workers call home, making investments to benefit children, families and seniors.
“Healthy communities are the backbone of a healthy workforce. We recognize that a nurturing, supportive approach can ensure communities—and those who live in them—become stronger.” said Mike Leonard, President and CEO of the BCMEA.
That’s a big reason why the BCMEA came on board as a Champion-level major donor to the Bettie Allard YMCA, which officially opened in Coquitlam earlier this year. The association’s significant contribution on behalf of their membership toward the facility’s construction helped the Y establish a much-needed centre-of-community in the growing Burquitlam neighbourhood that will serve the area for generations to come.
“We know that helping to bring new facilities like the Bettie Allard YMCA to life benefits not just Tri-Cities residents, but every person that walks through the YMCA doors across the province,” said Leonard.
Perhaps fittingly, an acknowledgment of the BCMEA’s support can be found right next to the water at the Bettie Allard YMCA, inside the aquatics area overlooking the warm water teaching and fitness pool. The BCMEA is inspired to see the space it has supported filled with youth learning to swim, parents enjoying a dip with their children, seniors keeping active and more on a daily basis.
“From swimming lessons and yoga to youth leadership programs and new immigrant services, this facility represents all that is good in our community,” said Leonard. “The Y is a welcoming, safe and inclusive place allowing everyone the chance to be healthy and connected. The BC Maritime Employers Association, on behalf of our membership, are thrilled to have contributed to this success.”
The BCMEA is not the only entity with a waterfront presence that has made a generous gift toward the Bettie Allard YMCA. Global Container Terminals Canada, a BCMEA member employer operating out of ports in Delta and Vancouver’s inner harbour, has made an Investor-level donation toward the facility that aligns with the company’s commitment to community giving.
“On behalf of our member companies, the BCMEA is empowered to give back to our communities and support the growth of critical community pillar organizations like the YMCA,” said Leonard.
Learn more about the BCMEA by visiting www.bcmea.com.