Photos: Looking back on Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA naming event

A man speaks from the podium while his family members stand in a line behind him.

We have such fond memories of the naming ceremony for the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA, we can’t believe it’s already been more than a year since that special day

On Oct. 2, 2022, the Y was thrilled to welcome donors, volunteers, other invited guests and, of course, members of the Chan-Kent family to acknowledge and celebrate the naming of our centre of community in Chilliwack. The naming ceremony also allowed us to express our appreciation to Bob, co-Chair of our What Really Matters Capital Campaign Cabinet, and his family for their generosity and commitment to the YMCA over many years.

Bob has been a Y champion and ambassador for decades. He has served on YMCA boards locally, nationally and internationally, and is among a select few who have received a YMCA Fellowship of Honour Medal. However, he said last fall that having his name adorn a YMCA centre of community represented the “pinnacle of my volunteerism in the YMCA.” 

“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,” said Bob.

“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.” 

Many of you joined us for this gathering, and we thank you for being part of such a memorable and heartwarming event. Whether or not you were able to be on hand for the naming ceremony, we invite you to enjoy taking a look through photos from the day below. 

White flowers adorn a wooden table.
The ceremony space decorated for the festivities.
A woman speaking to a crowd from a podium sitting amongst potted plants.
YMCA BC President & CEO Heidi Worthington addresses ceremony attendees.
A family of five adults in the front row of the audience watches the proceedings.
Bob and Linda-Mae Chan-Kent listen to speeches alongside their daughters.
A teenaged boy in a blue shirt speaks to the crowd from the podium.
Erik Mejlholm delivers a Mission in Action speech from the podium.
A man speaks from the podium, flanked by another man to his right listening in.
YMCA BC Board Chair and What Really Matters Capital Campaign co-Chair Greg D’Avignon honours Bob Chan-Kent during his remarks while Bob looks on.
A man speaks from the podium while his family members stand in a line behind him.
Bob Chan-Kent speaks to attendees while joined at the podium by members of his family.
Four people remove a sheet from a display board with names
Greg D’Avignon, Heidi Worthington, Bob and Linda-Mae Chan-Kent reveal the centre of community’s donor wall.
Leading the group in applause following the reveal.
A row of more than a dozen people line up behind a red ribbon, preparing to cut it.
Event dignitaries prepare for a ribbon-cutting.
A group of people holding scissors in the air and a piece of ribbon after a cutting ceremony.
Bob Chan-Kent, family members and others celebrate after cutting the ribbon on the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA.
People mingling at a cocktail reception
Bob Chan-Kent mingles with attendees following the naming ceremony.
Three senior-aged women smiling together for the camera.
Sue Holtby, Amelie Koloska and Carolyn Pinsent enjoy the event reception.
A woman and man smiling for the camera
Centre General Manager Karen Price with Bob Chan-Kent.
Four people posing next to a recognition plaque affixed to the wall.
Heidi Worthington, Linda-Mae and Bob Chan-Kent, and Greg D’Avignon pose with the plaque honouring Bob in the facility’s atrium.
A large family gathers with the patriarch in the centre.
Bob Chan-Kent and family pose in front of the atrium plaque.
A woman is seen from behind viewing a plaque on the wall.
An event attendee reads over the plaque honouring Bob Chan-Kent.