We are set to embark on an important new chapter in our history once the calendar flips to 2023.  

Effective Jan. 3, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver will officially complete its unification with the YMCA of Northern BC and the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA to become YMCA BC. 

As a single, larger entity, YMCA BC will make a wider impact across the province and provide expanded support in the communities we serve. Together, our combined strengths will allow us to achieve more with more, providing the Y with more resiliency—both today and for generations to come. 

As one Y, we will build on our commitment to serve the members, participants and communities we all care for while integrating our expertise and resources to enhance the member, participant and staff experience.  

In preparation, our three YMCAs have focused on our internal structure, ensuring we have the best possible unified foundation on which to build and serve our communities. This process has cemented our joint vision and afforded us the confidence of knowing we will hit the ground running in 2023 to deliver on our mandate at a wider scale. 

Although our name and the boundaries of the region we serve may be changing, we hope our generous donors will continue to support YMCA causes and initiatives that are important to them. Money raised for a local Y will remain in that community, and capital fundraising will continue to be designated to specific capital projects. As all YMCAs are currently providing more support than they receive, our donors are as important as ever to help us close the funding gap and keep crucial programs operating for the members of our communities who need them. 

In time, donors will notice minor changes, such as a new charitable number and a new signature on their tax receipts, but can rest assured that their selfless contributions will continue to make a meaningful difference.