YMCA of Greater Toronto

11/03/2026

To some people, it’s a cardboard box. 📦

To a child care educator, it could be a train, a robot, an art project, or the beginning of a week of learning.

Educators build on children’s ideas to create opportunities for them to explore, solve problems, collaborate, and grow.

Could your creativity make an impact in child care?

Creativity is one of 8 qualities that make a great child care educator. Discover the other 7: ymcagta.org/blog/do-you-have-these-8-qualities-of-a-great-child-care-educator

10/30/2026

Celebrating Our 2026 YMCA City Builders and Inaugural YMCA City Connector

On October 28, YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomed supporters, volunteers, and community leaders to the Central YMCA for the sixth annual YMCA City Builders celebration. The evening recognized extraordinary philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and the impact these contributions make possible across our communities.

Hosted by returning emcee Andrew Phung, the event honoured three new YMCA City Builders and marked a special milestone with the presentation of the inaugural YMCA City Connector Award.

Congratulations to our 2026 YMCA City Builders:

• RBC Foundation
• Rogers
• Steven and Sharon Ranson

Congratulations as well to Helen Sinclair, recipient of the first YMCA City Connector Award, in recognition of her outstanding volunteer leadership and commitment to strengthening communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

We are grateful for the leadership, generosity, and dedication of these remarkable champions, whose support continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to belong, connect, and thrive.

Read more about the celebration:

First image description, from left to right: Ali Kashani, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto; Joanne Durham, Director, Social Impact, representing the 2026 YMCA City Builder RBC Foundation; Jillian Philipp, Director, ESG & Corporate Responsibility, representing the 2026 YMCA City Builder Rogers; Sharon and Steven Ranson, 2026 YMCA City Builders; Lesley Davidson, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto; Helen Sinclair, recipient of the inaugural YMCA City Connector Award; and Irene Markus, Chair, Board of Directors, YMCA of Greater Toronto.

Second image description, Andrew Phung, master of ceremonies for the 2026 YMCA City Builders celebration.

10/30/2026

Treaties existed long before John Cabot or Jacques Cartier arrived in what is currently called Canada. Today, we are all treaty people.

Learn more about the history and significance of treaties: ymcagta.org/blog/Treaties-Recognition

10/30/2026

A little spooky, a little silly, and just right for fall. 👻🍂📚

We spotted these seasonal reads in YMCA Child Care spaces. Bring the fun home with stories that encourage children to rhyme, predict, notice, and wonder.

See more books spotted at the Y: https://www.ymcagta.org/blog/children-s-books-spotted-at-the-y-reading-ideas-for-every-age-and-interest

10/29/2026

Want to have more fun with your friends? Small Group Training at the Y can help make it happen.

With guidance from a certified personal trainer, you’ll build functional fitness so that you and your friends can do more of what you love. Whether you're playing Sunday-morning pickup games 🏀, hitting the dance floor on Saturday nights 🕺💃, or exploring museums during the week 🖼️, Small Group Training can help you build the strength and stamina you need.

Sign up for Small Group Training at the Y. Who knows? You might even make some new friends, too!

Book a free consultation today at https://www.ymcagta.org/health-and-fitness/personal-training.

10/29/2026

📅 Planning a youth exchange for summer 2027? Mark your calendar!

The priority application deadline for YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) is February 1, 2027, for exchanges taking place between July 1 and August 31.

Open to youth aged 12–17, YEC brings groups from different parts of Canada together to explore new communities, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Whether you're a teacher, educator, coach, or youth group leader, YEC provides support to help you plan a meaningful experience for your group.

Ready to get started? Learn more and apply: https://ymcagta.org/yec/en

10/27/2026

What’s inside Gorete’s and Colin’s bags? 👀

Gorete, a YMCA Before & After School educator in Peel Region, and Colin, a child in the program are comparing what they carry with them each day. From safety essentials to personal favourites, each has what they need for a fun and safe day in the program.

Gorete’s safety bag is filled with important supplies educators may need throughout the day to help keep children safe. YMCA child care educators carry a safety bag so essential items are always close by.

Colin is ready too, with everything he needs for the day, including a deck of cards he's been practising with for the talent show. ✨

Read more: https://www.ymcagta.org/blog/what-do-ymca-before-after-school-educators-carry-to-help-keep-children-safe

10/26/2026

Your family's new favourite place might be closer than you think!

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The McDonald Family YMCA brings people together through fun activities, fitness, swimming, and so much more.

Whether you're looking to spend quality time together or find something new for your kids to try, there's a place for you at the Y.

Read our blog to discover what awaits!

A place for families to get active in downtown Toronto: The McDonald Family YMCA23 October 2026 - by YMCA of Greater TorontoToronto has a lot to offer families. The city is home to enriching cultural destinations and experiences for children, including museums, musical performances, and zoos. There....

10/23/2026

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is proud to join the Ontario Disability Employment Network in recognizing the importance of inclusive workplaces and meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our teams came together wearing blue and purple to show their support, celebrate inclusion, and raise awareness about disability employment.

Across Toronto, Durham, Peel, and York, our Employment Services teams continue to support job seekers and work with employer partners to create more accessible and welcoming workplaces. Together, we can help create more opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive at work.

10/23/2026

What if next summer could take you somewhere new? ✈️

Through the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE), youth aged 16–17 have the chance to spend six weeks in another Canadian community, gain paid work experience, improve their second official language skills, and build friendships along the way.

It's more than a summer job. It's a chance to discover new places, become more independent, and grow along the way.

Ready to make summer 2027 one to remember?

➡️ Learn more about SWSE: https://www.ymcagta.org/swse/en