Twenty years ago, the West Island YMCA moved into its building on the corner of Brunswick and St. John’s Boulevards, and the team at ‘the Y’ will be celebrating the milestone with a special family day open house this Saturday.
“We want to show what we have to offer,” said Natalie Bérubé, the West Island YMCA’s community programs diversion coordinator. “It’s to have fun and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of being in this building.”
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., West Islanders and their families will be able to try out the YMCA’s facilities free of charge. The idea behind emphasizing the family for this event, Bérubé said, reflects the organization’s mission.
“We’re very family oriented – and not just a typical family,” she said. “There are all types of families these days. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is accepted. The more the merrier.”
Ruth Greenbank, the West Island YMCA’s director, said she believes Saturday’s event will show people the Y is “much more than a gym.”
In addition to workout facilities and classes, the West Island YMCA also has programs for children and youth, including the summer work program, and does work in the community ranging from drug abuse education to neighbourhood mediation.
Greenbank also said there is a new space currently in the works at the West Island YMCA that will incorporate video gaming with youth fitness.
“The idea is to get young people interested in exercise,” Greenbank said, adding the Y is always looking for new activities and programs to add to its repertoire that will peak the community’s interest. “A lot of people grow up coming here with their parents…And then, when they are older, they keep coming to work out or take part in classes. It’s like a big family.”
That is something Bérubé, who has worked as the West Island YMCA’s community programs diversion coordinator for five years, can relate to.
“I always came to the Y when I was younger, but I really didn’t know everything about it,” she said. “From working here, you learn it isn’t just a facility to work out in. It’s really a community. You come in and you know everyone.”
The West Island YMCA’s family open house day will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 230 Brunswick Blvd. in Pointe Claire. For more information, call 514-630-9864.
We’re very family oriented – and not just typical family. There are all types of families these days. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is accepted. The more the merrier. -
