News and Stories

Dane Webster was on his own at the age of 17 and didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life. He worked a few odd jobs until he was in his early twenties, but was struggling to find sustainable work that he enjoyed. He needed direction. When Dane was referred to a YMCA youth employment program, he was grateful to find a supportive network that could help him find his way.

After decades of abusing his body—not exercising, smoking heavily and eating poorly—Bob suffered two heart attacks. Though his first was alarming, it wasn’t until his second heart attack six years later that he decided to change his lifestyle.

 "Dad, slow down!" Those words are music to Jamie’s ears, since only a few years ago he was battling significant health challenges and wasn’t able to keep up with his daughters.

The City of Kelowna and Province of BC have proclaimed the month of May as Child Care Appreciation Month. The YMCA of Okanagan is recognizing these essential workers who step up to make a difference by nurturing young minds every day, and this past year especially. 

April 20th, 2021 (Vancouver, B.C.) – YMCAs of B.C.  The YMCAs of BC welcome the provincial government’s continued commitment, in B.C. Budget 2021, towards universal child care, youth mental health, and youth employment.    

After a difficult year, the YMCA of Okanagan has been motivating everyone to get active with their free 21-Day YFitness Challenge and they’ve seen an overwhelming response with 5,589 total hours of physical activity. With some great prizes up for grabs, hundreds of participants have joined with most exceeding the required 20 minutes of exercise a day.