News and Stories

15 community members of all ages from senior to child, holding hands in a pool and looking up at the camera. Their bodies are forming the shape of a heart.

Same Y, New Name

Our local YMCA changes name to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC Our local YMCA is growing, and with it comes some exciting plans along with a new name — The YMCA of Okanagan is now officially the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.  This change was made to better reflect the communities the charity currently serves, and those it plans to serve, outside the Okanagan. 

Four men in golf attire are standing outside on a golf course on a beautiful sunny day. They are all smiling at the camera and surrounded by a white frame they are holding around themselves. The men range in age from 30-55.

A Record-Breaking Charity Golf Tournament

$86,000 was raised in support of the YMCA’s Strong Kid Campaign. The 12th Annual Wilson M. Beck Charity Golf Tournament held at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club on July 18th saw players “swinging for a great cause” – to provide local children and families in need equal access to YMCA programs.

A young woman with glasses, brown hair and brown eyes is kneeling in front of a classroom table smiling at a 7 year old girl sitting at the table. The young girl has shoulder length brown hair, and her back is to the camera as she looks down at an open notebook in front of her.

Beyond the Bell bridges the gap for low-income children

Beyond the Bell started when a local principal reached out to the YMCA in hopes of a program that would ensure no child falls behind. This particular school had a high poverty rate in comparison with others and children were falling through the cracks — unable to keep up with literacy, numeracy as well as social and emotional learning targets.

A professional shot of a man in a suite with light blue tie standing with his hands in his pockets smiling at the camera. There is a receptionist desk behind him with a sign that reads KPMG.

YMCA Announces New Board Chair

The YMCA of Okanagan has announced a new board chair for the Association. David Bond has been on the YMCA’s Board of Directors for the past five years and is the Office Managing Partner for KPMG Kelowna.

Three men and one woman are standing in front of a high-end grey sports car with suicide doors open. They have their arms around one another and are smiling at the camera. The photo is taken outside on a sunny day with offices behind them.

Early Bird Online Auction launches for YMCA Win a Track Day at Area 27

The YMCA of Okanagan has announced the addition of an early bird online raffle, running June 3 – 17, to run in conjunction with the WMB Charity Golf Tournament, for whom they are the recipient of the event proceeds. 

Middle aged woman with chin length dark hair in a grey YMCA shirt is sitting at a customer service desk in front of a computer and smiling at young female customer sitting in front of her.

Sue’s Y is Growth

When I was in high school, I remember playing field hocky outside RSS and witnessing the Athans pool being built next door. At the time, it was my dream to work here as a lifeguard, but never did I imagine what an impact this place would have on my life.