Igniting hope through times of challenge, change and uncertainty.

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is pleased to announce it has received a $1M donation to help support our work with youth in the community.

When Paul and Debbie Lavers contacted the YMCA indicating their desire to support the YMCA and its work in the community, it was both an exciting and transformative moment. After a year of challenges and difficult decisions, the news of the donation lifted everyone’s spirits.

The Lavers who are members of the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, decided to invest in their community through this gift for our operations. It will have a profound impact on our organization and the community we have the pleasure of serving.

“We are a big believer in the YMCA and are honoured and privileged to support the Y’s community efforts,” said Paul Lavers. “The easy part is cutting a cheque, and we believe that for those that could, should. Your organization is doing important work, doing the heavy lifting, and helping our most vulnerable. As a family, we feel that the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is the ideal place for us to support our community, especially in these times” added Mr. Lavers.

The YMCA has been an integral part of the community for 167 years. As a long-standing charity, the YMCA strives to meet the needs of its community; welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of social and economic circumstances. During a very challenging year, we leaned into our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion to ensure those needing us most experienced a true sense of belonging.

“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Lavers,” said Brian Posavad, President & CEO for the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. “Paul and Debbie’s gift is transformative in nature and allows the YMCA to support youth throughout our community” added Mr. Posavad.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on non-profits and charities in our province and the YMCA is no exception. Our YMCA has experienced the loss of donations, closure of programs and centres, and the ability to interact in person with our community. We know a post-pandemic climate is uncertain for all of us. Without financial support from our friends and family, many YMCA programs and services would have been in jeopardy. With support from the Lavers, we will be able to continue these much-needed services and build upon our current programs.

On behalf of the thousands of people we serve every day – Thank you!

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth or to donate to the YMCA please visit www.ymcahfx.ca/opportunities-to-give or phone Lorrie Turnbull, Chief Development Officer at 902-483-2099.

Building healthy communities through the power of belonging.