It will go down as the largest donation the Rotary Club of Belleville has done in a single donation, in their 105-year history.
At Capers in downtown Belleville Thursday afternoon, Rotarians handed over the third and final cheque to the YMCA Centre for Life Capital Campaign.
The Y is currently in a $9 million fundraising campaign and Rotary has pledged $100,000.
President of the Belleville Rotary Club Karen Baker says the club has a focus on youth in the community.
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“Empowering youth both physically, psychologically, intellectually. The Y does a great job of that. They have a lot of services, a lot of programs, a lot of initiatives that directly affect youth in our community.”
She says YMCA programming focuses on the whole child.
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“So it was a natural fit with us to be involved in the new Centre for Life and to make the most substantial donation our club has ever made.”
Baker says this was a commitment broken down over three years.
She adds it helps children pursue their interests.
“Develop their skills, besides the skills they seem to learn on the phone or computer. Going to a program at the Y means that you’re getting out there and you’re interacting with individuals. You’re developing all those social skills that are sadly needed in youth and adults today.”
The Rotary Club’s name will appear in the waiting area and reception in the Community Services of Belleville & District Partner Space when the facility opens in 2026.
