The YMCA in Central East Ontario has received another large contribution for the new Centre for Excellence in Belleville’s west end.
On Tuesday afternoon, dignitaries from the Beatty Family Charitable Foundation were on hand to announce $300,000 to the campaign.
YMCA president Dave Allen says the Beatty family is heavily involved in their hometown Brockville Y, along with its partner site in Kingston.
“Kevin (Beatty), David’s son lives in Belleville. Next thing I know Cassandra Bonn’s talking to me about Kevin Beatty and the Beatty Foundation. It just put two and two together. It’s amazing the connections that you make. We’re just fortunate that they’ve come on board to support our YMCA of Central East Ontario as well.”
Allen says to have such a significant donation speaks to how highly regarded the Y is among the board and in the family.
“I think it says a lot about their connections to the Y. It started in one community and they continue to support the other Y and I just think that that family understands the importance of what the Y does in our community.”
In recognition of the donation, the YMCA will name the Counselling Services of Belleville District location in their building after the Beatty Family Foundation.
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The YMCA of Central East Ontario is thrilled to announce a generous investment from The Beatty Family Charitable Foundation towards the new YMCA Centre for Life in Belleville. This significant contribution will play a vital role in advancing the mission to support the health, wellness, and community needs of Belleville and the surrounding area.
Kevin Beatty said his family was motivated to support the project as “the YMCA has been a wonderful promoter of healthy communities in Belleville, but it’s clear that a newer, bigger Y is necessary to deliver expanded services across the region. The Centre for Life addresses these needs and will be a tremendous resource for years to come. The Beatty Foundation is proud to be associated with such a worthy project.”
The YMCA Centre for Life is a transformative project that will serve as a multi-faceted community hub, offering a wide range of services under one roof. The new 60,000 sq. ft. facility, located in the expanding west end of Belleville, will provide accessible and inclusive programs designed to meet the physical, emotional, mental, and social needs of individuals and families across the region, including Hastings County, Prince Edward County, Quinte West, and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Beatty family’s continued support and their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our communities,” said David Allen, President/CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. “Their investment will help us build a state-of-the-art facility and enables us to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to lead healthier, happier lives.”
The new YMCA Centre for Life will offer a comprehensive suite of programs, including health and wellness services, rehabilitative healthcare programs in collaboration with local hospitals, and essential community support services through partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings & Prince Edward Counties and Quinte Vitality & Social Support. This facility will also provide specialized spaces, such as the lap pool, gymnasium, and partner spaces, to support many activities and programs.
The Beatty Family Charitable Foundation’s contribution will be recognized through the naming of key areas within the facility, reflecting their longstanding dedication to fostering community health and well-being.
“As a legacy project for the Belleville region, the YMCA Centre for Life represents a bold step forward in creating a healthier, more connected community,” said Ed Lehtinen, Co-Chair of the Community Building Campaign. “We are honoured to have the Beatty family as a partner in this endeavour and look forward to the transformative impact their support will have for generations to come.”
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is now in the public phase of the YMCA Centre for Life Community Building Campaign and continues to seek support from individuals, corporations, and foundations who share our vision of a stronger, healthier community.
