Kids aren’t known for sitting still, but they were on the move even more than usual Wednesday afternoon.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka held its fifth annual Move to Give event. Various activities were offered at the YMCA’s eight locations, including Harriett Todd Public School in Orillia.
The George Street school is home to a regular after-school child-care program offered by the YMCA.
On Wednesday, the kids were “moving and grooving” while playing basketball and ball toss, hula hooping and taking part in other activities to help them stay active.
“Not only does it keep children physically active, but they’re able to socialize with each other. That socialization is so important, especially in child care,” said Ally Kingsbury, a supervisor with the YMCA of SImcoe/Muskoka.
Move to Give is a fundraiser to support the YMCA’s programs. Locally, money was collected through pledges and a bake sale.
A fundraising goal of $100,000 has been set. Donations can be made here.
With the local YMCA supporting thousands of children in various ways, Kingsbury said the money is needed and appreciated.
“They’re the main reason why we do it,” she said of the children.
By the numbers
Here are some of the ways the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka supports kids:
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Provides child care for more than 4,000 families
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Sends 2,200 children to camp
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Provides swimming lessons for more than 5,500 kids
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Provides outreach, counselling and training for more than 1,200 kids
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Provides financial assistance to one in five of the children it serves to enable them to take part in its programming
