Darien YMCA Launches Annual Campaign to Help Strengthen Our Community

The Darien YMCA is launching its annual fundraising campaign to help ensure that everyone in Darien has access to vital community programs and resources. In particular, this year, the fundraising effort will help sustain the Y so that it may emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.

COVID-19 has created challenges in what seems like every area of our lives, and the Darien YMCA, is not immune. The pandemic has taken a toll on program and membership revenue, both critical components for funding Y operations. It is likely that challenges for the community, as well as the Y, will continue well into 2021 and the need for YMCA programs, services and financial assistance will continue to grow.

“Our community has faced unprecedented challenges this year, said Jennifer Gardner, CEO of the Darien YMCA, “but we’ve also seen unprecedented support from our members. Strong communities are built by people who care about one another, and this year has proven Darien cares.”

In 2020, the Darien YMCA hopes to raise $200,000, through the Strengthening Community Annual Campaign. Gifts will:
• put kids in affordable afterschool care, getting homework help and playing active games instead of staring at a screen
• provide swimming lessons for toddlers reducing the risk of drowning
• provide programs for youth and adults with special abilities
• assist cancer survivors regain self-esteem, strength and stamina
• help kids make new friends and learn new skills at summer camp
• put smiles on the faces of seniors, keeping them active, healthy and social

In 2019, the Darien YMCA provided $600,000 in financial assistance to programs and services to provide for families and individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
• 125 kids to had a safe place to learn and build confidence after school
• 4,500 youth built a sense of confidence and teamwork, while staying active through the Y’s recreational sports programs and leagues
• 750 youth made life-long memories at summer camp
• 675 seniors came to the Y to stay active, healthy and connected to friends and family
Among these, are families and children in need who were able to participate because of generous gifts from YMCA donors.

To donate, please go to www.darien-ymca.org/donate.
Every donation makes a difference and all donations go towards providing financial assistance to children, adults, seniors and families, making sure that everyone has access to the Y. Your contributions help to sustain the Y so that it may emerge stronger than ever!

For more information about the Y’s work and to donate, please contact Karen Ford, Development Director at 203-655-8228, ext. 1358 or kford@darien-ymca.org, or visit www.darien-ymca.org/donate.

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About the Darien YMCA
The Darien YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community service organization committed to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all. It operates a full service wellness facility located at 2420 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut. Learn more by visiting www.darien-ymca.org.

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