The Strong Kids Campaign launched on Family Day

By Rachel Cohen

The YMCA of Belleville and Quinte launched this year’s Strong Kids Campaign on Family Day, seeking donations to help local youth stay active.

Four hundred people were in attendance, including two-year-old Liam and his mother, Christina Brinklow.

“I brought Liam to the YMCA for their toddler program because of the Strong Kids Campaign. It’s a great cause. We are very fortunate to have the program,” said Brinklow.

Helping to kick off of this year’s Strong Kids Campaign was Olympic medalist Valérie Hould-Marchand from Riviere-du-Loup, Que. The now-31-year-old athlete earned a silver medal in synchronized swimming at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

“It’s really wonderful to see people of all ages here,” said Hould-Marchand. “Family Day is so important, because I believe that healthy kids grow up to be healthy adults.”

Together with Hould-Marchand, Dave Allen, regional director of YMCA Belleville & Quinte West, was thrilled with the number of families who came together to celebrate the event.

“Strong Kids began in 2002 in the Quinte Region, and it has been steadily growing,” said Allen.  “This program allows children and youth the opportunity to access programs and afford memberships for those with financial need. Last year, we changed the lives of 1,300 youth. This year we’d like to do more.”

Last year’s campaign raised $170,000, allowing 435 children from the Quinte region to attend YMCA summer camps, providing them a safe, fun and interactive atmosphere.

“This year, we hope to surpass last year’s goal, and raise $200,000,” said Wayne Dewe of Dewe’s Your Independent Grocer in Belleville. He and Trenton lawyer Aleesha Camp are co-chairs of this year’s campaign.

“We are asking the community to donate to families which will help to better enhance the quality of life for them,” said Dewe.

To help contribute to the campaign, Rick Watt of Operation Red Nose Quinte presented Dewe with a cheque for more than $29,000 from donations made to the organization during this past holiday season.

“Family is very important. It is the foundation of why I am dedicated to running a successful campaign,” said Dewe. “Together as a community we will be able to teach these kids values, and the importance of health and family.”

Donations to the campaign can be made at either the Belleville or Quinte West YMCAs, by calling 613-966-9622 or online at www.ymcaofceo.ca