Big splash for YMCA kids
Olivia Bagnulo made quite the splash at the Niagara Falls YMCA on Saturday.
The 11-year-old made 100 consecutive rides down the water slide at the YMCA in support of the Move for Kids campaign.
All funds raised from the annual event help children from families who face financial barriers to YMCA membership services.
“I really like swimming and I wanted more kids to have the experience to learn how to swim,” the Forestview Public School student said.
Olivia has been taking swimming lessons at the YMCA since she was in senior kindergarten. She hopes to become a lifeguard.
“I wish I could take more than one class but you are not allowed to,” she said.
In order to spend more time in the pool, she started volunteering with younger kids. She also provides support to the YMCA’s aquatics team.
Olivia collected $520 in pledges for the Move for Kids campaign.
“I am very proud,” said her mother Erica. “I’m also more proud that she donates her time and volunteers here at the Y.”
The Move for Kids campaign is the YMCA of Niagara’s largest fundraiser. Events were held at all six YMCA locations across the region on Saturday.
More than 600 participants took part in various events such as swimming, cycling, walking, rowing and yoga.
Also in Niagara Falls, a team of 10 firefighters from Niagara Falls Fire Department led a cycling event.
The regionwide fundraising goal was $75,000.
“As of this morning, we were at $66,000 and more money continued to come in throughout the day so we haven’t had a chance to do a full tally just yet,” said Zachary Pajtasz, YMCA spokesman.
“But, I would say that we will either meet or exceed our fundraising goal based on my estimates.”
Last year, the event raised more than $63,400 which helped more than 450 Niagara children learn to swim, access programs and attend camp.