YMCA - CELEBRATING 125 YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY
Nov. 20, 1890 was a very historic day for Regina citizens. On that day, 125 years ago, the first YMCA meeting was held in Regina. Originally located on the second floor of a building at 1751 Scarth St., the official opening featured the first public display of electric light in the city. Since first opening its doors in the Queen City, the YMCA of Regina has lived up to its mission of building a strong healthy community. “Over the last 125 years, the YMCA has adjusted its programs and service to meet the needs of the community,” said YMCA of Regina CEO Randy Klassen. “The ability to modify our programming and continually create new programs has helped the YMCA stay relevant.” Klassen also feels it is important to recognize the importance and contribution of the YMCA’s volunteers. It is one of the key factors in the organization’s 125 years of success. Klassen said that, starting with the board of directors, the Regina YMCA volunteers comprise a group that is among the strongest in all of the YMCAs in Canada. “Everything we do, from our fitness class schedule to our tutoring program, is dependent on our incredible volunteers. It is their efforts that help make our Y as strong as it is,” he says. What also sets the YMCA — a community owned association — apart from other similar organizations is the diversity of the programs offered. According to Klassen, the YMCA of Regina serves the community in three key areas: membership, community development and childcare. “Our programs are delivered with a philosophy of one association with multiple program sites and three centres, meaning your membership is good at all three locations, as well as at all YMCAs across Canada,” he said. With many different fitness centres coming and going, the YMCA has remained a constant community leader in Regina by adjusting to the changing times. Some of this success can be attributed to the generosity of the local community that has been supporting, donating to and volunteering for the YMCA throughout the years. “The purpose of the YMCA is to build a healthier community,” said Klassen. “With a focus on achieving outcomes for our members and program participants, rather than focusing merely on outputs, we have been able create a culture of continuous improvement for our association.” This includes making sure that programs are of the highest quality and are meeting the needs of Regina’s ever-changing community. “When we combine our programming with our emphasis on strategic growth and development, we have been able to meet the needs of the community and, more importantly, been able sustain our positive impact for 125 years,” he said. By building on the rich tradition and past successes of the YMCA, Klassen and his staff are now focusing on the future. “We have been looking at specific programs to address lower activity levels of kids and emerging trends towards increasingly unhealthy lifestyles,” said Klassen. “Through integration of childcare and selected beforeand after-school sites, we are offering food education and programs geared towards reducing the amount of screen time that our participants have.” The project Klassen is most excited about is the development of physical literacy programming. “Physical literacy is both a foundational element with participation in physical activity and sport as well as a key piece for those looking to excel,” said Klassen. “Research is showing that the higher degree of physical literacy someone has, the higher the chances that they will remain active for life.” “Our strength and longevity comes from a supportive community, great volunteers and a committed board and staff,” said Klassen. “The volunteer board of directors have been developing a strategic vision and setting a positive direction for our YMCA.” For 125 years, the YMCA of Regina has played an important role in the community. With its strong focus and dedication to quality programming and serving its members, the organization continues to have a strong and bright future.