A ‘spectacular’ celebration

Niagara West YMCA holds grand opening night gala

The doors have been open for two weeks, and by all accounts the new Niagara West YMCA facility is a hit. More than 1200 memberships have been sold since opening. On Dec. 9, the  new YMCA facility hosted a formal grand opening event, which saw local politicians from every level of government mingling with volunteers, board members and prominent project donors. About 300 people attended the gala evening.  Norm Beal, who served as chair of the fundraising campaign, said the experience of standing in the facility so many had worked to build was “phenomenal.”

“This is the big night and its absolutely spectacular. This is the project that actually been built and in the ground and up and running. It’s absolutely phenomenal. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life being involved and being able to do so much for the community,” said Beal, who coordinated a $2.2-million community fundraiser for the building. Beal was one of several speakers during the evening, which included comments from several elected officials and personal stories of involvement from volunteers and campaign workers.

Sandra Murre, founder and CEO of Jordan Engineering, spoke about why she committed to a $250,000 donation to the facility. She said her local community centre was an important part of her life, growing up.

“I have a profound understanding of what the Y can bring to a community… Each year I waited out for the sign-up day, mapped out the whole schedule and signed up for as many things as they’d let me,” said Murre. Her passion was swimming, but she signed up a for a multitude of courses and programs and eventually become a volunteer.

Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West-Glanbrook, told the audience that the YMCA was an example of levels of government working together. The federal and provincial government each provided $6 million toward construction.

“Nothing is as important as projects like this, as facilities that bring people together and provide an opportunity for community to be together,” he said. His comments were echoed by Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines and Ontario’s Environment Minister.

“It’s often hard to envision (what it) is going to look like… today we don’t have to do that. Today the building is here for us to view. And as important as the building are the people in the building.” said Bradley, who noted that the YMCA provided a key to a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. Other speakers included regional chair Gary Burroughs, Grimsby mayor Bob Bentley and West Lincoln mayor Doug Joyner.

YMCA CEO Jason Brown called the evening a great experience and reward for everyone involved in making it happen.

“It’s really the culmination of many years of hard work by our staff our volunteers. To be doing this tonight, to have 300 people present, is a great experience for everybody,” he said

Source: Niagara This Week