A welcome to the neighbourhood

Wills family donates $25,000 to West Niagara YMCA

The Wills family have welcomed their new neighbour with a $25,000 donation.

Tom Wills, owner of Wills Chevrolet Buick GMC in Grimsby, is the latest business owner to add his name to a long list of donors for the brand new Niagara West YMCA, which opened its doors in late November.

“As a close neighbour of this great new facility, I have been able to experience the excitement that has been building in the community ever since the first shovel went in the ground,” said Wills. “With the YMCA, we couldn’t ask for a better neighbour.”

The Wills team was able to follow progress at the YMCA closely, as not only are they located next door, but the Y’s welcome centre was located in a portable on the dealership’s property. The temporary centre enabled Y staff to answer questions from the community, sell memberships, recruit staff and volunteers.

“I am so proud to be a part of this community project,” Wills said. “Norm Beal and his campaign team did a fantastic job reaching out to donors and encouraging support for the YMCA.”

The Together We Build Healthy Communities capital campaign for the project has raised close to $2.2 million, and donations are still coming in, said campaign chair Norm Beal.

“We continue to need the support of the community and I encourage people to join the team of donors who have this magnificent community hub a reality,” Beal said. “All donor’s names will be recognized on the specially designed donor recognition window in the foyer of the West Niagara YMCA.”

The West Niagara YMCA is open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays and holidas from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 905-309-9622 or visit www.ymcaofniagara.org.