FREDERICTON, NB — The YMCA of Fredericton has officially launched its Ignite the Future campaign, an exciting initiative to raise $250,000 to establish an endowed fund to ensure that no child or youth is turned away from the Fredericton YMCA.

This campaign will raise funds to provide perpetual support, reaching children and youth in the Fredericton region for generations to come.

The YMCA provides no-cost memberships to more than 350 children and youth who face difficult life circumstances and could benefit from belonging at the YMCA, but do not have the funds to pay for a membership.

“At the YMCA, we believe in the potential of every young person,” said Darcy Delaney, President & CEO of the YMCA of Fredericton. “Each year we are seeing a steady increase in requests for help. With growing requests for support and economic uncertainty, the need is urgent. This campaign is about more than raising money—it is about removing barriers and opening doors. Every donation helps give youth a chance to learn, grow, and belong, not only today, but for generations to come.”

The campaign officially launched with a community event on September 15, 2025, bringing together supporters, partners, and local leaders. A highlight of the launch was the announcement of a generous matching gift from the J.T. Clark Family Foundation. Every dollar donated until December 15 will be matched once the campaign reaches $250,000 in donations, unlocking an additional $250,000 and doubling the impact.

“We are proud to support the YMCA’s efforts to strengthen the well-being of children and youth in the Fredericton region,” said Cynthia Clark, Board Member, J.T. Clark Family Foundation. “By initiating this donation matching challenge, we are encouraging others in the community to join us in investing in the future of our young people.”

This campaign is being led by the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund, which exists to ensure long-term sustainability of the YMCA and to further the mission of the Y for generations to come.

“The Endowment Fund was established to ensure the YMCA’s long-term future,” said Peter Clark, Board Chair of the Fredericton YMCA Endowment Fund. “This campaign takes that commitment a step further, investing in the next generation — our youth, who embody the spirit, strength, and promise of our community. We are profoundly thankful to everyone joining us in the campaign to bring this vision to life.”

With this campaign, the YMCA of Fredericton is calling on individuals, families, and businesses to join in building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future for local children and youth. If you would like to donate, please follow this link here. 

For more information

Elizabeth Kearns

Director of Development YMCA of Fredericton

Phone: 506-462-3000 ext. 105

Email: elizabeth.kearns@ymcafredericton.org 

October 1: Start of the new membership promo

October 4: Babysitter Training Course (8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)

October 11 & 12: Thanksgiving Weekend (No registered programs)

October 13: Thanksgiving Monday (570 York | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) | 605 Cliffe Street CLOSED) No registered programs. No fitness classes.

October 16: First session of mat pilates. 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

October 21: YGAP Webinar at 12:00 p.m. ONLINE

October 25: Cycle For Kids Event (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) (NO Youth programs and NO fitness classes between 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Swimming lessons will continue.

Stay tuned for Friday Nights this FALL as we launch F.I.R.E! A program for teens between the ages of 12 - 15!

HELP IGNITE POTENTIAL!

For generations, the YMCA has been a place where children and youth feel like they belong — a place where they can move, grow, connect, and thrive. Each year, more than 1,800 young people come through our doors, looking for opportunities to build confidence, make new friends, and discover their potential.

Cycle for Kids, presented by Epsilon Y Service Club, is more than a fun, high- energy spin class — it’s a meaningful way to help local children access life- changing YMCA programs. Right now, more than 460 children and youth rely on financial support to participate in swim lessons, day camps, youth leadership, and wellness programs that support their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Families want these experiences for their children. But for many, financial challenges stand in the way. That’s where Cycle for Kids makes a difference.

Fredericton YMCA Cycle for Kids is a one-day, action-packed event combining fitness and community spirit, all in support of local children and youth in need. Teams of enthusiastic riders sign up, raise funds, and come together for an exhilarating indoor cycle class. If this sounds like this event is up your alley, please consider getting involved! We're still looking for teams of riders. Register online here! Or, if you want to help out in another way, consider supporting a team through donation here!

There are many ways to get involved, and we can't wait to spend a Saturday with you!

Saturday, October 25

YMCA of Fredericton - 570 York Street

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fredericton, NB – The YMCA of Fredericton has taken an important step forward in addressing the region’s growing need for modern aquatic facilities. A recently completed viability analysis, conducted by EXP, confirms strong community demand and financial feasibility for a new Aquatics Centre.

The study highlights that the existing infrastructure at the Y can support the proposed addition of 16 lanes of 25m swimming. A new YMCA Aquatics Centre would provide a modern, inclusive, and accessible space designed to serve children, families, seniors, and individuals of all abilities.

“This report reaffirms what our community has been telling us for years—Fredericton needs expanded and upgraded aquatic facilities,” said Darcy Delaney, CEO of the YMCA of Fredericton. “The YMCA has a long history of providing safe, welcoming spaces for people to connect, grow, and thrive. A new Aquatics Centre will ensure we can continue to deliver on that promise and important swimming and lifesaving programs for generations to come.”

KEY FINDINGS OF THE VIABILITY ANALYSIS (EXP ENGINEERING):

• The proposed new pool will provide 16 lanes of 25-metre swimming, ensuring capacity to meet both current and future aquatics demand across the Capital Region.
• A moveable bulkhead will also provide for 50m swimming when required for training or competitions.
• The YMCA’s existing infrastructure — including locker rooms and parking lots — can accommodate the planned expansion.
• The YMCA has the best talent pool and operations team in place to successfully manage and sustain the additional pool as part of the proposed YMCA Aqua-Plex.
• The 2 existing pools (a therapy tank and 4 lane 25m pool) will remain open and operational as part of the Aqua-Plex concept.

EXP has provided the YMCA with a proposal to design the additional aquatics facility which is the next step in bringing this long-awaited community resource to reality. The YMCA will begin engaging with stakeholders, government partners, and community members to discuss next steps in making the Aquatics Centre a reality.

BACKGROUND

For more than a decade, the City of Fredericton/ Capital Region has faced challenges in advancing a regional aquatics centre project. Despite widespread recognition of the community’s need, progress has been delayed by competing priorities and funding complexities. The YMCA’s viability analysis, conducted by EXP Engineering, provides renewed momentum and a clear path forward, positioning the organization to lead in bringing this long-awaited vision to life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Darcy Delaney

YMCA of Fredericton

Tel: 506-462-3000 x 113

Email: darcy.delaney@ymcafredericton.org

Nominate a peace maker in our community for a YMCA Peace Medallion today! Please fill out the online form, or, if you prefer to include more detail, feel free to download the form here.



Guidelines: 

• Nominations should focus on activities that have taken place within the last two years
• Professionals who are paid to do peacemaking work are not eligible for nomination

Your instructor, Nadia, is a Certified contemporary Mat + Reformer Pilates Instructor and a Certified classical Mat Pilates instructor.

This class will run for 8 sessions starting on

October 16 - December 4

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

$40 for members and $80 for non-members.

Register ONLINE or visit the Welcome Desk to register in person.

Join us on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 12 pm for a webinar, where we'll reveal what we found, including:

• The design and tactics that keep you playing

• How online and app-based claw machines are changing the game

• The connection between "blind boxes" and player engagement

• The legal side of claw machines in Canada

• Risks to youth and what you can do about them

This is a must-see for parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the hidden aspects of these popular arcade games.