Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald placing up funding for Superior Aquatics, Investing in Futures scholarships
NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald, longtime supporters of the Collingwood and Wasaga Seashore YMCAs, have as soon as once more demonstrated their dedication to the neighborhood by funding two vital scholarship applications — the Superior Aquatics Scholarships and the Investing in Futures Scholarships.
These initiatives, made doable by the beneficiant contributions of Buckley and MacDonald, have had a profound influence on native youth, enabling them to develop important expertise, achieve employment, forge new friendships, construct confidence, and improve their resilience. Their assist underscores the important position of donors in advancing the mission of the YMCA. By being the preliminary benefactors of the Superior Aquatics Scholarships, they haven’t solely supported the youth of Collingwood and Wasaga Seashore however have additionally impressed comparable initiatives in different communities all through the area.
The YMCA has a long-standing historical past of providing trusted aquatics applications by the Life Saving Society, equipping younger individuals with important water security, first-aid expertise, and pathways to future employment. The pandemic had compelled prolonged closures of many native swimming pools, together with the YMCA, leading to missed swim classes and a scarcity of licensed lifeguards. With Buckley and MacDonald’s assist, the YMCA is addressing this backlog, guaranteeing that important swim classes proceed, a important measure for drowning prevention. As monetary challenges develop for a lot of households, limitations to accessing these life-saving expertise have additionally elevated. The YMCA is delighted to supply scholarships that assist overcome these hurdles.
“Our YMCA is deeply grateful to Gerard and Mary for their unwavering support and for addressing the urgent need to provide swim lessons and advanced aquatics training,” stated Nilusha Premasinghe, basic supervisor of the Collingwood YMCA. “The pandemic closures and the rising financial pressures have created significant obstacles for families. Together, we are creating exceptional opportunities for youth to achieve advanced aquatic certifications and further their education.”
Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald expressed their dedication to the neighborhood, saying, “The YMCA is a cornerstone of Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, offering essential life-saving programs. Supporting the communities where we live and work is a fundamental value of Buckley Mortgage Broker and the Buckley MacDonald Youth Fund. We believe that families in our area will greatly benefit from these youth swim and life-saving programs.”
Native youth within the Superior Aquatics Scholarships can discover extra info and apply by visiting YMCA Aquatics Scholarships.
Along with the aquatic scholarships, Buckley and MacDonald have generously established the Investing in Futures Scholarships. These can be found to YMCA employees and youth management contributors aged 17 to 29 on the Collingwood and Wasaga Seashore YMCAs. Recipients, similar to Sarah Deakos and Gracie McInnis, have the chance to obtain $1,000 for his or her post-secondary schooling. Scholarships like these not solely cut back pupil debt but in addition encourage recipients and others in direction of philanthropy and civic engagement.
Sarah Deakos, a recipient representing the Wasaga Seashore YMCA, plans to pursue authorized research and human rights. In her utility, she wrote, “Just like the YMCA, I believe in inclusivity and that everyone should feel they belong and have the opportunity to achieve great things. Through my education, I aspire to defend and advocate for people’s rights and freedoms, ensuring everyone in our community enjoys a safe and happy existence.”
Gracie McInnis, from the Collingwood YMCA, selected a program generally psychology, which she believes presents a number of profession paths to influence communities positively.
“The knowledge I’ve gained has allowed me to better support individuals at work and have more meaningful interactions with members. My goal is to promote well-being, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health resources in the community.”
For extra particulars on making use of for these scholarships or supporting comparable initiatives, go to YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
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