The YMCA is one of the most recognizable community health service providers in the world. With more than 120 fitness centres across Canada, including nine in the Greater Toronto Area, the Y is a home away from home for thousands. When these buildings were forced to shut their doors because of COVID-19, the impact was immediate .
“Our staff are simply incredible and we value their important work so much, which made a decision to lay off staff early in the pandemic a very difficult one,” said Tammy MacDonald, the senior VP of health and fitness, in an email interview. Fortunately, the Y has been able to access the federal wage subsidy program, allowing for some of these staff members to be rehired. Trainers from the health and fitness team are now helping the community stay active by delivering free live classes online. But the Y hasn’t stopped there.According to Ms. MacDonald, the Y has a long history of stepping up when times get tough.
Until the province gives the green light to reopen, Ms. MacDonald says the Toronto-area fitness centres will keep working to meet the needs of the community in creative ways. The scope of their vision, however, remains focused on health services. “The pandemic has reinforced how important physical activity is to mental health, skills development and building relationships. Those will be just as important to our communities in the future as they are today. In fact, supporting people’s health and wellbeing will likely become even more important because of the pandemic.”