YMCA Auckland’s commitment to building stronger kids, stronger families and stronger communities is made possible with the generous support of its funders, and a number of Auckland Local Boards are helping to make all the difference.
From Central Auckland to North, East, South and West, Local Boards are assisting YMCA Auckland to achieve its goals, have a positive influence on Kiwi families and individuals, and create change.
When we asked some of the Board Members why they felt strongly about supporting YMCA, the responses were rather heart-warming.
Chair of the Albert-Eden Local Board, a strong and long-time supporter of YMCA, Dr. Peter Haynes says it’s a cause very close to his heart.
“It’s a pleasure to support such a thriving and giving organisation, and particularly because of the many fond childhood memories I have of Camp Adair. I was also involved a little later in what was likely a precursor of YMCA’s youth programme today, Raise Up. It’s especially a pleasure because of the work that YMCA does in our community and the way its values are strongly aligned with ours. Community is at the heart and soul of everything YMCA does, as it is for the Albert-Eden Local Board. We’re very proud of our wonderful local facility and the community programmes that are run from it – my Board highly values its partnership with the YMCA in Mt Albert,” says Dr Haynes.
The duo’s partnership extends further than simply grants towards some of YMCA’s community programmes, with the highly successful annual Albert-Eden Schools Cultural Festival and Kids in Parks programme. In 2012, the Albert-Eden Board was pleased to award the Mt Albert YMCA Raise Up Crew the Albert-Eden Local Board Youth Award, in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service to the community.
Dr Haynes says he wasn’t at all surprised when the local centre won the 2014 New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) Award for Outstanding Facility, and nor was he when Kev Carter, Community Development Manager for YMCA Auckland, won the Youth Voice Award at the inaugural I Am Auckland Awards in 2014, and again in 2015.
The relationship between YMCA Auckland and Auckland Local Boards is one with a strong synergy. Where YMCA Auckland is committed to local communities and encourages positive influence, the Boards want the exact same thing for their communities, and the two working together is a powerful force.
The Henderson-Massey Local Board is also a champion of YMCA Auckland.
“The Massey Leisure Centre, managed by YMCA, is a wonderful asset for the local community. Their programmes for youth and families help build fitness, social skills and offer some great outings and creative activities. Our board is proud to support them,” says Vanessa Neeson, Chair Henderson-Massey Local Board.
Kaipatiki Local Board is another long-time partner of the ogranisation, who enjoys seeing positive activity and opportunities take place in its local community.
"The Kaipatiki Local Board would like to thank the team at YMCA for the work they do; they have fantastic programmes and facilities enjoyed by our local residents. We are also happy to support the awesome work the YMCA Raise Up crew does to engage many of our local young people into creating, planning and holding successful community events aimed at other local youth in our area and across the Shore,” says Richard Hills, Kaipatiki Local Board Member.
In South Auckland, the Manurewa Local Board has supported YMCA Auckland’s early childhood activity.
“The Manurewa Local Board supports Early Childhood Education and is proud to have funded the heat pumps for the Early Learning Centre so our young ones and their teachers can learn in a warm, safe environment,” says Angela Dalton, Chair Manurewa Local Board.
A huge thank you to the following Local Boards; Albert-Eden, Devonport-Takapuna, Henderson-Massey, Hibiscus and Bays, Kaipatiki, Mangere-Otahuhu, Manurewa, Maungakiekie-Tamaki, Otara-Papatoetoe and Waitemata.
YMCA Auckland is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support in local areas and will continue to work for stronger communities.