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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 14, 2007 - 15 As Supervisor of Philanthropy at the YMCA of Oakville, Deb Thomson spends her day raising funds ­ and awareness. And now she is excitedly sharing the story of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, formerly known as Give Kids the Chance. During this annual giving campaign, YMCA of Oakville members and other people in the community are invited to make a financial gift so that families who might otherwise not be able to afford to, can participate in programs at the Y. Deb is passionate about the Y, and conveys that passion when she speaks with people who are interested in learning more about the Y. This mother of two, originally from Montreal, wasn't really engaged with the Y until she moved to Burlington 10 years ago and became a member. "Over the years, I worked in a variety of administrative jobs from finance, to the textile and the automotive industry. I later became the National Donor Relations Manager for another non-profit organization," she says. Two years ago, Deb responded to an advertisement in the Y's development office, and jumped at the opportunity to use her skills and experience with one of the most recognized `institutions' in the world. "I love the culture of the YMCA of Oakville and the positive environment," says Deb. "People really care about their colleagues and about the members. It's fastpaced and a really nice place to work." Deb has been successful raising money for the Y. Deflecting attention from herself, she says: "The Y has a very good reputation in Oakville and people know us. Donors are open to supporting the Y and, more and more, they understand the importance of wellness and fitness to a healthy family life. When we can offer our programs and services to the general community and include those who would not otherwise be able to come to the Y ­ that is the magic of philanthropy!" Deb and the other staff members and volunteers at the Y are particularly enthusiastic about the new YMCA Strong Kids Campaign because all the Ys in Ontario are participating together to promote it, with a new brand, a fresh logo, and an integrated campaign that includes 30-second prime-time television spots. Look for them between February 15 and March 15. The ads feature Jenna Lambert, who at age 15 in July 2006, became the first female with a disability to swim 32 kilometers across Lake Ontario. She raised over $170,000 towards the construction of a pool for the Kingston Family Y. Jenna accomplished this feat despite not being able to use her legs; she has cerebral palsy. Jenna will help all Ontario Ys raise funds for the worthy cause of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Last year, the goal of the Oakville campaign was $160,000. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Y surpassed that and received $174,000. This year's target is $180,000. With your help we can do it. To lend a hand to children and families in Oakville, visit the YMCA of Oakville web site at www.ymcaofoakville.com and click on "Donate Now", or you can go to the new YMCA Strong Kids Campaign site at www.ymcastrongkids.ca ­ or just give Deb a call at 905-845-3417 ext. 317. DEB THOMSON: A FOR GIVING Deb Thomson, YMCA of Oakville Supervisor of Philanthropy, plays with Ben Stahl, Mother Goose program participant at the Y. HEAR OUR STORIES Want to know more about the new YMCA Strong Kids Campaign? Take a couple of minutes to listen to an interview with Deb Thomson, YMCA of Oakville Supervisor of Philanthropy! Go to www.ymcaofoakville.com and click on `Hear Our Stories'. Help Us Build Strong Kids Vicki Keith, world renowned marathon swimmer and YMCA staff CAMP ­ `SWEET'! MARCH 9, 12-16 Jenna Lambert, YMCA swim club member and first disabled teen to swim Lake Ontario Are your kids looking for something fun to do at March Break? Why not join in on a March Break program with the YMCA of Oakville? Go to www.ymcaofoakville.com or call the Y for details at 905-845-3417. P.A. Day Ski/Snowboard Trip (9-17 years) Friday, March 9 Blue Mountain $95 includes transportation and lift ticket. Adventure Tour (8-13 years) March 12-16 An exciting out-trip every day! $205 Basketball Camp (8-15 years) March 12-16 Oakville Trafalgar High School $165 At the YMCA, we believe that everyone should be able to participate, regardless of their ability to pay the fees. The YMCA is a place for everyone! Y Summer Camp to wake up every day excited to come to another day of camp....because they know that anything can happen!" For more information about YMCA of Oakville Sum- mer Camp, you can call the Y at 905-845-3417 or go to www.ymcaofoakville.com. Join the fun and give your kids the magic of camp ­ it truly is `sweet'! It's her second year as Coordinator for YMCA of Oakville Summer Camp, and Erica Jefferies is excited to invite the children of Oakville to experience the magic of summer camp! Babysitter Training (12+ years) March 12 & 13 or March 14 & 15 St. Paul's United Church $75 YMCA Association Name 905-845-3417 123-456-7890 Donate today @ www.ymcastrongkids.ca