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www.oakvillebeaver.com Our Mission The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. OAKVILLE'SCH OAKVILLE'S CH A VILLE'SCH CHARITY AT THE YMCA GOES CA G A LONG WAY! By John Brockett, YMCA of Oakville Member and Volunteer YBC Coach Scott Presse teaches some basketball moves to his son Joel (left) and Elijah (right). heartbeat t Health-related news, tips and stories from the YMCA of Oakville The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 21, 2007 - 17 March 21, 2007 2007 Goal is $180,000 Raised to Date: $31,688 DAN GONSALVES NSALV A HELPS KIDS CLIMB S D CLIMB TO SUCCESS UCCESS CCESS ES The next time you're at the YMCA of Oakville, take a peek into the Family Adventure Centre when children are scampering up the walls. You'll probably find Dan Gonsalves there, encouraging and leading the kids. at rock climbing, and just about anyone can do it. It boosts the children's self-esteem and selfconfidence while teaching them problem-solving skills. A climbing wall like the one at the Oakville Y is unique. We're really fortunate to have a facility like this." And the Oakville Y is lucky to have Dan on staff. Five years ago he came to the Y as a volunteer. A week later, spotting his talent, the Y hired him fulltime. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a degree in computing and information science, Dan had decided that he didn't want to "sit behind a desk all day." Hence his career at the Y. Outside of work, Dan indulges in his passions for photography and music. He sings and plays in a band called Star Vega. You'll also find Dan organizing the kids in the Game On program, which is geared toward home-schoolers. "We get the kids moving around with running, soccer and hockey skills," says Dan. He points out that the Y is committed to the CATCH program, which is oriented toward fitness and health, and focuses on constant movement and activity, rather than competition. Dan works with the older kids in the Leader Corps too. "It's great to see these leaders, who are in grade 6 and up, working with the younger children," he says. "I enjoy the kids and I love seeing them develop over the years," Dan adds with a smile. One of the children who works with Dan has autism. Little by little, Dan has watched this special child blossom. Soon Dan will be traveling out to the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia to work and learn at another Y, but he hopes to return to Oakville. "The Y is a great place to work because everyone lives by the core values of inclusiveness, health, responsibility, respect, caring and honesty," says Dan. "I've worked at other jobs in the past, but there's a reason I've been here for five years. I can't wait to come to work every day!" Dan Gonsalves hangs on to climber Robin Roth. I have always known the YMCA to be a charitable organization, but I had no idea to what extent until I met Elijah ­ an eight-year old Oakville boy ­ whose basketball dreams have just begun. Elijah plays in the Youth Basketball Canada (YBC) recreational league offered by our community YMCA. With a silky-smooth dribble, his vertical passing game, and a confident outside rainbowshot, he is definitely a special talent! Yet, what stood out most during a game I attended was an inherent sense of fair play. YBC coaches ensure each child gets plenty of playing time, and more importantly, that everyone is treated equally! Of course, it is no surprise that this would be echoed by these generous and passionate people who volunteer their own time. All in all, it is safe to say that the ultimate goals of everyone behind the YBC programs are being achieved. Whether they are on a court or taking their brief turn on a bench ­ the fun never stops for Elijah and his new friends, and for all of the kids! Elijah is also special because he is the child of a single mom, Claire, whose endless nurturing is very evident in the well spoken and polite boy she is raising. Claire also found a way to make certain her son gets the most out of his childhood, by giving him choices: from swimming to taekwondo, from before and after school sessions to sumYBC Coach Scott Presse cheers Elijah on. mer camps, from soccer training to YBC basketball. These are just a few of the different activities available at the YMCA of Oakville. A modernized family centre with charity at its heart, this is exactly the kind of positive place that would ensure any child's continued growth. When I asked Claire about the staff and coaches, without hesitation she replied: "They're all amazing!" For Claire, she was able to offer all of these choices to Elijah through a fantastic financial assistance program, which the YMCA itself provides ­ in essence, so more people can enjoy and benefit from the Y experience. A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to sit in on a YMCA staff and volunteer meeting, leading to the launch of their new YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. I learned a lot that day, especially with regards to how much work actually goes into raising the necessary funds. But, what really caught my attention was the very simple fact that the money donated through these charitable campaigns ­ every dollar ­ is utilized to fund the valuable programs for those in need of financial help. Whether it be an individual or a family, the impact of these donations is immeasurable ­ especially on a child - and what greater gift than knowing every single penny goes right back into the future of the Oakville community! I was also very fortunate to meet personally with Elijah, for although he may be too young to realize all of the help he is receiving, he is truly benefiting from the Y programs that are in place. I can appreciate that not everyone can afford his or her time to volunteer, perhaps choosing to donate as a more effective means, so I'd just like to convey to all that Elijah's smile, as he runs down the court and looks toward his mom on the sideline, says it all. A loyal Toronto Raptors' fan, Elijah dreams of becoming the next Chris Bosh. And, with 3 years of YBC experience behind him, he looks to be well on his way. Still, when I asked him what he liked the best; in the true spirit of all the positive influences that surround him, Elijah eloquently responded: "It's fun, and you get to meet new friends." In speaking with his mom, Claire, I asked her what she found to be the biggest impact, and she simply and yet poignantly stated: "He's happy." It takes a whole community to build a brighter, better future ­ now is the time for you to make a difference. Please give to the YMCA of Oakville Strong Kids Campaign at BASKETBALL www.ymcastrongkids.ca. The climbing and adventure centre is one of Dan's favourite places in the Y. "Climbing is an important activity for kids and families because it offers things that other sports don't. For example, you don't have to be particularly athletic to succeed ­ and have a lot of fun ­ 410 Rebecca Street | Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 | Telephone: 905-845-3417 | Fax: 905-842-6792 | Email: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca | www.ymcaofoakville.com Monday to Friday 5:30 am ­ 10:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am ­ 6:00 pm | Sunday 8:00 am ­ 6:00 pm | Design by