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24 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 17, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Doing what needs to be done at the Oakville YMCA T he following is a message to the Oakville community from Jeanette Heywood, vice president of membership services The Y has been and and strategic planning always will be a responfor the YMCA of sive organization. Oakville. We have done our Dear Friends: best to meet the changing needs of the community and respond to what is happening around us. In the Second World War, when soldiers needed to learn how to swim, we were there with lessons and training. In the '70s and '80s, when the baby boom gave us so many beautiful children, the Y was there to provide high quality, values-based child care. In December of 2007, we found sponsors for 20 struggling families to help them through the holidays. Throughout the changes and the challenges, the Y has remained a solid presence. What has never wavered is our strong base as a charitable organization -- it is this stable core which has SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY: The Oakville YMCA is committed even during tough times. given us the energy and strength to respond to the community and provide the services that are needed. In these unsteady times, we commit to move forward and to do the work that needs to be done in our community: · The doors of our programs and services Campaign. will continue to be open · We will partner in health to all through the fee promotion and wellness with the assistance provided by leaders in our community -- our YMCA Strong Kids working towards a healthier, more active Oakville. · We pledge to improve the lives of children and youths so that they can contribute to the community. · We will deepen our involvement in the world peace movement and celebrate Peace Week from Nov. 17 to 21. · We have initiated an international partnership with the YMCA of Sierra Leone to support it as it rebuilds its war-torn country. We encourage you to keep moving ahead, as we will, and to put your health and your family first. Regards, Jeanette Heywood Vice President, Membership Services and Strategic Planning, YMCA of Oakville The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing lifelong opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville