YMCA members and people from the community gathered at the Kelowna Family Y and H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre to participate in a variety of fun fitness challenges during the YMCA’s 2nd Annual Megathon event.
This fundraising event brought in over $19,000 for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, giving hundreds of Okanagan children in financial need the opportunity to access Y programs like child care, swim lessons and camp.
For Bob Hansen, the event was motivation to walk five miles after his double bypass surgery last September. “Exercise almost becomes an addiction,” says Bob. “I got up this morning and thought ‘hey, I am going to Megathon today…’ I was excited about it.” Bob was also happy that 100% of the funds raised goes to helping kids locally.
And for Jason, who learned to swim for last year’s Megathon event, successfully completing the Triathlon challenge for the second time was a rewarding accomplishment. Jason was so determined to support the cause, and beat his last years’ time, that he came after hours to complete the challenge. While dressed in his ‘Y Guy’ hero costume, Kelowna Family Y staff member, Sang, ran with Jason for the last 9 laps encouraging him through the final stretch of the challenge.
The camaraderie, sponsorship and overwhelming support seen throughout the day was proof that the Y is a place where people truly come together; a place where everyone belongs.
The YMCA of Okanagan wants to thank their event day sponsors, BDO Canada, Milestones and Fresh Air, as well as all in-kind and media sponsors – Astral Media, Q103 & Power 104, and Shaw TV – for their kindness and generosity.
