Here is a very short bio – Leslie Murray
- been with the YMCA for 22 years at various branches including Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, Metro Central in Toronto and several Ottawa branches
- returned to Northumberland in 2002 to be part of the team working on opening the Brighton branch
- my role includes overseeing the Health, fitness and aquatics centers throughout Northumberland County including the Cobourg and Brighton branches, outdoor aquatics operations in Cobourg, Campbellford and Alderville, and day camp locations in Cobourg, Cramahe and Campbellford, as well as marketing and fundraising
Leslie shared how the pandemic shut down has impacted the community and what they are learning. The Cobourg Y reopened August 17 and the Brighton Y opens September 8th.They are preparing and making adjustments to open safely.
Leslie came back to Brighton just prior to opening the Brighton Y. She had been working at the Toronto Y with 9,000 members. Her first job in Brighton was recruiting members. The Brighton Y's numbers peaked at 781 and fluctuates.
2020 represents 150 years of the YMCA in Northumberland County. They had big plans to celebrate with T-shirts and events planned. Plans were set early March and then everything shut down March 15. Initially they thought it may be just a short 2 week shut down. Now 5 months later, they are starting to re-activate programs and facilities.
They started some programs virtually and outdoors. They would get news of changing restrictions and ability to serve at the same time as general public during daily announcements from the Province. But then they would have to develop safe opening scenarios. They wanted to get it right. In July they were able to open child care facilities and day camps including outdoor pools.
The Cobourg facility opened earlier this month. It was easier because of size they could create safe spaces. The Brighton Y being smaller is harder to create safe space. They plan to have all facilities such as indoor pool and squash courts open September 15.
The Y has had to adapt and through this process they have learned several things:
1. Learned to adjust way people think of the Y, including staff. "Our Doors are closed but our work continues." Early in shut down they identified members over 70 and reached out to them to check on them, to talk to them and make sure they were okay. This turned into regular check ins for many who had limited social interactions during shut down. They learned how they could continue to serve without a building.
They created virtual fitness and well being classes. Their IT started helping individuals connect digitally. Their youth workers created on line videos and programming for kids.
2. They learned to collaborate with Y's across the Country and agencies in the County. An example their were about 10 groups in Northumberland eager to support people with food insecurity. The Cobourg Rotary got all to collaborate and work together.
3. They realized they have work to do to educate people of the purpose of the Y, what they do. They were able to secure grants to deliver specific services. Many don't know the Y is a charity. In June they set up child care for essential workers. The Y looks for needs and seeks to fill the gaps.
4. They looked at what our communities would look like without the Y. The Y supports:
Health care
Pool
mobility assistance
mental health
3000 kids learn to swim and grade 3's learn drown proofing
1000 kids in child care
seniors programs and socialize
They provide resources for nutrition and recreation
Employment opportunities, they are biggest youth employer
5. YMCA started in 1870 in Northumberland. They are Here for Good. They have a long history of stepping up and supporting the community.
R Liesje thanked Leslie for her presentation.