With less than 30 days remaining in 2023, many of us are feeling the pressure of another year’s end. The holiday season can feel like the most wonderful time of the year, and it can also be emotionally, financially, and physically taxing. From shorter daylight hours, pressure to meet year end deadlines, extra expenses, and fatigue from global crisis, many people are left feeling overwhelmed and anxious about how to make things merry and bright.
Calgary Foundation’s 2023 Quality of Life report reveals that 1 in 4 of Calgarians are struggling to meet their basic financial needs. This is up dramatically from previous years. On the mental health side, 59% of young people aged 18-24 report feeling stress and anxiety, up almost 20% from 2022.
As a charity that is here to meet the unique needs of our community, YMCA Calgary knows that there are people behind each of these numbers. We have always been a place where people experience the benefits of movement, make meaningful connections, and find belonging. As I reflect on the current state of our city, I believe this has never been more important.
In 2023, we have seen an increase in the number of Calgarians requiring subsidy to access YMCA facilities. Year to date, we are on track to provide more than $4.8 million dollars in financial assistance to those in need. In addition, we continue to see growth in the number of people who access our community-based experiences like Teen Vibe and Y Mind, which provides mental health support for young people. Our community programs come with memberships to our health and fitness facilities, providing participants with multiple tools to achieve their personal goals.
We are fortunate to have an incredible community of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who make it possible for us to offer these programs and subsidized access to the YMCA. We are grateful that Calgarians continue to choose us as their place for health, wellness, and connection, and we cherish that their visits to our branches help them feel more moments of joy.
It is these moments that become the shining light that helps a person overcome the obstacles they face. We can provide our community with the means to tackle issues like isolation, financial instability, language and cultural barriers, childcare needs, and mental health challenges so they can tap into their full potential. When we do this, we in turn see our city strengthen and thrive.
As we prepare to leave 2023 behind and start a fresh new year, it is important for us to be aware of our own well-being and the well-being of others. Even the simplest of actions can help someone who is suffering feel connected, cared for, and in control. Whether it is shoveling your neighbours sidewalk, offering to carpool children to extra-curricular activities, holding the door open for a stranger, donating to a local charity, or even sharing a smile with someone, there are many ways we can all work together spark joy in our community.
I invite you to join me in raising some joy!
This piece was originally published in the Calgary Herald by Shannon Doram, President & CEO of YMCA Calgary: Extra kindness and care needed at this time of year | Calgary Herald