Meet Ernie Ooms and Wendy Guillemaud, devoted YMCA members since the early 2000s and now committed donors as well. Their connection with the YMCA transcends mere membership; it was a profound, emotional journey that began with youthful aspirations and blossomed into a deep-rooted commitment to community.
The YMCA made its debut in Ernie’s life when he was just 13 years old, when he decided he wanted to learn how to swim. Although he jokes that his aquatic prowess may not have flourished, the YMCA became the beacon guiding him towards personal growth. Ernie, once a shy introvert, found the courage to break free from his cocoon at the YMCA.
For Wendy, the YMCA became the sanctuary of her giving spirit. It was within the YMCA's embrace that she first ventured into volunteering, discovering the immense joy in giving back to the community.
During the vibrant summer days, with energetic young day-campers filling the YMCAs, Ernie loves to be engaged at the membership desk. It was at these very desks that he once witnessed the innocence and courage of a young camper who expressed that the Y was her sanctuary. When a day camp group was asked by their counselor to draw what they liked about coming to camp, children wrote down things like swimming, seeing friends, playing, and more. The one little girl wrote down, “I like coming to the Y because I feel safe here.” This etched in Ernie’s heart that this is truly what the YMCA is—a safe place.
To Ernie and Wendy, the YMCA is more than a gym—it's a place of opportunity. From the gentle stretches of yoga to the invigorating strokes of swimming and the empowering lifts of weights, they have both embraced every avenue with open hearts. Ernie explains with fondness, “Where else could you drop in and play 1-bounce volleyball, not keep track of the score and having a crowd cheer everyone on?”
What truly sets the YMCA apart for Ernie and Wendy is the friendly, approachable staff who effortlessly crafted an inviting ambiance. They breathe life into the walls, making each visit an experience to cherish. Wendy holds close her Friday trips to the Y, speaking fondly of a spirited individual who brings bouncy cheerfulness and her timeless 60s/70s melodies, encapsulating the unique community that beckoned them back time and again: “A community like this is something worth coming back to.”
Ernie and Wendy's love for the YMCA isn't confined to the walls; it extends to the very essence of community and the future. Their generosity knows no bounds, and they decided to keep the YMCA in their legacy, leaving a generous gift in their wills. Their aspiration was simple—to sow the seeds of a brighter, better tomorrow for the children and the community they love.
Ernie and Wendy's story remains a testament to the enduring magic of the YMCA community—a story of finding one's voice, celebrating authenticity, and leaving an indelible mark of love and support.
To discover more about the ways you too can make a lasting impact on your community, learn more about our giving programs at https://www.ymcacalgary.org/ways-give.