Healthy Communities • Support the Y • Y Stories
Inspiration to give: fostering a sense of inclusion
07 June 2019 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
For as long as she can remember, Tara George has been going to the YMCA. As a toddler, she got a healthy start in our child care program. And, because her mother was a YMCA swimming instructor, “I learned to swim before I learned to walk,” laughs Tara.
Her mother taught young adults living with cognitive-development impairments. “Watching my mother teach helped me understand and value inclusivity,” Tara recalls.
As she grew up, Tara attended Y day and overnight camps, and continued getting active at the Y with her family.
Supporting newcomer settlement
Today, Tara and her partner, Ricardo Vigliano, and his son, Ric Vigliano, are members at the Cooper Koo Family YMCA. True to her aquatic roots, Tara loves the AquaFit classes and connecting with other members. Ricardo’s experience with the Y started when he left Brazil to start a new life in Canada. “I attended a few newcomer settlement sessions at the Y,” he says. “They really helped me settle and integrate, especially when it came to navigating the educational system. As a parent, I really appreciated that.”
But the Y is just as much about its community spirit as it is its programs. “It’s a place of community and belonging, where you’re accepted for who you are,” says Ricardo. Tara agrees. “Everyone is welcome, belongs, and is equal here,” she adds.
Building bright futures for youth
As for Ric, the Y has been a safe place allowing him to explore his independence. “Ric’s tried new things, and he’s always excited about them,” says Ricardo. His parents trust that the staff and members will make him feel welcome when he visits the Y on his own. “He’s figuring himself out in a new country and language,” says Tara. “Here, Ric can find his confidence and discover what it means to feel that he’s a part of his new community.”
Ric’s also looking forward to volunteering and taking part in the YMCA Newcomer Leadership Development Program. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to making new friends,” says Ric.
The next chapter: the Kingston Road YMCA
While they enjoy using the Cooper Koo Family YMCA, the family is eagerly looking forward to the opening of the newest YMCA Centre of Community. The Kingston Road YMCA is currently under construction in the heart of their east-end neighbourhood. As Tara puts it, the community currently lacks a shared, inclusive place where residents can come together. “We’re a diverse community that needs a hub,” she says. “Residents are excited for what the new Kingston Road YMCA is going to provide—opportunities to integrate, engage, and get active.” Ricardo’s also looking forward to the new Centre. “No doubt people will support each other more, feel more included, which will have a huge impact—it’s going to be great,” he says.
What your donations make possible
Seeing the Y invest in the community has inspired Tara and Ricardo to do the same. Today, they are monthly donors. “Your gift to the YMCA pays real dividends to the community,” Tara says. Ricardo sees a clear connection between what you give and what you receive. “When you invest in your community, you’re investing in your own well-being,” he explains.
Ultimately, they know their support will have an impact: “Our donation is well used—the Y leverages every dollar so that those in need really benefit,” Tara says. “If more people knew that the Y provides financial assistance to those who need it, they would be inspired to give, too.”
Read more inspirational stories from donors making an impact in our Gratitude Report to Donors.
Her mother taught young adults living with cognitive-development impairments. “Watching my mother teach helped me understand and value inclusivity,” Tara recalls.
As she grew up, Tara attended Y day and overnight camps, and continued getting active at the Y with her family.
Supporting newcomer settlement
Today, Tara and her partner, Ricardo Vigliano, and his son, Ric Vigliano, are members at the Cooper Koo Family YMCA. True to her aquatic roots, Tara loves the AquaFit classes and connecting with other members. Ricardo’s experience with the Y started when he left Brazil to start a new life in Canada. “I attended a few newcomer settlement sessions at the Y,” he says. “They really helped me settle and integrate, especially when it came to navigating the educational system. As a parent, I really appreciated that.”
But the Y is just as much about its community spirit as it is its programs. “It’s a place of community and belonging, where you’re accepted for who you are,” says Ricardo. Tara agrees. “Everyone is welcome, belongs, and is equal here,” she adds.
Building bright futures for youth
As for Ric, the Y has been a safe place allowing him to explore his independence. “Ric’s tried new things, and he’s always excited about them,” says Ricardo. His parents trust that the staff and members will make him feel welcome when he visits the Y on his own. “He’s figuring himself out in a new country and language,” says Tara. “Here, Ric can find his confidence and discover what it means to feel that he’s a part of his new community.”
Ric’s also looking forward to volunteering and taking part in the YMCA Newcomer Leadership Development Program. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to making new friends,” says Ric.
The next chapter: the Kingston Road YMCA
While they enjoy using the Cooper Koo Family YMCA, the family is eagerly looking forward to the opening of the newest YMCA Centre of Community. The Kingston Road YMCA is currently under construction in the heart of their east-end neighbourhood. As Tara puts it, the community currently lacks a shared, inclusive place where residents can come together. “We’re a diverse community that needs a hub,” she says. “Residents are excited for what the new Kingston Road YMCA is going to provide—opportunities to integrate, engage, and get active.” Ricardo’s also looking forward to the new Centre. “No doubt people will support each other more, feel more included, which will have a huge impact—it’s going to be great,” he says.
What your donations make possible
Seeing the Y invest in the community has inspired Tara and Ricardo to do the same. Today, they are monthly donors. “Your gift to the YMCA pays real dividends to the community,” Tara says. Ricardo sees a clear connection between what you give and what you receive. “When you invest in your community, you’re investing in your own well-being,” he explains.
Ultimately, they know their support will have an impact: “Our donation is well used—the Y leverages every dollar so that those in need really benefit,” Tara says. “If more people knew that the Y provides financial assistance to those who need it, they would be inspired to give, too.”
Read more inspirational stories from donors making an impact in our Gratitude Report to Donors.
