YMCA Charity 5K sponsors invest in community health — for generations to come
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity, and it’s thanks to our incredible donors that we can empower people with essential services and opportunities to reach their full potential. Why I Give is a series that’s shining a spotlight on these incredible changemakers, exploring what our charity means to them.
Today, Bill and Sania Tserpes share their life-long stories with the Y and what inspired them to sponsor our YMCA Charity 5K.
Inspiration to give
“The YMCA of Greater Toronto is an amazing charity that has tremendous reach and deep roots in the communities we live in.
“Their long history is full of success stories, incredible projects, and ambitious initiatives that promote physical and mental health, youth development, and social responsibility — all of which are essential for a thriving community.
“The Y helps build the fabric of our communities, and can give many youth an alternative to risky activities like drugs and gangs. Instead, at the Y, they can go to a safe space where they can learn, grow, and play, in a thriving family-like environment.”
Making a meaningful impact
“We want to support the Y to enable the many programs that make our communities stronger. That includes affordable activities for youth; child care for working parents; employment services; and support for at-risk youth and newcomers to Canada.”
Sania says she knows first-hand how valuable that support can be, having immigrated to Canada when she was very young. “The Y was the very first place my parents knew of, to take me for swimming, for gymnastics, and to have access to an affordable and a great place to be able to enjoy sports and other activities,” she recalls.
“I can still remember walking into the YMCA at Sheppard and Bayview, and recalling how cool the Y was, how busy, active, and vibrant it was, and the great energy the building was full of. Truly, that’s one of my fondest memories of arriving in Canada.”
Growing up at the Y
Bill has also personally experienced what it’s like to have a Y in your neighbourhood, growing up across the street from a YMCA in Toronto. “My parents brought me there to play in a soccer league when I was very young,” he recalls.
“I still remember wearing my first soccer jersey, with the YMCA logo. I couldn’t wait for the weekly Sunday matches. I ended up playing soccer competitively, and so I’ve always been grateful for my first kick of a soccer ball at the Y.”
Sponsoring the very first YMCA Charity 5K
Today, Bill is the Founder and President of Saporito Foods Inc., sponsor of the YMCA Charity 5K. Reflecting on the inaugural event in September 2024, Bill says, “It was an incredible opportunity to engage the community, promote health and fitness, bring thousands of people together, and really champion the YMCA’s great contributions to the communities we live in.”
“The Tserpes family wanted to express our support for the Y and its values, and we believe sponsoring the Charity 5K is a great way to do just that. It’s a heart-healthy, fitness-forward event where every runner and walker can raise money to support the Y. It’s truly a great community outreach event and we were thrilled to be the leading sponsor.”
Investing in healthy communities for generations to come
“Our communities need the YMCA more than ever,” Bill and Sania agree.
“People are struggling with unaffordable food and housing, inflation, crime, an overwhelmed health care system… People need the YMCA’s safe spaces, affordable activities, health and fitness programs, and simply a stress-free place to go where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
“We all live in our communities together and it’s important for all of us to make sure our cities are safe, and offer the best possible standard of living for all.
“Everyone should have access to safe schools, safe recreational activities, safe parks and green spaces, and health care. We all play a role in helping our communities thrive and prosper, and the YMCA is at the forefront of that work, significantly impacting the well-being of all of our communities.”
“By supporting the Y, we are directly supporting our communities and making a meaningful impact in the lives of people all around us.”
Get involved
You can make a meaningful impact in your community by signing up for the YMCA Charity 5K today! This fun family-friendly event sold out early last year, so register now to save your spot at the starting line.
