YMCA of Greater Toronto Announces New Annual Family Run in Support of YMCA Camps

Registrations open today for YMCA Charity 5K run, which aims to send 500 children to YMCA Camps

Toronto – April 11, 2024 – The YMCA of Greater Toronto announced its new charity run, the YMCA Charity 5K, taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The run will take place at Downsview Park, and will raise funds to send 500 children to camp. Registrations officially opened today.

“We’re so excited to introduce the YMCA Charity 5K run this fall,” says Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “It’s a chance to bring the community together, no matter your age or fitness level, have fun and raise funds to assist families experiencing hardship to give children a camp experience.”

Every year, the YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomes thousands of children ages four to 15 to experience the outdoors through day camp and overnight camp programming. Learning new skills and making friends at camp helps ignite their true potential to shine year-round.

“Camp has always been a place to build friendships, create life-long skills, and make cherished memories both in nature or within the city,” adds Davidson. “With the YMCA Charity 5K run taking place this fall, I’m thrilled to see the Y community come together to increase access to camp for youth in the GTA and help nurture the next generation of confident, connected and community-minded individuals at camp, all while running or walking!”

Shuttle buses will be arranged for participants for pick up and drop off at seven YMCA of Greater Toronto locations. Tickets can be purchased during the registration process, a maximum of 6 tickets per participant. Pick-up time at all locations is 6:45 AM. Buses will begin departing Downsview Park at 11:30 AM.

The entry fee includes an exclusive souvenir running hat and finisher medal, as well as complimentary access to a post-run celebration. Participants are encouraged to make a donation and/or fundraise in support of YMCA Camps leading up to the run.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto offers 1,000 camp programs at over 50 different locations across the GTA for children and youth. From arts and sports to overnight and leadership camp, there is something for everyone.

Learn more about the YMCA Charity 5K run and sign up HERE.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto  

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead and give back to their communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors. Promoting equity and boosting well-being across more than 460 locations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine. 

More information on the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s comprehensive sustainability strategy can be found in its annual Sustainability Report at www.ymcagta.org/green.