About Us

About Us

Everyone deserves a chance to shine

That's why the YMCA of Greater Toronto works to promote equity and boost well-being in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Across our network of 450+ locations, our charity helps everyone from all walks of life, including our most vulnerable community members.

Every day at the Y...

Parents can pursue their careers or education while their kids learn and grow in child care.
Adults achieve peace of mind at yoga classes and reach healthy workout goals at our health and fitness centres.
Toddlers build confidence with every stroke, learning life-saving swimming skills in our Swimming & Aquatics programs.
Teens become (literal and figurative) trailblazers in our camping and outdoor education programs.
Youth experiencing homelessness get a warm place to sleep at our shelters.
Older adults stay active and connected to their communities.
Job seekers find employment support as they navigate the current labour market.
Newcomers are welcomed and supported as they settle in a new country.
Students gain life experience as volunteers, and as youth leaders in work and exchange programs.

By offering a safe destination where people can ignite their true potential, the Y has become both a beacon of inspiration and a trusted anchor of support for more than 170 years.

Our Mission

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities.

Our Vision

Vibrant communities where everyone can shine.

Our Values

Inclusiveness. We create welcoming places and programs where everyone feels they belong.
Integrity. We are truthful, trustworthy, and take responsibility for our choices, actions, and commitments.
Kindness. We are caring and compassionate.
Optimism. We believe in the strengths and potential in people and communities.
Respect. We treat every person with dignity.
Well-being. We are dedicated to people’s physical, social, and mental health.

“I didn’t believe that I had a lot of friends…now, I couldn’t count them all. The connection with other people can be very healing. It keeps me coming back to my exercise classes.”

—Doug Fulford
Health & Fitness member Sweat For Good Challenge fundraiser

“Our ambition is to build a good future here in Canada. Our children belong, they can be happy, successful, and contribute to their new country. At the Y, anything is possible.”

—Nabil Al Hawa
Syrian Refugee and YMCA member

“Learning about my sexuality wasn’t the easiest for me. But at the Y, I didn’t feel ashamed; it was a welcoming space. Now I want to empower other youth and create change."

—Keion Bisnath
YMCA Youth Leadership Development program participant

Giving communities a Strong Start for a Great Future

The $50 million Strong Start, Great Future Capital Campaign is our promise to bring essential services, opportunity, and social connection to more people by building more YMCAs across the GTA.

With help from donors just like you, the Y can deliver the supports our region needs to recover and rebuild stronger than ever in the pandemic’s wake.

Help Build Community