Big Jack gives back to local kids

OKANAGAN – Earlier this week, Jack Newton presented the YMCA of Okanagan with a cheque for $7,000 to benefit local children and youth who are living in financial need within our community.

These funds, raised through the Big Jack’s Annual Golf Tournament held each June, have been generously donated to the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign; the vehicle that provides financial support to families wanting to access child care, employment, health, fitness, aquatics and leadership programs.

For YMCA Manager of Child Care, Danielle Miranda, these funds will change lives for many Okanagan families. “We see kids in our centres everyday who don’t have anywhere else to go after school and during school breaks,” says Miranda. “These kids need support systems, access to early learning, and positive role models to look up to while their parents do their best to put food on the table every night.”

And the need is great; one in three children enrolled in local YMCA Child Care and Day Camp programs are only able to participate because of the financial subsidy provided to their family through the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign.

“I do the golf tournament every year to raise funds to help kids have a chance in life and to become who they dream about becoming” says Jack Newton. “I’m thankful that the Y is open to everyone and can create a better future for many kids here in the Okanagan.”