A Message from our President & CEO, Shilo Boucher
As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we accomplished in 2024. It was a year of incredible growth, meaningful impact, and bold steps forward.
This year also marked the conclusion of our 170-year celebration, recognizing the YMCA’s deep roots in our community and the lasting impact we continue to make. For 170 years, we have been committed to strengthening individuals and families, and in 2024, we built on this legacy with new programs, expanded services, and a continued focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
A significant milestone this year was our name change from the YMCA of Greater Saint John to the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. This change better reflects the diverse communities we serve and our commitment to supporting individuals and families across the region.
One of our most exciting developments was laying the groundwork for the Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre, and in just a few short weeks, the Centre will officially open. This long-anticipated space will serve as a leading hub for outdoor education, newcomer programming, and community engagement.
Another major milestone was the opening of our new Child Care Centre in Quispamsis at the Shannex, which introduced innovative intergenerational programming. This centre has already begun fostering meaningful connections between children and seniors, creating an enriching environment where different generations can learn from and support each other.
Beyond new initiatives, our impact in 2024 was greater than ever. Over 88,000 connections were made across our programs, strengthening our community and expanding opportunities for engagement. Additionally, 4,100 people received financial assistance to participate in YMCA programs and services, ensuring that no one was left behind due to financial barriers.
While we are proud of the strides made, we know that the work is far from finished. The needs in our community continue to grow, and our focus for 2025 is clear: to expand support, break down barriers, and ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services that foster well-being and belonging. We will focus on initiatives such as the Community Health Initiative, improving access to programs and services that reduce poverty, hunger, and social isolation, as well as upgrading infrastructure to ensure we are well-equipped for the future.
We are excited to share additional highlights from 2024, celebrating the incredible impact we’ve made together and the ways we have strengthened communities across Southwestern New Brunswick.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and the generosity of our donors, who raised a tremendous amount in 2024 to help sustain and grow our impact. Together, we have strengthened the foundation of our organization, ensuring we can continue to serve those who need us most and positioning ourselves for even greater impact in 2025.
Thank you for your passion, commitment, and belief in the work we do.
Shilo Boucher, CPA, CA, ICD.D
Community Impact by Numbers
Thanks to your support, 2024 was a year of growth, resilience, and community transformation. But don’t just take our word for it—see the impact for yourself!
Discover how your contributions helped:
- Connect more families to nature at the Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre
- Empower young athletes through the YMCA Flyers program
- Strengthen our community with vital programs and services
Every number tells a story. Every story represents a life changed.
Explore the full impact report and celebrate what we accomplished together!
Click to Enlarge
Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre
In just a few short weeks, we will officially open the doors to the Glenn Carpenter Centre! This marks a significant achievement for our community, as we bring to life a vision of accessible, year-round outdoor education and recreation for families, youth, and newcomers, while honoring the legacy of Glenn Carpenter.
Glenn’s dedication to youth leadership, community, and the outdoors was at the heart of this project, and we are proud to carry his vision forward. His commitment to empowering young people and fostering a sense of community through outdoor experiences is the foundation of the Centre, and we are excited to see his spirit of connection and exploration come to life through this facility.
As we continue to navigate the digital age, the importance of disconnecting from the screens and reconnecting with nature has never been more crucial. The Glenn Carpenter Centre offers a variety of outdoor programming designed to help individuals of all ages step away from technology and immerse themselves in the natural world. Whether it’s outdoor education, hiking, leadership development, or environmental stewardship, our programming is designed to help people reconnect with the land, build skills, and engage in meaningful experiences that promote health and well-being.
Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our donors, partners, and community members, we successfully raised $4.7 million to make this project a reality.We are thrilled to share that the Centre is slated to open in March, and we can’t wait to welcome you. This new facility will offer a range of activities from outdoor education and leadership development to health and wellness initiatives, after-school programs, and community events. The Centre will be a place where learning, adventure, and well-being come together, all while providing an essential break from the digital world.
Our commitment to creating meaningful experiences in nature has never been stronger. With this expansion, we will be able to serve more people than ever before, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor learning and recreation are accessible to all, no matter the season.
To properly celebrate this exciting achievement and Glenn’s enduring legacy, we will be hosting a Grand Opening later in the spring, and we will be sure to send along an invitation. In the meantime, check out our progress photos to give you a glimpse of what’s to come. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to welcoming you soon to experience all that the Glenn Carpenter Centre has to offer!
Foundation and Grant Support
Thank you to the following funders, who have made contributions to the YMCA’s programs, services and facilities in 2024:
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- ANLB
- Aqueduct Foundation
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
- City of Saint John
- Crabtree Foundation
- Department Tourism, Heritage and Culture
- Province of New Brunswick
- Harrison McCain Foundation
- Hilary & Galen Weston Foundation
- iA Financial Group
- Mayflower Sharp’s of Sussex New Start Foundation Inc.
- Medavie Health Foundation
- New Brunswick Children’s Foundation
- ParticipACTION
- Saint John Exhibition Foundation
- Southwest NB Regional Service Commission
- TELUS Corporation
- The Paul Barber Foundation
- The Rotary Club of Saint John
- The Sir James Dunn Foundation
- United Way Of Greater Saint John
Y Stories
1961 YMCA Flyers Inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick celebrated the induction of the 1961 YMCA Flyers Basketball team into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on October 26th at the Lily Lake Pavilion, commemorating the team’s remarkable legacy and celebrating the YMCA’s 170th anniversary.
The Flyers, renowned for their dedication and excellence, achieved an extraordinary feat in 1961 by winning the C.A.B.A Senior B National Championship. Senior B was the highest-ranking level basketball team at the time, making this a major accomplishment for a small Maritime team. This team, comprised of various star players from around Saint John, brought immense pride to their community by defeating the Halifax Schooners with a final score of 73-57.
Last spring, many of the Flyers, now in their late 80s and early 90s, gathered at the YMCA, seeing each other for the first time in over 60 years. They shared old stories and celebrated their exciting accomplishment, reminiscing about their journey to the championship.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 170th anniversary with such a significant event,” said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick.
“Inducting the Flyers into the Sports Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to honor their legacy and the rich history of our organization. Celebrating this team’s achievement underscores the YMCA’s longstanding commitment to fostering talent and community spirit.”
Ferdinand Forgey, commonly known as Ferd, an original player of the Flyers and the individual who nominated the team for this honor, shared his excitement. “It’s a privilege to see our team recognized after so many years,” says Forgey. “We played with heart and determination, and it’s wonderful to celebrate our achievements with the community and the YMCA. “The best way to put it is ‘Never say never,’” Ferd added, referencing the late George Willard, a former teammate who had previously nominated the team for the award without success.
Inducted Team Members:
- Reynold Mackenzie
- Ferdinand Forgey
- Gordon Messer
- Noel Writtien
- John Rockwell
- Art McKay
- Alfie Smith
- The Late Ken Gould
- The Late George Willard
- The Late Bob Mabey
- Dave Matheson
- Clarence “Bunky” Good
The Flyers’ induction was a highlight of the YMCA’s year-long 170 anniversary celebrations. This milestone reflects the enduring spirit and community impact of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick.
*Note: Ferd Forgey passed away on February 28, 2025.
Ignite Potential: A Community That Shines Together
At the YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to unlock their true potential. Our multimedia campaign highlighted the broad range of programs we offer, from health and wellness to camp, employment services, youth engagement, and much more. The Y is a place where individuals of all ages can connect, thrive, and find the support they need to shine.
Recent YMCA research revealed that six in ten Canadians surveyed have little or no sense of community. In response, the goal of our campaign was to foster meaningful connections, break down barriers, and create a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds to experience a sense of belonging. Through this initiative, we aimed to remind Canadians that the YMCA is a community hub where people can find connection, support, and ignite their true potential.
Community Highlights
Loonie Loops 2024: A Race with Purpose, Impact, and Community Spirit
A huge thank you to the Saint John Trail Running community for hosting the unforgettable Loonie Loops Race at the Glenn Carpenter Centre! We were honored to be part of this incredible 24-hour event, where runners of all ages and abilities came together, not just to compete, but to make a meaningful difference in our community.
From the youngest participant at just 13 years old to the inspiring 74-year-old runner, the race was a heartwarming display of determination and community spirit. Each runner tackled the challenging 3km loop around Ashburn Lake, pushing their limits and supporting one another every step of the way.
The Loonie Loops 2024 wasn’t just about athletic achievement—it was about empowering individuals, creating opportunities, and coming together to make a lasting impact. Every step taken, every lap completed, and every dollar raised supports our Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring we can continue to provide vital resources to individuals and families who need them most.
Whether it’s helping send a child to camp to discover their potential, or providing a membership that introduces someone to the health benefits of exercise, the funds raised will create opportunities for countless individuals to thrive. Your support is helping ignite the spark that will empower our neighbors and build a stronger, more connected community.
We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the runners, volunteers, and spectators who contributed to making this event so impactful. Together, we’ve shown the true power of community. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
Thank You to Our Aquafit Heroes!
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing members of our Aquafit class who generously donated Crocs for our summer campers! While sponsoring children to attend camp was a significant gesture, many of them also faced additional challenges, such as not having the proper footwear. Their thoughtful contributions made a world of difference, ensuring the campers had the essentials they needed to fully enjoy their experience and thrive throughout the summer.
From all of us at the YMCA, thank you for your kindness and support. They played a pivotal role in helping create unforgettable memories and positive experiences for these kids, and for that, we are truly grateful.
Getting Camp Glenburn Ready for Summer 2024: A Volunteer Story
This spring, as the warmer weather arrived, a group of volunteers from RBC made their way to Camp Glenburn, ready to roll up their sleeves and prepare the camp for the summer of 2024. Sarah, Emily, Shannon, and Brent weren’t just there to work—they were there to make a difference, to breathe new life into the camp that would soon be buzzing with excited campers.
The team tackled the task of cleaning up the camp with energy and enthusiasm. They raked and moved over 500lbs of leaves, their laughter echoing through the woods as they worked together. The gardens, which had been resting through the cold months, were brought back to life as the volunteers laid fresh mulch, ensuring the camp would be as vibrant as the campers who would soon arrive.
It wasn’t just about cleaning up—it was about creating an environment where memories would be made, friendships would blossom, and potential would be unlocked. Thanks to Sarah, Emily, Shannon, and Brent, Camp Glenburn was ready for its next chapter, and they helped set the stage for an unforgettable summer for every camper.
Their hard work and dedication weren’t just felt in the gardens or the freshly raked leaves—they left an impact on everyone who would walk through the camp’s gates, ready to experience the magic of the season.
$15 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$15 monthly gift is $180.
This monthly donation will provide a child with peer-to-peer support through the Rainbows program so they can develop coping skills to deal with
traumatic life experiences.
$20 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$20 monthly gift is $240.
This monthly donation will provide a youth with a 6-month membership to theY where they can take part in youth
programming and gain confidence.
$35 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$35 monthly gift is $420.
This monthly donation will support a child’s journey to overnight camp at Camp Glenburn. Here they will make
memories to last a lifetime.
$50 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$50 monthly gift is $600.
This monthly donation will give peace of mind to a family that is struggling because your donation reduced
the cost of after school care.
$75 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$75 monthly gift is $900.
This monthly donation will supporta senior on a fixed income with a 1-year membership, giving them the opportunity to connected and
nurture their health & wellbeing.
$100 / Month
The yearly impact of a
$100 monthly gift is $1200.
This monthly donation will provide Child Care support for a newcomer family who don’t qualify for
government support.