YMCA thanks community after departure from Volleyball on the Boardwalk
– May 10, 2021 SAINT JOHN, NB – The YMCA of Greater Saint John wants to thank all our participants, partners and community members for the amazing support over the past 26 years for Volleyball on the Boardwalk.
The YMCA of Greater Saint John was approached by community volleyball enthusiasts who supported our Y’s Strong Kids fundraising initiative to create a program that would not only engage the community, but also provide more opportunities for community members to participate in programs and services with financial aid.
“Friends and volunteers at the YMCA started Volleyball on the Boardwalk to raise funds for the Strong Kids Campaign,” said Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John. “The growth over the years, in terms of participation and support, was incredible to see. This program not only kept participants healthy and active, but it also helped a lot of people to access our programs and services.”
The Y’s Strong Kids Campaign, now known as the Strong Communities Campaign, raises funds to help individuals, families, youth, and seniors who are facing financial barriers to access Y programs and services. 2,483 people were supported by the Strong Communities Campaign in 2020 and the need is growing. To donate visit https://swnb.ymca.ca/donate/donation-form/ .
Due to COVID-19, the Y was unable to host the volleyball program in 2020. After careful consideration due to ongoing pandemic and the upcoming waterfront development plans, which will see the site under construction, we have decided not to host Volleyball on the Boardwalk in 2021 and moving forward.
Volleyball on the Boardwalk has been a staple of the uptown summer culture engaging onlookers, supporters and most importantly, those having a blast playing volleyball at various competition levels on men’s, women’s and co-ed teams. We’d like to give a big shout-out to a few specific partnerships, including the City of Saint John for the sand and volleyball courts, Market Square and Grannan’s Seafood Restaurant. We also very much appreciate the financial support from various businesses, groups and levels of government to be able to offer prizes to participants of Volleyball on the Boardwalk.
Last summer, the Carleton Community Centre, along with the volleyball community support, ran a shorter session at their West Side Courts. Although the Y will no longer be hosting Volleyball on the Boardwalk, the Carleton Community Centre has decided to continue operating their volleyball courts again this season.
If you’d like to learn more about the West Side Volleyball programs please contact info@carletoncommunitycentre.ca
Thank you for your continued support and helping us in building strong communities.