FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 03, 2025
YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada Recognized with Strategic Collaboration Award at 44th Annual NAYDO Conference
Saint John, NB – The YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada were honoured with the Strategic Collaboration Award at the 44th Annual North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) Conference, held this year in St. Louis, Missouri. The award recognizes the outstanding partnership and united efforts of YMCA Associations across the region to support their communities and strengthen philanthropic culture.
This year’s recognition was awarded in honour of the YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada’s Give the Gift of Camp campaign—an ambitious, region-wide initiative aimed at sending 1,300 children to YMCA camps across Atlantic Canada in the summer of 2024. The campaign brought together 11 YMCA Associations across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador to collectively address barriers to camp participation and ensure all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive through the camp experience.
Accepting the award on behalf of the region were Maxine McLean (YMCA of Pictou County), Jeff MacNeil (YMCA of Cape Breton), and Jennifer Yeomans (YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick). Their presence at the conference reflected the spirit of collaboration that earned the YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada this distinguished recognition.
“This campaign was about more than sending kids to camp—it was about demonstrating the power of collective impact,” said Jennifer Yeomans, Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. “By working together across provinces, we removed barriers, shared resources, and made camp dreams a reality for over a thousand children.”
The Give the Gift of Camp campaign removesfinancial, transportation, and cultural barriers to access camp. It ensures equitable opportunities for children throughout the region to connect, build confidence, and experience the joys of summer camp.
The Strategic Collaboration Award celebrates efforts that demonstrate innovation, impact, and teamwork—qualities deeply embedded in the mission of the YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada.
Photo: Maxine McLean (YMCA of Pictou County), Jeff MacNeil (YMCA of Cape Breton), and Jennifer Yeomans (YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick) accept the Strategic Collaboration Award on behalf of the YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada at the 44th Annual NAYDO Conference.
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About the YMCA
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a trusted charity that ignites the potential in people, fostering lasting personal and social change. We are committed to providing opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services, including health, fitness and recreation, licensed child care, camps, outdoor education, employment, education, newcomer services, leadership development, and volunteer opportunities. With over 20 locations and 88,000 connections across Southwestern New Brunswick, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine.
About NAYDO
The North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and strengthening the philanthropic culture within the YMCA movement. In partnership with YMCA of the USA, YMCA Canada, and YMCA Mexico, NAYDO provides training, resources, and networking to enhance fundraising success and community impact.
About the YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada
The YMCA’s of Atlantic Canada include 11 YMCA Associations working across New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. Through a wide range of programs and services, YMCAs foster belonging, connection, and growth for individuals and families of all backgrounds and life stages.
Media Contact:
Erin Lawlor
Manager of Marketing and Communications,
YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
e.lawlor@yswnb.ca , 506-608-6200