On Sunday, April 30, the YMCA of Oakville will celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day by inviting families to drop by the YMCA for free. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to participate in free activities while learning the joys of living a healthy lifestyle together, as a family. YMCA Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at YMCA’s across Canada on the same day.
According to the 2016 YMCA Healthy Kids Day Survey, Ontario parents acknowledge there are barriers keeping them from leading a healthy lifestyle, including: a lack of time (45%), work/life balance (39%) and energy or motivation (28%). Parents across Canada identified the same barriers. With more than 33% of Canadian children aged five to 17 being overweight, leading a healthy, active lifestyle can and should be a family priority.
The YMCA offers a variety of programs for all ages with an emphasis on total health in mind, body and spirit. Through YMCA Healthy Kids Day, the Y hopes to break down the barriers preventing families from living healthier lives.
"It is the power of community found through activity together and a supportive network that helps people achieve greater health, in every way. With events like YMCA Healthy Kids Day and year-round programs for kids, the YMCA offers simple, value-based solutions and habits to stick with them for a lifetime," said Kyle Barber, President and CEO at the YMCA of Oakville.
This free community event will take place at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA at 410 Rebecca Street on Sunday, April 30 from 10:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Activities include:
- Opening Ceremony – Experience a traditional smudge ceremony and Inuit High Kicking, bum hop and more hosted by Stephen Paquette, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Darryl Day.
- Taste of Canada - Enjoy some amazing food representing Canada’s diverse culture! Local restaurants Coriander Green, French Lunch, Fuego Tapas, Maro’s, Nostalgia Latin Market, Solasta, and Zagros Grill House will host this delicious activity.
- Master Chef Family - Compete as a family in a special “Canadian” cooking challenge that will be judged by Stephanie Brewster, winner of the Chopped Canada TV show and Julia Hanna, local Oakville restauranteur!
- Video Time Capsule - Join us to create a special time capsule to be opened during the Oakville YMCA’s 100th birthday! Oakville Galleries will host this fun art activity.
- Nature Hike at Bronte Creek Provincial Park - Join us for a guided walk through Bronte Park and help us plant some apple trees. Transportation provided to and from Bronte.
Visit ymcaofoakville.org for a complete schedule of activities.
PLUS, National Youth Week kicks off at 4:00!
Join us in kicking off National Youth Week at the YMCA on Sunday, April 30 following YMCA Healthy Kids Day! National Youth Week celebrates the participation of youth in their community and takes place throughout Oakville from May 1-7 with a variety of free activities for youth ages 13-29.
On Sunday, April 30, youth are invited to drop by the Y for free food, sports, games and music by DJ Neecy. Throughout the week, youth will also have FREE access to all youth drop-in programs at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA and the Town of Oakville youth centres, as well as creative activities with the Oakville Public Library. National Youth Week wraps up with a Campfire Night at the Y on Friday, May 5 from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
As a charity, the YMCA of Oakville has a special focus on children and youth. Through targeted programs, and together with other local organizations and partners, the YMCA provides solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues like obesity, social isolation and mental health. Visit ymcaofoakville.org for more details and a full schedule of activities for YMCA Healthy Kids Day and National Youth Week.