Sudbury, ON (May 21, 2025) — Today, YMCA Canada and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario kicked off “Communities That Thrive: The YMCA’s Vision for a Stronger Tomorrow,” a national speaking tour featuring YMCA Canada President & CEO, Peter Dinsdale. The tour is designed to strengthen ties with communities across the country and shine a light on the life-changing work happening every day at local YMCAs.
As part of the speaking tour, Dinsdale and Lorrie Turnbull, President & CEO, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, reiterated the YMCA’s role as one of Canada’s most trusted charities. Recent research from the Y shows six in 10 Canadians have little to no sense of community and connection – a challenge the YMCA is tackling head-on, creating a stronger, more unified future, one built on shared values, community impact, and a belief in everybody’s potential.
“As communities across Canada face evolving challenges, the YMCA remains a reliable and dependable partner and innovator,” says YMCA Canada President & CEO, Peter Dinsdale. “This tour is an opportunity to connect with the people who bring our mission to life, from dedicated staff and volunteers to local leaders and community partners. I’m honoured to visit the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario and celebrate the vital work they’re doing to strengthen the region.”
The tour is part of YMCA Canada's broader initiative to engage with local partners, civic leaders, and families, reaffirming the charity’s leadership in delivering essential services including licensed child care, employment and skills training, youth programs, and support for newcomers and marginalized communities.
“Our collaboration with YMCA Canada on this project is the first of its kind,” says Lorrie Turnbull, President & CEO, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. “The event gives us the chance to hear directly from the community and better understand the challenges facing our teams, families, municipalities, and community partners every single day. The conversations today not only bring us together as a community but will enable us to drive real and lasting change.”
The Sudbury event included participation from local dignitaries including Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Sudbury, Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay, Michelle Boileau, Mayor of Timmins and City Councilors.
For more information about YMCA Canada and its mission to ignite the potential in people and the communities, visit ymca.ca.
About YMCA Canada
The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA’s commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging.
About YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is a charity dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind, and body with a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.