YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Celebrates 145th Anniversary as Manitoba’s Longest Serving Charitable Organization

Winnipeg, Manitoba - The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is proud to mark its 145th anniversary, commemorating almost a century and a half of transformative impact for the people of Winnipeg.

Since its inception in 1879, Y Winnipeg has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving families with health, fitness, and aquatics, while growing to become the largest child care provider in Manitoba, as well as providing social supports like newcomer and mental health services.

“One of the most incredible things about the Y has been its ability to adapt to the needs of its time,” said Cordella Friesen, President & CEO of YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “Our organization has made it through two World Wars, the Great Depression and now a worldwide pandemic. A big reason for that is how we’ve always evolved to meet the needs of those who need us most.”

Founded on the principles of inclusivity and community engagement, the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg opened its doors on this day 145 years ago with a small reading room and community meeting space, then opening the historic Camp Stephens in Lake of Woods in 1891, and Winnipeg’s first indoor swimming pool at the corner of Portage Ave and Smith Street in 1901. To further expand reach and impact in downtown Winnipeg, the Y opened its Downtown location in 1913, which remains a vibrant hub of community activity over 110 years later.

Today, while embracing its place as Winnipeg’s longest serving charitable organization, Y Winnipeg recently released its new three-year Strategic Plan to help guide them to an equally impactful future. Part of that future is reaffirming the organization’s commitment to Winnipeg youth, resulting in the first ever Strong Kids Radiothon being held on 103.1 Virgin Radio on May 29th.

“Everywhere I go, when I tell people I work at the Y they always have their own Y story to share from when they were young,” said Friesen. “It’s quite humbling to know how much the Y means to people and it’s our job to make sure we have that same impact on people’s lives for generations to come.”

The Y is inviting the community to celebrate its 145th Anniversary with them with cupcakes served at its four community hubs from 12-1pm and 5-6pm today.