Help us ignite the potential in people.
Host your own fundraiser and bring your community, school, or workplace together in the name of a great cause!
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a charity inspiring positive change across our region. By hosting a fundraising event for the Y, you can help people in your community overcome barriers and open doors for them to live healthier and let their full potential shine.
How it works
Step 1:
Plan your event
Chose the type of fundraiser you’d like to host. A bake sale, read-a-thon, art sale, games night, or marathon — the sky’s the limit, be creative!
Step 2:
Reach out to the Y to share your event plans
Once you’ve got a great idea and a team ready to make it happen, get started by reaching out to our team to share your plans.
Step 3:
Spread the word
Promote your event on social media and via email. Don’t forget to invite your friends, family, and community to support you!
For more information, contact donations@ymcaottawa.ca
What you’re supporting
The money you raise through your event helps our Y run vital community programs, including:
Youth Housing Services
At-risk youth find a home at our Y’s Second Stage Housing Program. We provide youth with safe, supportive housing and life-skills programs, as well as access to mental health supports, employment help, access to health and fitness centres, and more.
Camps and Outdoor Education
For children and youth, a camp experience can be life-changing, yet many families need support to make this possible. Our Camp Otonabee and Neighbourhood Day Camps help build confidence, teach leadership and teamwork skills, and foster new interests and friendships.
Financial Assistance Program
People of all incomes deserve the chance to be active and healthy. Our financial assistance program helps provide YMCA Health & Fitness memberships to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them.
Frequently asked questions
If approved by our team, we would be delighted to let you use our logo. We can even provide customisable poster templates to help!
Ideally, the sooner we know the better. If you would like us to support you in terms of providing collateral support or attending your event, please give us at least two weeks' notice.
We would be delighted to provide tax receipts for all eligible donations above $10. As a general rule, if a donor is getting something in return for the money they give, it is not eligible for a tax receipt. Examples of ineligible donations include admission fees for an event, purchasing a raffle ticket/a silent auction bid, and donations provided in exchange for sponsorship. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
If you’re collecting cash/cheque donations, we need the following information to issue a tax receipt:
- The donor’s first and last name
- Their email address (if they have one)
- Their full home address
- How they donated (cash or cheque)
- Donation amount
The easiest way to do this is through CanadaHelps. You can create your fundraiser online and easily promote it through social media. The funds raised come straight to the Y and all your supporters will automatically receive a tax receipt when they donate.
*Please note that the YMCA is unable to secure sponsors or recruit, train, or manage volunteers for your event.