Big Jack gives back!

Photo: Contributed

Jack Newton and his wife Ethel presented YMCA of Okanagan with $3,400 for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

Jack Newton presented the YMCA of Okanagan with a cheque for $3,400 to benefit local children and youth who need a helping hand to access Y child care, employment, health, fitness, aquatics and leadership programs. 
 
Proceeds from the 10th Annual Big Jack’s Annual Golf Tournament held at the Black Mountain Golf Course supported both the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign and the Norbert Heinzelman Memorial Award.
 
For YMCA Manager of Child Care, Danielle Miranda, these funds will change lives for many Okanagan families. “We see kids in our centres everyday who don’t have anywhere else to go after school and during school breaks,” says Miranda. “These kids need support systems, access to early learning, and positive role models to look up to while their parents do their best to put food on the table every night.” 
 
And the need is great; one in three children enrolled in the Y’s Child Care and Day Camp programs are only able to participate because of the financial subsidy provided to their family through the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign. 
 
“This was the 10th year I have hosted the Big Jack’s Open and the 5th year the proceeds have supported the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign,” says Jack Newton. “I will continue to put on the tournament for as long as I can as it’s my way to give back to the community I love, grew up in and gave me a great life. I would do anything to put a smile on any kids face and help to make their life better and happier.”