Looking back with Big Jack

Photo: Contributed

Earlier this summer, Jack Newton presented the YMCA of Okanagan with a cheque for $5,000 to benefit local children and youth who are living in financial need within our community.
 
Over the last four years, Big Jack’s Annual Golf Tournament — held each June at Black Mountain— has raised a total of $20,600 in support of the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign; the vehicle that provides financial assistance to low-income families needing help to access child care, employment, health, fitness, aquatics and leadership programs.
 
With the support of local businesses, volunteers, family and friends, Big Jack has built a following that is dedicated to making each year’s golf tournament more successful than the last.
 
“I do the golf tournament every year to raise funds to help kids have a chance in life and to become who they dream about becoming” says Jack Newton. “I’m thankful that the Y is open to everyone and can create a better future for many kids here in the Okanagan.”
 
For Tina Bennett, Kelowna Family Y’s Child and Youth Manager, these funds will change lives for many Okanagan families. As one child in summer camp said to her recently, “the Y makes me feel at home, like I belong somewhere.”
 
One in four children enrolled in the YMCA’s Child Care and Day Camp programs are only able to participate because of the financial subsidy provided through the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign.
 
The YMCA relies on community support to ensure quality programs are accessible to all. To learn more about the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, please visit ymcaokanagan.ca