YMCA Fill the Bus campaign helps create more opportunities for local children to experience camp

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the excitement of camp, discover new skills and interests, and build friendships that last beyond the summer months. Thanks to the generosity of the North Bay community, the YMCA’s annual Fill the Bus campaign is helping make those experiences possible for more local children and youth.

On Thursday, November 12, the North Bay YMCA brought community partners, sponsors, local businesses and supporters together for Mike and Kevin O’s Big Camp Adventure, a full day of celebration and fundraising in support of accessible YMCA camp experiences.

This year’s campaign raised enough funds to send over 375 kids to camp next summer, ensuring more children have opportunities to attend both day and overnight camps, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Funds raised through YMCA’s Fill the Bus not only cover the cost of camp registration, but also running shoes, sleeping bags and other essential supplies. Beyond the practical support, these contributions help give children opportunities to build confidence, develop independence, make meaningful friendships and discover what they’re capable of.

The day’s festivities kicked off at the North Bay YMCA with a community pancake breakfast and live radio broadcast featuring Mike Monaghan and Kevin O. Guests enjoyed breakfast generously provided by Average Joe’s, connected with community leaders and campaign supporters, and took part in decorating the YMCA Fill the Bus campaign bus with messages and artwork of encouragement.

The morning also featured remarks from community leaders and campaign supporters, along with special cheque presentations recognizing the generosity of the organizations and individuals investing in opportunities for local children.

The Big Camp Adventure continued on the road, with Mike and Kevin visiting some of the campaign’s major sponsors and supporters, including Agilis Networks and Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty Inc. The adventure also included a fun lunch stop at Ivan’s Restaurant before wrapping up with a visit to Northern Ontario Film Studios in Powassan.

“Fill the Bus is about so much more than getting children to camp. It’s about making sure every child has the opportunity to discover something new, build confidence, develop friendships and create memories that last a lifetime,” said Cristin Talentino, Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Engagement of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, and Fill the Bus Campaign Lead. “A day like this is a wonderful reminder of what happens when a community comes together. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, partners, donors and everyone who took the time to be part of the adventure.”

The YMCA extends its sincere thanks to presenting sponsor Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty Inc., along with Agilis Networks, JET FM 106.3, CFCH North Bay’s Best Country, KidSport North Bay, the North Bay Battalion, Ontario Northland, BDO, Allstate, Chat 4 Chad, Rotary Club of North Bay, Sellebrations, NoahStrong, and the many local businesses, community partners, volunteers and individual donors who have helped bring this year’s campaign to life.

Every seat has a story. Through the generosity of our community, more children will have the opportunity to create their own.

To learn more about Fill the Bus or make a contribution, visit ymcaneo.ca/fillthebus.