YMCA’s Fill the Bus campaign returns to help more North Bay children experience the lasting impact of camp

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is launching its annual Fill the Bus campaign in North Bay, inviting the community to help ensure more children and youth can experience adventure, connection and opportunities for growth that camp provides.

Last year’s campaign raised more than $121,000, helping hundreds of children access YMCA Camp experiences. This year, the YMCA is building on that momentum with returning matching sponsor Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty Inc. and a renewed invitation to local businesses, community partners and residents to get involved.

As families continue to navigate rising living costs, financial barriers can put camp experiences out of reach. Funds raised through Fill the Bus help children and youth in North Bay access YMCA day camps, overnight camp experiences and leadership development opportunities, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Camp offers children much more than a day or week of activities. It is a place to build friendships, try new things, develop independence and discover what they’re capable of. The confidence, skills and relationships they develop often stay with them long after camp ends.

The YMCA is here to help people reach their potential and create stronger, more connected communities. Camp is one of the places where that work begins. Every child deserves the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, discover their strengths and build relationships that support them as they grow. Through Fill the Bus, our community helps make those experiences accessible to more children and families.

— Lorrie Turnbull, President and CEO

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario

Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty Inc. is returning as a matching sponsor, continuing their commitment to helping local children and youth access meaningful camp experiences.

“We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when our community comes together around a shared purpose. We’re proud to continue supporting Fill the Bus because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp, build confidence and make memories that stay with them. Investing in these opportunities is an investment in the future of our community.”

— Rob Jamieson

Century 21 Blue Sky Region Brokerage Owner, and YMCA John Island Alumni

The community is invited to take part in two upcoming campaign events:

North Bay Battalion Takeover – November 1: The YMCA will be part of the Battalion game at Memorial Gardens, beginning at 2 p.m., with opportunities for fans to support Fill the Bus.
Fill the Bus Activation Day and Breakfast – November 12: Join the YMCA at 186 Chippewa Street West from 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. for a community breakfast and donation drive. Remarks will take place at 8:15 a.m., with local radio personalities Kevin O and Mike Monaghan helping bring the excitement of the YMCA’s Big Camp Adventure to the morning.

Local businesses and community partners are encouraged to support the campaign through sponsorship opportunities ranging from $275 to $5000 and above, and donations, helping extend the campaign’s reach and impact.

“Every year, we hear stories from people whose camp experiences have stayed with them for decades. The friendships they made, the confidence they developed and the experiences that helped shape who they became,” said . “We want more children to have those same opportunities. Whether it’s making a donation, becoming a sponsor, attending an event, or rallying friends and colleagues around the campaign, there are so many ways our community can help make that possible.”

— Cristin Talentino, Vice President, Philanthropy & Community Engagement and campaign lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario

Community members can support Fill the Bus by making a donation, attending campaign events, becoming a sponsor, or organizing their own fundraising activities.

To learn more about Fill the Bus and how to get involved, visit ymcaneo.ca/fillthebus or contact Mikayla Hobbs at Mikayla.hobbs@ymcaneo.ca

Media contact

For media inquiries, contact:

Khia Beauchesne
Communications & Marketing Specialist
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario
communications@ymcaneo.ca