Owen Sound, ON – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce is proud to once again receive a generous $10,000 grant from the Eva Leflar Foundation in support of the YMCA Strong Communities Fund. Their generosity helps remove barriers and create life-changing moments – moments of joy, connection, courage, and belonging. Donations like this help someone feel seen, supported, and empowered to shine.
The Strong Communities Fund helps ensure individuals and families across Grey and Bruce Counties can access YMCA health, fitness and aquatics programs, along with supports and safe spaces where they can thrive, regardless of financial circumstances. The YMCA Strong Communities Fund opens the door to swim lessons that build confidence and saves lives, day camps that give children a safe place to learn, play, and grow, youth programs that ignite belonging, and health and wellness opportunities that keep adults and seniors active and connected.
Through the support of donors like the Eva Leflar Foundation, more people in our community can access the programs and experiences that help them reach their full potential.
“Our Strong Communities Fund helps make YMCA membership and programs accessible to local individuals and families in financial need by subsidizing fees based on their financial situation,” says Sarah Cowley, CEO of YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “In the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the YMCA provided $196,544.66 in financial assistance to 1,235 individuals and families right here in our community, an amount that continues to grow every year. We are incredibly grateful to the Eva Leflar Foundation for their continued generosity and commitment to helping our community shine.”
The YMCA is committed to building a stronger, more connected community, one moment, one smile, and one life at a time. “Thanks to the ongoing support of the Eva Leflar Foundation, we can continue ensuring that no one is turned away from the programs and opportunities that help them thrive, adds Cowley”
The Eva Leflar Foundation was established in 1990 by Eva Leflar, a lifelong Owen Sound resident with a deep commitment to helping children and families in her community. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has supported local youth by funding opportunities in the arts, sports, and education, and has also contributed to improved neonatal and pediatric care at local hospitals. Eva’s legacy of compassion and community spirit continues to make a lasting impact through grants like this one.
At the YMCA, we believe that everyone has the potential to shine, especially when someone caring provides a spark. Because of donors, we’re able to remove barriers and empower more well-being, connection, confidence and belonging – one person and one transformative moment at a time. Learn more and donate to the YMCA today!