Bianca Da Costa has been visiting Germany for over 30 years. She starts her trips by seeing her cousins in the Netherlands and then takes a nine-hour train ride to stay with her friends in Stuttgart. A self-identified travel junkie, Da Costa would rather explore cultural sites and local history than sit on the beach at a resort. 

Morocco, Spain, Italy, France and Argentina are some of the other places she’s explored over the years. But when COVID-19 hit last year, her travel plans were grounded.

Breakfast leads to a full course load

Da Costa spent most of her career working in financial services. With retirement approaching in 2020, she started to actively plan where she would visit and what she would do. Unfortunately, her golden years began at the cusp of a worldwide pandemic and she had to shift her focus to how she could experience the world from the comfort of her living room. 

“I was looking for something mentally stimulating,” says Da Costa. “Staring at a screen all day can become difficult. I needed human connection.”

Da Costa wasn’t active with the YMCA of Greater Toronto prior to the pandemic. It’s something that she had always wanted to do when she had more free time. But when she tuned in to an episode of Breakfast Television in June 2020, everything changed.

A feature on the newly launched site, The Bright Spot,  piqued her interest and she decided to visit the online community to learn more about the activities offered.

A taste of the world

Due to her love of travel, she started signing up for classes that catered to her international ambitions. Food for Thought helped her get a taste for other places and people. The 30-minute class is made up of regular participants, with culinary topics chosen based on cultural practices or seasonal holidays. People will bring spices, oils, or herbs and talk about traditions and preparation. 

While Da Costa wouldn’t be boarding a plane anytime soon, she did the next best thing and also signed up for Virtual Vacation. The travel activity allowed her to talk to other jet setters about their experiences, as well as share some stories of her own.

A few months ago, Da Costa volunteered to present about her time in southern Germany. She believes that letting people in on small details paint a big picture of what you can expect. It’s that world-building that makes you want to go there.  

“It’s been a challenging year for people who love to travel,” says Da Costa. “But I take each day as it comes. These programs are the next best thing to being there yourself.”

Speaking from the heart

While food and travel stories have helped Da Costa get a sense of other cultures, she also took advantage of The Bright Spot’s language classes to help her post-pandemic. She’s currently taking a Tuesday Spanish class to improve her vocabulary and communication skills.

Over a dozen people attend the weekly class, where participants learn through structured conversations. The introductory-level program covers language basics but over the past year, participants have improved their vocabulary extensively. In the future, they hope to meet in person, possibly in a country where Spanish is the native tongue.

“I love the Spanish class,” says Da Costa. “I have very dear friends who live in Spain and I’d love to go back to Barcelona. It’ll be great to actually order from a menu or have a conversation with someone.”

What’s up next?

When asked what has stood out most about The Bright Spot programming, Da Costa says it was how fast it all came together and the quality of the classes taken. She’s even brought the sponsorship opportunity to her past employer to see if they were open to supporting the initiative in the future.

“I hope the momentum continues, “ says Da Costa. “30 to 45 minutes to connect in the virtual world is better than not being able to connect at all. I don’t know when I’ll be able to see the globe again, but The Bright Spot has made a world of difference for me.”

Sidney Finkelstein (left) in front of the North York YMCA on December 2, 2020, collecting food for the month-long food and clothing drive.

According to Statistics Canada, there are more older Canadians in the labour force now than in the mid-1990s. From 1996 to 2018, the proportion of workers aged 55 and older almost doubled, from 10% to 21% of the workforce.

Forbes magazine says companies stand to benefit greatly from having older adults on their team. According to Forbes, older adults offer employers many skills and attributes that grow and develop with age including loyalty and stability, superb decision-making, confidence, management, leadership, and communication skills, as well as empathy.

At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we know firsthand how beneficial it is to have older adults on our team. We are lucky to have older members, employees and volunteers that make up our community. One of our longest-tenured members and volunteers is Sidney Finkelstein.

Sid, as he’s fondly known, has been volunteering with the YMCA of Greater Toronto for decades and in that time has brought his expertise and leadership skills to a variety of experiences.

Sid says that volunteering for the YCMA of Greater Toronto for the past 37 years is one of his great joys. He has embraced many roles during his career as a YMCA volunteer, including past Board Member and Chair of the Board’s Auditing and Nominations Committees. He has also been part of the Leadership Council at the North York YMCA. When you talk to Sid, you can tell that he is most passionate about his role as Group Fitness Leader and Group Fitness Mentor. He has trained more than 100 new group fitness instructors and has no plans of stopping.

Before COVID-19 hit, Sid was teaching group fitness classes at a variety of YMCA locations including North York, Oshawa, Scarborough and Markham. He is certified to teach many classes such as Runfit, Boxfit, Pilates, Boot Camp, Muscle Fit, Muscle Works, and Arriba.

When we temporarily closed our Health and Fitness centres in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we also had to pause many of our volunteer programs, but that did not stop Sid from continuing to serve the Y community. He sprang into action and reached out to several other volunteers and members and they started corresponding online and working out together virtually. It was his way of keeping the spirit of the Y going even in a time of crisis. “We stayed connected and supported each other through emails and on Zoom in the beginning. We’ve kept that up even now,” he says.

Once YMCA health and fitness centres re-opened in late Spring, Sid was back to teaching group fitness classes. “I used to teach about 12 classes per week, but after the pandemic, that number decreased to about three classes per week.”

As the infection rates started to rise again in the GTA in Fall 2020, many of the YMCA centres once again closed their doors to indoor programs but our committed team of employees and volunteers kept working. Outdoor classes were available at many YMCAs. One of those was Sid’s home Y in North York. He put on some warm workout gear and showed up for the community again, this time to teach three outdoor group fitness classes per week. He also attended other outdoor classes as a participant. When asked about what it was like to volunteer and work during this challenging year, he had this message:

“Volunteering is a really important part of connecting and feeling useful and productive, especially during challenging times. Right before the pandemic hit, I retired and I actually don’t think retirement is right for me. I think I will be back to working again once the pandemic is over.”

It’s evident that Sid thrives when he is serving others and staying active. With some YMCAs temporarily closed again and outdoor programming paused for the winter season, Sid is still showing up to serve the community by lending a helping hand with our food bank initiatives. Part of the North York YMCA is currently operating as an extension of the North York Harvest Food Bank.

Our staff and volunteers are working hard to prepare food donations for the people in our communities who need the extra support. COVID-19 has created more food insecurity in our city than ever before and Sid says actively working to help alleviate some of that strain on people in our neighbourhoods is motivating him to keep going.  “Volunteering at the food bank is what keeps me excited and looking forward to something every day.”

We are lucky to have such a passionate and committed member on our team. Thank you for all your hard work, Sid!

For anyone interested in donating food or gently used winter clothing, we are accepting donations for the entire month of December at all nine YMCA Health and Fitness centres. Find out more on our Facebook event page.

Written by Karolina Hordowick.

The great outdoors have always mattered to Diane and Stan Gasner. They raised their sons, Dan and Wayne, to appreciate the physical and mental well-being benefits that nature provides. When their son Dan was a teen, he attended YMCA Camp Beausoleil located on Georgian Bay. This first camp experience was especially transformative for Dan, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time there.

After Camp Beausoleil closed in 1980, campers were transferred to YMCA Camp Pine Crest. “Dan ultimately became a counsellor at Camp Pine Crest,” explains Diane. His favourite activity was canoeing. “Dan was a godsend, because he taught me the basic handling of canoeing.”

Sadly, in the summer of 1988, the Gasners experienced the unthinkable — they lost Dan in a car accident. To honour the memory of their beloved son, the couple established the Dan Gasner Memorial Endowment Fund, which provides an annual gift to help youth who otherwise would not be able to attend Camp Pine Crest experience all it offers.

“We have, for some time, donated to the YMCA, but Dan’s memorial fund was the beginning of our giving to Camp Pine Crest,” explains Stan. “We didn’t know Camp Pine Crest before Dan started going there, but after we lost him, our involvement deepened. Since then, we’ve visited often.”

With a background in engineering, Stan offered his expertise and insight to the redevelopment of Camp Pine Crest’s spaces as part of the 100-year anniversary. “With the renovations, I reviewed designs for several areas of the camp and its facilities,” he explains.

Today, Diane and Stan continue to give generously every year, ensuring campers have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, discover new skills and abilities, make lifelong friends, and experience the thrill of water sports. The couple recently made a significant gift to establish The Gasner Family Fund, which initially provided funds to make Camp Pine Crest’s refreshed sailing program a reality. The program is now successfully underway. “We hope the sailing program initiates in campers a lifelong interest in getting out on the water,” says Stan. “Sailing will normally lead to racing, and provide many lifelong skills, including decision making, teamwork, leadership, strategic thinking, and confidence.”

Thanks to the Gasners, more campers will have opportunities to develop these skills that will stay with them for life. “It feels great knowing that our gift will emphasize adventure, nature, and all the skills and abilities that come with sailing,” says Stan. “I remember how much our son Dan loved getting out on the water, and I love that other young people will have opportunities to do the same,” adds Diane.

There’s no slowing down Rose Arciaga. Moving to Canada from the Philippines almost five decades ago, she’s always found ways to stay healthy and fit, staving off the diabetic and heart conditions impacting many of her siblings. “Being active gives me such a sense of accomplishment. It’s the best!” she says.

In 2005, Rose’s daughter introduced her and her husband, Robert, to the Scarborough Centre YMCA. “It was definitely the best change in our lifestyle since retirement,” Rose says. She was instantly hooked and, before we temporarily closed our doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, she would visit five days a week. “The Y is my home away from home,” she explains. For Rose, it’s about more than maintaining physical health. It’s about reducing isolation, getting social, and making meaningful connections.

“When I wake up every morning, I feel like I have purpose. It’s so much better than just sitting at home, in front of the TV, doing nothing,” explains Rose. Robert also joins in often.

Between her favourite Y classes, now available online, Rose has gotten to know many other older adults. “It’s very social and fun. Everyone gets along — we’re like a big family here.”

Getting social is a big part of Rose’s overall health and well-being, she explains. “We exchange pleasantries, chat, and build friendships. We have luncheons, celebrate various occasions, and share our stories. It’s so great to be a part of it.”

Rose believes everyone in her community — not only the growing number of older adults, but also young children, teens, and families — should have access to the same opportunities for physical and social well-being she enjoys at the Y. That’s why she gives, every month. “A gift to the Y, no matter how big or how small, matters. I know mine matters,” says Rose. In fact, she recently doubled her donation in support of others in her community.

“It feels good to know I’m helping provide financial assistance to older adults who cannot afford it, to children, youth, and families too,” she says. “I want everyone to be able to come here.”

While we may not be able to use our Health and Fitness centres at the moment, many older adults like Rose are finding the same inspiring classes and community connections they know and love on The Bright Spot. Browse our Activities page to try some of Rose’s favourite classes from your own home for free! We look forward to seeing Rose and all of our other members again in person, but until then, we have The Bright Spot to help us keep connected.

We are so looking forward to a time when we will all be able to get back in the pool again! Until then, here’s a story from YMCA member Lea, who has a long and special history with our Scarborough centre and its team members.

Here is her story, written by Karolina Hordowick.

Lea, 80, has been swimming laps at the Scarborough Centre YMCA for more than 25 years. This former competitive swim coach passed her love of the water on to her two grandchildren, both of whom took swim lessons at this same Y.

In 2013, Lea’s world changed forever when she experienced a debilitating stroke. Losing significant physical capacity in the left side of her body forced her to take a year off to recover. She then faced a monumental task: learning to swim all over again.

The combination of her own perseverance, the Y community that rallied around her, and support from Y staff Bev Stephenson and Narayan Persaud, helped Lea dive back into her passion. “When I returned to the Y, everyone welcomed me back — it was like coming home,” Lea recalls. From keeping her safe in the water to helping her with strengthening exercises afterwards, Narayan has been there for Lea every stroke of the way. “We’ve built a relationship that feels like a family,” he says. Having known him for 17 years, since the start of his YMCA career, Lea adds: “Thanks to Narayan, I feel supported. I feel like I’m not alone.”

Pre-COVID-19, Lea would get in her laps with Narayan by her side — even on tough days. “I’ve said a few times, ‘I’m not getting in,’ but Narayan just says, ‘What would your former swim club think?’” laughs Lea. With patience and practice, she’s learned how to glide through the water with freedom and grace once again — and the Y volunteers, staff, and members who’ve witnessed Lea’s incredible journey couldn’t be more proud.

Jean Hamm dedicated her life to giving back. Her children and grandchildren are now acting on her incredible legacy (Pictured in spring 2019. From left to right: Shirley Hamm, Bill Robertson, John Robertson, Barb Mason, Don Mason, Emily Brennan, Chris Mason, Jean Hamm, Kate Mason, James Hamm).

Written by Karolina Hordowick.

The first chapter of one of Canada’s most remarkable philanthropic stories starts at World War II’s end. It was then that a young Frank Lawson (1891–1984) saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Career Counselling was a relatively new idea at the time, and Frank was immensely inspired by the work of its founding father, Dr. Gerald P. Cosgrave. Following his footsteps, Frank volunteered as Chairman of YMCA’s Counselling Service in its second year.

Through his drive and personal philanthropy, he began to promote its importance and champion the establishment of career centres at several universities. Frank established The Counselling Foundation of Canada in 1959.

Today, standing behind the Foundation are the Lawson and Hamm families, with four generations dedicated to helping people live purposeful, productive lives. They’ve long supported the YMCA  of Greater Toronto and have spent decades giving back, in various roles, through the Foundation and other charities.

When he passed, Frank left the bulk of his estate to The Counselling Foundation of Canada, ensuring his family’s capacity to fund transformative change across the nation. “There’s no question we inherited a formidable legacy from my father,” says Donald Lawson. Donald went on to provide exemplary leadership and counsel as Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Board in 1968. He set our YMCA on the course to become a sustainable and impactful charity. “It took me a long time to realize that the genius of the YMCA was the influence of one person on another,” he explains. “Those experiences were a really important part of my own development.” Donald’s legacy of civic responsibility has been personally rewarding. “I’ve had three careers: one in business, one in philanthropy, one in volunteerism,” he says.

Donald’s sister, the late Jean Hamm (1923–2018), was also a visionary philanthropist, who acted as Director and Vice-Chair of the Foundation. “Like her father, my mom dedicated her life to the service of others. She was always engaged in volunteerism throughout her long life,” says Jean’s daughter, Shirley Hamm. Jean championed the outdoor centre, Cedar Glen, which then belonged to the United Church. Realizing Jean’s vision, the Foundation donated the centre to the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

Many members of the Lawson and Hamm families gathered in spring 2019 at the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre (from left to right: Jaime, Elizabeth and Michael Huggesen, Douglas Lawson, Alison Hamm, Willis Pommier, Kyle Mason, Yvonne Lawson, Jessica Hamm, David Lawson, James Hamm, Scott Lawson, Anne Lawson, and Christine Lawson).

Today, the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre enables 25,000 children, youth, and adults annually to connect to  nature, learn new skills, and have fun. “My mother lovingly gave hours, days, and years to Cedar Glen. She believed that outdoor education offers a powerful and transformational experience for youth and adults,” says Jean’s daughter, Barb Mason. “I’m convinced that Cedar Glen, as it exists today, is what she always envisioned.”

“My grandfather, father, and aunt accomplished a lot — they taught us that to whom much is given, much is expected,” explains Donald and Lorraine’s son, Douglas Lawson (current Foundation Board Chair). “Their substantial accomplishments are something to be proud of and to live up to.”

Today, with Donald’s son, Bruce Lawson, at the helm as current President & CEO, the Foundation continues to invest in an ever-broadening range of innovative programs that benefit youth, newcomers, young families, individuals experiencing poverty, Indigenous peoples, and many others.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is honoured by its meaningful partnership with The Counselling Foundation of Canada. Thanks to their remarkable generosity, the YMCA established the Donald G. Lawson Leadership Development Fund to mark Donald’s remarkable legacy and retirement as Past Chair of the Foundation Board. The Fund ensures YMCA staff have opportunities for continuous learning. The Foundation also made an endowment to establish the Jean Hamm Leadership Development Scholarship Fund for young women attending the YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Center as leaders in training.

“Ultimately, I hope we can look back and see that what we took over became much bigger than we found it,” says Douglas. “By doing so, we’ll have accomplished our mission.”

This next story of recovery and healing shows just how important a healthy mind and an active body are for longevity and well-being. While we may not be able to see each other face to face right now, that shouldn’t stop each and every one of us from continuing to make positive choices. The Bright Spot is here to help you access the same supports and resources that Doug Fulford had in our YMCA Centres of Community from your home. Here is Doug’s story.

Doug Fulford’s rheumatoid arthritis symptoms came on suddenly, leaving him — in his words — weak, foggy-brained, and barely able to walk 600 steps a day. His doctors told him he needed to start a regular exercise routine. Eager to try anything that might help him feel better, Doug began searching for a place to start his recovery — and he found the Oshawa YMCA. Here are the three things that resonated with him and helped him start healing:

1. Accessible fitness options

Doug began his Y experience with one of our most fun group fitness classes: Arriba! This fusion of Latin, Bollywood, and belly dance moves is set to lively music that has the power to move just about everyone, and that’s exactly what happened to Doug. The instructor told him to join in where he could and not to feel discouraged if there were moves he couldn’t manage yet. That permission to move at his own pace was what hooked Doug on day one.

“I had so much fun in that class, and the instructor gave me lots of support,” Doug says. “That 45 minutes was such a riot!”

2. New friendships

Not only did he increase his mobility while decreasing inflammation and the amount of medication he’s taking; Doug says he also grew his support system. “I remember when I first walked into the Y and stopped at the front desk,” he recalls. “They gave me a tour and I thought to myself, ‘I can do this! This is where I need to be.’”

He quickly started connecting with Y staff and his fellow members.

“I didn’t believe that I had a lot of friends…now, I couldn’t count them all. The connection with other people can be very healing.”

Doug says it’s the support of his friends that keeps him coming back to classes time and time again.

3. Opportunities to give back
Today, Doug’s striving to help others access the same tools and supports that helped him along the road to recovery. Months ago, when our centres were still open, Doug volunteered as an instructor for his favourite class, AquaFit, and he even joined the Sweat For Good Challenge, our biggest fundraising event of the year. The money Doug raised helps others in the community access the same YMCA programs that supported him in his journey of healing. Funds go towards financially assisted memberships for people who otherwise couldn’t afford to join the Y. For someone going through life-altering changes like Doug was, getting access to these supports can mean a world of difference.

From barely being able to walk and needing two hands to pour his coffee, to leading group fitness classes every week and participating in a fitness fundraiser, Doug has come a long way in a short amount of time.

We’re inspired by him, and we hope you are, too. Join in on more activities and connect with others through The Bright Spot. We’re thrilled to be able to bring you fitness, mindfulness, and community right to your home.