Inspired by the real life story of Juan Mann, a man whose mission was to reach out and hug people to brighten up their day, Academy students participated in the school’s annual Free Hug day on Wednesday September 21st. They started off at the YMCA childcare space, then proceeded up Yonge Street for a reunion with the staff at 42 Charles. There’s nothing like a free hug!
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On Tuesday September 13th, the YMCA Academy Me to We club held their first meeting to begin planning for the upcoming school year. The club members came up with ideas to support Free the Children’s global and local initiatives, and created posters advertising ‘Free Hug Day’ on September 21st. Stay tuned for more from the Me to We club!
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Ben Anderson speaks to YMCA Academy students about the Youth Leadership Corps.
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Congratulations, YMCA Academy students on making us proud once again! We received this “thank you” from Free the Children for all of your outstanding work and commitment on social justice and environmental issues.
This year has gone by quickly, but let’s recap and celebrate some of our amazing projects: We Day, Halloween for Hunger, The Vow of Silence, Peace Week, The Good News Newsletter, Greening of the FDC childcare playground, Earth Week, Earth Hour, tree planting, Free Hugs, That’s Not Fair to Me, seeing Dr. Jane Goodall speak, Sasha’s presentation on her work with Free the Children in Kenya, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and the Healthy Choices Program with Brickworks!
Whew, it’s been a busy year of doing good, Academy students! You are a shining example of youth committed to social justice – well done!
On Friday June 10th, the YMCA Academy embarked on its second annual year end Toronto Islands outing. After hosting a farewell to 42 Charles Street building wide breakfast, staff and students made their way to the island ferry docks. After a 20 minute ride across the water we settled in and as part of their year end culminating assignment, the grade 10 phys-ed class organized an action packed and fun-filled game of soccer-baseball. After the game we had lunch followed by some ice-cream for those who still had room to eat. Proceeding lunch was an exciting game of capture the flag which lasted until our cleanup and departure from the island. It was a great day to celebrate a great year. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
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