Being born in Tigray, a northern state in Ethiopia that endured decades of turmoil and strife from military battles over power, Robel Asgedom saw things as a child that can’t be unseen.
Being born in Tigray, a northern state in Ethiopia that endured decades of turmoil and strife from military battles over power, Robel Asgedom saw things as a child that can’t be unseen.
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But his life changed dramatically on March 15, 1991 when he arrived in Windsor at age 7 with his family. Now living in Merlin with his wife and five children, Asgedom remembers some of his greatest joys in life shortly after arriving in Canada were experienced at the YMCA.
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“It was like the first time a kid went to a carnival,” he said. “It was magical I didn’t know such a thing existed.”
Growing up around constant danger, Asgedom said coming to Canada was like “that first breath you take after being held for so long under water.”
Citing the positive experiences he had attending summer camps to swimming in an indoor pool and playing basketball at the YMCA, Asgedom said, “It was a place I could actually heal.”
This was made possible through the YMCA’s long-tradition of making sure its programs and services are available to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
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That membership support was provided to Asgedom, who continues to be a proud member of the YMCA, along with his wife and five children.
He told his story Thursday during the official kick-off of the 2024 annual Community Starts Here fundraising campaign for the Chatham-Kent YMCA.
More than 33 per cent of local YMCA members received some level of support last year totaling $168,400 so families, children, adults and seniors can access the local facility.
Long-time YMCA member Jim Loyer, who is leading the Community Starts Here campaign, refers to a phrase by a former YMCA general manager: “We like to be able to give people a hand up rather than a hand out.”
YMCA general manager Timarra Milmine added, “Access to our programs and services is the cornerstone of who we are.”
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She added the support of donors “helps everyone to ignite their potential and ensures that we are truly open to all that want to be here.”
The $100,000 campaign was given a boost with donations of $15,000 from TekSavvy and $5,000 from Waste Connections of Canada.
Loyer said whatever anyone can give to the campaign is appreciated. For more information on donating, call 519-360-9622.
“The amount is not as important as the thought that you’re trying to help out and allow some of the families that may not otherwise be able to afford it come and take advantage of the programs and the services,” Loyer said.
He added there is also “the positive atmosphere you will run into when you come through our doors.”
Asgedom remembers this well as young boy coming to the YMCA.
“One of the best experiences is you are greeted with a smile.”
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