News and Stories

For the majority of my life, my brothers and I were raised by a single mom, my grandparents, and various friends of our family.

My name is Julia Gilbank and I have been a member at the Kelowna Family YMCA for over ten years now. Prior to that my exercise routine included walking with a friend in the evenings, but then my back went out.

Austin Nicholls’ has struggled with weight all his life. Growing up, Austin’s weight fluctuated between healthy and unhealthy levels but by the time he graduated, he was almost 300lbs. Austin’s battles with weight have been long and difficult, but since beginning a life-changing fitness journey with the YMCA in April 2017, he has successfully lost 70 pounds.

Volunteering has a direct impact on the lives of Canadians — whether it is teaching and supporting children, helping Canadians live healthier lives, or giving companionship. For Bryan Wentworth, the Y’s staff and volunteers have become a second family.

After retiring, in 1981, I moved to the Okanagan with my husband where we built a home. We were looking for something in the way of entertainment, so our friends asked if we wanted to come to the Y. That was 37 years ago and we’ve been coming ever since.

Myself (Leonardo), my wife Claudia, and my son Miguel moved from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Kelowna in May 2017. We were in search of a better future for Miguel that would be safer, as well as more economically and politically stable.