Airport Authority Donates $10,000 to Support Youth Programs at the YMCA of Wood Buffalo
Fort McMurray, AB – On November 25, 2014, the Fort McMurray Airport Authority formalized its support of youth programming at the YMCA of Wood Buffalo during a ceremony held at the Westwood Family YMCA (located at 221 Tundra Drive in Fort McMurray). Scott Clements, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, presented a cheque for $10,000 to Nick Parkinson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Northern Alberta, as part of a three-year funding commitment.
This donation will primarily support the YMCA’s Youth Leadership Program. This 10-week course, offered three times per year, provides kids aged 13-15 with an opportunity to learn about volunteering in the community and allows them to develop leadership skills in a hands-on learning environment. Participants also engage in career aptitude testing, learn about various job paths, and discover ways to build their resumes. “The YMCA Leadership Program is a great course that helps you learn more about yourself and change the community around you,” said Zoe Biech, a recent graduate of the program.
The Airport Authority’s three-year partnership with the YMCA of Wood Buffalo ensures that this program will remain accessible for all youth in our community. “The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is committed to supporting educational opportunities for local youth,” commented Scott Clements. “The YMCA’s vision of strong kids, healthy families, and thriving communities is a mission that the airport fully embraces. We are delighted to contribute to the YMCA’s important philanthropic work in Fort McMurray.”
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority has committed funding to the YMCA of Wood Buffalo as part of their Community Investment Program (CIP). This program provides long-term support to local not-for-profit organizations that contribute to our community’s quality of life. The core focuses of the program are youth, aviation education and heritage, and the Canadian military.
About Fort McMurray International Airport
Fort McMurray Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Canada’s fifteenth busiest airport, YMM is the fastest growing airport in Canada with a passenger growth rate of 14% in 2014. YMM will serve over 1.3 million passengers in 2014.
Media Contact
Joanne Barnes
Communications Coordinator, Fort McMurray Airport Authority
780-793-7544
joanne.barnes@flyymm.com