YMCA challenges Lake of Bays Council to charity Bus Pull
The YMCA challenged Lake of Bays Council and staff to a charity Bus Pull, in the March 12, 2024, meeting.
Employment Specialist and Community Liaison for the YMCA, Saleem Hall, advised Council that they are having the event on June 8th, and challenged the Town to put together a team of 10 people to pull a bus 20 meters.
Saleem indicated that the charity Bus Pull will help them raise funds for their programs. He said they’re asking for “team collaboration raising awareness and funds.”
The organization provides services such as helping people gain employment.
Saleem advised Council that they have “invested tens of thousands of dollars” to help people with employment, including providing work clothes and boots, and transportation funds.
He said they support local businesses as well, including in the areas of construction, contractors, and hospitality, to help them retain staff and get employees.
He continued that they also hold business forums and partner with other organizations such as Muskoka Futures to support business development in the region.
“Kind of supporting the economy through invisible hands,” said Saleem.
He added that other areas the YMCA supports the community is through ESL (English as a Second Language) programs for people coming from other countries, such as Latin America, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
He advised that he will be challenging other municipalities to participate in the event as well.
Councillor, Jacqueline Godard, inquired about the size of the bus they’re being asked to pull.
Saleem indicated that it would be a large school bus, and the challenge will take place at Huntsville High School on a flat surface.
Mayor, Terry Glover, advised, “I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Regarding the business services they provide, Councillor, Mike Peppard, inquired about the types of businesses that reach out to the organization for support.
Saleem advised there are a variety of businesses that reach out but there are a lot of construction workers.
He said they will be having a job fair on April 4th at the Summit Centre, and currently have employers reaching out to them, for services such as recruitment.
He continued that they help with a variety of information with a focus on areas such as “how to staff that and keep people working and doing a good job and staying at those companies.”
Councillor, Rick Brooks, expressed enthusiasm about the Bus Pull. He said he participated in them in the past in another region using fire trucks. He added that it was a good “team building” event.
He added, “I think this is going to be a win for the Y and for us.”
