Local YMCAs develop income generation potential
In this communique, we shine the torch on two of our local YMCAs who have found ways to diversify their income streams. They have both forged partnerships that will reap benefits for years to come. Congratulations to the teams involved in the partnership development and a HUGE thank you to the Coalition of USA YMCAs and the Rotary Club of Cape Town for investing in the Y.
Soweto Y's famous Gym set for a Face-Lift
The Soweto YMCA's famous gym will be receiving a face-lift, thanks to investment by the Coalition of USA YMCA's. The Soweto YMCA has been a landmark in the area for many decades. Former president Nelson Mandela used the gym for boxing training in his youth and this is the site where a famous photo of him posing as a boxer was taken.
Norm Joyner, representing the USA Coalition of YMCAs, recently met with the Soweto YMCA board as part of a visit to finalize plans for the gym and broker a partnership agreement between the Atlanta YMCA and the Soweto YMCA. This partnership will see the strengthening of staff and governance capacity of the Soweto YMCA over the next three years. Renovations to the gym have begun in earnest with the result that the gym is closed from the end of June. The newly improved gym will be a source of income and will be one of the key aspects of the sustainability plan of the Soweto Y.
Camping with the Cape Flats Y
Congratulations to the Cape Flats YMCA team for developing a successful partnership with the Rotary Club of Cape Town. The partnership involves the YMCA managing the Rotary Campsite in Strandfontein on the False Bay coastline. It is a mere 15 minutes drive from the Cape Flats YMCA office and an easy 10 minute walk from the campsite to the beach.
The campsite can accommodate 120 campers, has a great swimming pool and a hall. However it does need a facelift and the responsibility of this falls onto the shoulders of the Cape Flats YMCA. Once this has been done, the campsite offers huge potential to enhance the work and generate income for the Cape Flats Y.
The Cape Flats Y leadership team are having a competition to find 'just the right name' for the campsite. Current thinking is to play with concepts such as 'YMCA ROTARY CONFERENCE AND CAMPSITE' or 'Y’s UP' (wise-up) Activity center.
Strengthening the Team
We are pleased to welcome Mike Cuthbert back into the SA YMCA. He will be driving the further development of signature programmes, resource mobilization and communication. His efforts will seek to strengthen local YMCAs placing the SA YMCA in a stronger position to attract donor funds. Mike's return has been met with a sense of excitement and anticipation from the local YMCA family as well as from people outside the SAYMCA.
Mike brings broad experience and a solid reputation in the development arena. In the past Mike has introduced various entrepreneurial activities within the SA YMCA, developed successful community based programmes with a strong youth focus, pioneered business initiatives and introduced successful fundraising strategies.
Welcome back Mike!