Every Step for the Y

This year, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is proud to be an official charity partner for Ottawa Race Weekend.

Whether you’re running the marathon, walking the 5K, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation can help create real change for people across our community.

By joining Team YMCA, every kilometre becomes more than a race—it becomes support for youth finding safe housing, families accessing financial assistance, newcomers building new lives, and individuals discovering belonging, confidence, and hope.

Why We Run

At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive.

For some, that means a safe place to sleep.

For others, it means access to child care, camp, mental wellness supports, employment programs, or simply a community that believes in them.

Your fundraising helps make those moments possible.

When Ica lost her mother just days before graduating high school, she lost both her stability and her home. Through the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing for Youth program, she found safe housing, community, and the support she needed to rebuild her future.

Today, she is living independently, working, and building the life she once thought was out of reach.

This is why we run.

Every Step Supports Someone

When you support Team YMCA, you help fund:

* Safe housing for youth through Second Stage Housing

* Financial assistance for families accessing YMCA programs

* Newcomer support and settlement services

* Health, fitness, and community connection programs

* Opportunities for young people to grow, belong, and succeed

Every donation helps someone take their next step forward.

Join the Team

Already registered for Ottawa Race Weekend? Choose the YMCA Team page as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Not signed up yet? There’s still time to join us.

Be part of something bigger than the finish line.

Join Team YMCA

Questions? Contact us at events@ymcaottawa.ca

Together, we shine.