It was 1886 and Vancouver was booming. The population had quadrupled in a short time and the city was filled with new people. It was then that a group of concerned citizens decided our burgeoning city needed a YMCA - a place to "look after the welfare of young men". But today's YMCA is much different. While we are still committed to strengthening community, we are no longer just for men. Thousands of women, men, children, teenagers and families call the YMCA their second home.

That's why we don't leave anyone out. For 125 years, we have provided programs, services, resources and facilities that respond to community needs - your needs. Whether you want to become healthier, introduce your child to new experiences and skills, give back to your community or become the better person you know you can be, the YMCA can help you pursue a richer life.

So please join us as we celebrate this milestone. You are a part of it just as much as we are.

We have shared stories with you over the last year to help celebrate our anniversary - stories that highlight our history and stories of our YMCA community today. These stories show that the vision our founders had for the YMCA is very much alive and well today. Take a look:

• Generations of Giving: Sculpture celebrates 125 years (click here)
• A Second Home for Vancouverites: The YMCA serves Vancouver for 125 years (click here)
• Promoting Family Health: YMCA Healthy Kids Day (click here)
• Who We Become Begins Today: Thousands of kids make memories at YMCA Camp Elphinstone (click here)
• Life is Better Together: YMCA Week Celebrates 125 Years of Bringing People Together
  (click here)
• Please note: Adobe Reader is required. PDF documents will open in a new window.

It's time to take it back. Click to find out why the YMCA is working to help our community:

Join us as we celebrate YMCA Week from October 22-28th! Check out these anniversary activities for you and your family:

• Anniversary Stories: Check out the historical stories displayed in your local membership centre
• Passport to Family Fun: This colourful card invites you and your family to spend a little extra quality time together by playing, discovering new and exciting activities and creating memories to last a lifetime. The goal? See how quickly your family can collect 125 points! Please visit your local membership or child care centre to get a card and stickers to participate, or click here to print off your own Passport to Family Fun.
• Fitness challenge: Don't be surprised if your group fitness instructor says "Drop and give me 125!" We are challenging all our instructors to incorporate the numbers 1-2-5 into their group fitness classes during YMCA Week. This could mean 125 seconds of an exercise, 125 push ups (ouch!) or any other creative way the instructors want to incorporate the anniversary.
• Please note: Adobe Reader is required. PDF documents will open in a new window.

• The YMCA began in Vancouver in 1886, the same year the city of Vancouver was established.
• The YMCA's first building was on West Hastings Street at Cambie and Abbott.
• While they were not members yet, Vancouver's women helped launch the YMCA by raising money and planning programs.
• The YMCA was Vancouver's first ESL College, offering classes to newcomers in 1905.
• The Vancouver YMCA pioneered swimming instruction - producing a curriculum that is still used in Lower Mainland pools.