According to Canadian physical activity guidelines, adults need a minimum of 150 min per week of heart pumping physical activity. That’s 2.5 hours per week or about 20 min per day. Unfortunately only about 5% of Canadians are meeting these minimum guidelines.

Many people do not have an equal chance to join recreational programs because of poverty and exclusion. The VCH Healthy Living Program partners with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver to provide financial assistance to low-income VCH clients who would benefit from participating in fitness activities and recreational programs.

Low-income clients will receive:

• Sliding scale subsidy up to a maximum of 90% off monthly membership fees (see info box below)
• 12 month membership term
• Full membership access and benefits
• Additional membership for immediate family member(s) that live in the same household
• Orientation and tour

YMCA Membership includes:

• Swimming pool
• Weight room and cardio
machines
• Racquetball and squash
• Group fitness classes
• One-on-one fitness orientations
• Drop-in sports and activities for all ages
• 10 free guest passes
• Various discounts

The referral forms are designed to be easy to use, and clients do not have to provide financial documentation or proof of their income level in order to qualify.

After receiving a referral, a YMCA staff will contact your client within two weeks to book an orientation tour and intake appointment.

Register

Next session – Register on CCRS:

Thursday February 19
0900-1100
Langara YMCA,
282 West 49th Ave, Vancouver
Conference room

To register, go to CCRS  and search “Access for All – February 19 – 9-11.”

Online tutorial also available on CCRS