Chilliwack YMCA
45844 Hocking Avenue V2P 1B4 Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Chilliwack Healthier Community (CHC) is a network of local partners focused on affordable/accessible housing, mental health, addictions, poverty reduction and cultural safety and humility. Partners include government, community agencies, law enforcement and business. Lets spread the word for a better world!

Such an inspirational YMCA supporter!

Today’s Black History Month spotlight is on the Honourable Emery Barnestalented athlete and one of B.C.’s first Black MLAs. Barnes was born in Louisiana in 1929. He was a gifted athlete and especially excelled in football. As he was working towards his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Oregon, Barnes was also a part of the university’s football team. In 1954, he was drafted by the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. Even though Barnes was an exceptional member of the ...team, he still faced many challenges with discrimination. Because of segregation laws, he was not allowed to eat with the other players or stay in the same hotels. In 1962, Barnes joined the CFL’s B.C. Lions and played with them for three consecutive seasons. After his football career, he went back to school and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in social work. His goal was to support underprivileged communities in Vancouver. Following his graduation and career as a social worker, he was recruited by Bill Deverell of the NDP party to campaign for the two-member riding of Vancouver Centre. While the duo lost the provincial election in 1969, Barnes ran again with Gary Lauk in 1972 and won! This made him one of the first Black MLAs in B.C., alongside Rosemary Brown who was elected in the same year. It was also the beginning of his 24-year career in politics. In 1994, Barnes was elected as Speaker of the legislature, making him the first Black person to hold this position in Canada. During his time in politics, Barnes used his platform to speak out against racism and inequality, raise awareness about Black history, and advocate for greater services for the underprivileged. In 1995, he was appointed to the Order of British Columbia. Barnes passed away in 1998. In his honour, the City of Vancouver unveiled the Emery Barnes Park in 2003. The park is located at 1100 Seymour Street. --- Source: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5911204 Photo source: https://www.blackpast.org/global-af/barnes-emery-1929-1998/

https://www.youtube.com/watch

Sit and Be Fit: YMCA Chair Fitness is a new health and fitness program launching this January. Offered online, participants will have the chance to improve their balance, mobility, and strength while staying connected and having fun! This class is for adults who have limited mobility or who are at risk of falling. Participants will be guided through low-to-moderate intensity seated and standing (optional) exercises. To learn more, email [email protected] or register for a free info session on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:00 am via https://bit.ly/3phf6ky

Merry memories - here's some more. What is your favorite memory from Christmas at the Y?

Every Monday is a chance to start a new fabulous week. Which one is it for you today?

Today's Monday morning cardio sweat is brought to you by Shelley. As Shelley says, "You're going to have eight rounds to perfect that exercise." This 30 minute workout will have your heart rate up in no time. Welcome, Monday! https://www.youtube.com/watch

Monday Monday Monday, Thank you for being here. In this season of giving, take the time to be generous, however way you can. Have you ever given a compliment, helped someone with their groceries or waved to someone and felt that warm feeling inside?... That's you being generous and sharing yourself with someone else. This week, take time to be generous. Share that smile, shovel that driveway or drop off some baking. What will you do this week to share your generosity? See more

Carolyn is bringing you some more ideas to keep you active inside during these rainy days! . What exercise did you enjoy the best?

Monday..for some it is the beginning of the week, others the middle and it can also be the end of the week . What's most important is to make each day count in a way that's good for you.

Our free, Y Mind programs are back this Winter! Y Mind supports young people ages 13 - 30 to cope with stress and worries. Our program results show that Y Mind ...participants experience reduced anxiety, increased overall well-being, and an increased ability to cope with difficult emotions. To learn more about Y Mind, contact us at [email protected] or 604.673.6182 or visit gv.ymca.ca/mental-wellness See more

Wellness Wednesday is going back a few months with a Josh workout. Join him for the movement part of your Wellness Wednesday! (Sorry no Zumba today )

From all of us at the Y, thank you for your support in 2020. We wish you the best for the year ahead. May 2021 bring you joy, prosperity, and good health!

How about Saturday Yoga?

Carolyn is back again. Join her in this refresher about all things functional for Older Adults!

On this beautiful Friday, lets take the time to recognize John and Rosemary Lee for the donations they have made to our Y home and family. Thank you for sharing what you have with your community.

As we cannot celebrate our seniors in person at our Annual Holiday Luncheon, we will celebrate in our hearts and by sharing our memories.

1440....that's a big number and when we think about it in regards to minutes and how many opportunities we have to make an impact, that sure puts things into perspective. Be the positive impact you want to see!

Coming soon... New Workouts for a New Year! These will be live for early birds at 5am PST and available thereafter on demand.