YMCA launches fund-raising campaign

The Metro Central YMCA-YWCA is launching a major capital campaign to raise funds for a number of projects, including the renovation of its 144-bed residential tower.

Local developers Jim and Keith Taggart will co-chair the campaign called "Strengthening the Heart of our Community."

The Y has set an overall goal of $35 million.

It is hoping to raise $15 million from corporate and individual donations.

The federal, provincial and municipal governments have pledged to contribute a combined total of $6 million.

In a newsletter to its members last week, the Y explained, "with aging facilities and growing demand for our programs and services, we must modernize, refurbish and expand our Capital Region Y."

No deadline has been set yet for the start of construction.