YMCA of Cape Breton marks 140 years in the community

The YMCA of Cape Breton has been around since 1886.

The YMCA of Cape Breton is celebrating 140 years in the community.

A crowd of more than 100 people turned out at the Frank Rudderham YMCA in downtown Sydney, N.S., for the anniversary.

The branch first opened on the Island in 1886. A location has operated on Charlotte Street in Sydney since the early 20^th century.

At Monday’s celebration, historical photos from the past 140 years were on display.

From employment opportunities to child care, to health and wellness, people also reflected on the impact the not-for-profit has had over the course of several generations.

“From our early beginnings here on Charlotte Street in the early 1900s to our response in helping World War One and Two Canadian troops – serving 600 meals a day at the time – then eventually growing and delivering more educational and physical activity programming,” said YMCA of Cape Breton CEO Sabrina Vatcher.

“Camp Barrachois in Boisdale, N.S., we offered for 60 years. Just the evolution of the YMCA over the past 140 years.”

Free day passes were offered on Monday at both the downtown Sydney and Membertou locations of the YMCA of Cape Breton.

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