As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities’ most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and newcomer supports. By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. YMCA BC serves individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John. At our core, the YMCA is committed to creating ..read more

Heart disease, stroke and related conditions take one life every five minutes in Canada. An estimated 3.5 million more are living with the effects of these diseases, and 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor. Additionally, Canada’s population is aging, and sedentary lifestyles are on the rise — making the need to beat heart disease and stroke even more dire. This is why we need your support. Heart & Stroke drives life-saving medical breakthroughs, advocates for better health and brings together the brightest minds to improve diagnosis, care and support. Since our inceptio ..read more

 I’ll admit, running a marathon was not something that was on my radar a couple years ago. Yet here I am, gearing up for another race, driven by a purpose that’s bigger than myself. Last year when I laced up my running shoes to support the Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Fraser (CMHA-VF) for the very first time, I discovered something incredible: the power of community. Seeing so many people come together for a shared cause was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced how impactful collective action can be when we all strive toward a common goal. Running for a purpose bigger t ..read more

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice holiday fundraiser, Light a Life is running from now until December 31, 2024. Learn more about the impact your donation can make on children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Tristan Rempel’s bright light continues to shine. As a parent, you have hopes and dreams for your child—that they’ll be happy, healthy, and celebrate life’s milestones. You don’t plan for your child to receive a cancer diagnosis before their second birthday. At just 14 months old, Tristan Rempel was diagnosed with ependymoma brain cancer after his brain t ..read more

Cancer rates are expected to rise by 35% in B.C. over the next decade. As our population grows and ages, and people living longer with treatment, demand for cancer services is also expected to increase by 60%. We’re in a race against time with this disease, but with your help it’s one we believe we can win. Join the BC Cancer Foundation as we near the finish line in the largest health campaign in B.C. history to raise $500 million to transform cancer care in our province. Register as a charity runner for the BC Cancer Foundation, the largest funder of cancer research in the province, and ..read more

Thanks for sharing your fantastic posts on social media! Here are a few favourites from BMOVM race week! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steph Santiago (@steph_santiago) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steph Santiago (@steph_santiago) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Onti (@ricardoonti24) View this post on Instagram A post shared by michelle (@michelle.lately) View this post on Instagram A post shared by ???? (@west.coast.coop) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherie Ehlert (@cherielovescharlie) View th ..read more

VANCOUVER, BC — May 5, 2024 — The BMO Vancouver Marathon once again showcased the endurance, determination, and spirit of runners from around the world as over 23,000 participants gathered today for the annual event. From seasoned athletes to first-time marathoners, the streets of Vancouver were alive with excitement and camaraderie as runners tackled the challenging course. In addition to their athletic achievements, participants in this year’s event have collectively raised over $360,000 for charity, contributing to the remarkable impact of the RUN4HOPE charity program. Through RUN4HOPE, t ..read more

Did you know that women face unique risk factors for heart disease and stroke at different points in their lives? That’s because estrogen has a protective effect on women’s heart and brain health, but hormonal levels fluctuate during specific life stages, like: Reproductive years: When hormonal contraceptives, fertility treatments and pregnancy-related disorders such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes can affect a woman’s risk. Menopause: When estrogen production lessens, increasing a women’s risk for heart disease and stroke. Post-menopause: When the protective factors associate ..read more

Vancouver, BC – Apr 24, 2024 Sold out months in advance, RUNVAN® is excited to host the BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday, May 5, 2024. With an impressive lineup of elites, seasoned champions, and record-breakers, this year’s event welcomes over 22,000 registrants and invites the community to cheer on runners from over 60 countries. Free and open to the public, the event’s Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo runs pre-race Friday and Saturday at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Expo features health exhibitors, new gear, free samples, and is the largest Expo of this kind in Canada. Event De ..read more

Running a marathon may be a solitary challenge, but YMCA BC’s Maxime Barbier won’t feel alone when the starting gun for the BMO Vancouver Marathon goes off on May 5. The 35-year-old works as a Settlement Case Manager in YMCA BC’s Newcomer Services department, helping those who have recently arrived in Canada take their first steps towards building a life in their new home country. He’s also part of the Y Charity Runners Team that is raising funds to support crucial YMCA programs and services assisting members of our communities. Each member of the Y team has been encouraged to run for their ..read more