Locations
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
333 Carwood Avenue, Kitchener
519-743-5201
View the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Megathon Schedule
Chaplin Family YMCA
250 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
519-623-9622
View the Chaplin Family YMCA Megathon Schedule
Stork Family YMCA
500 Fischer-Hallman Road North, Waterloo
519-725-8783
View the Stork Family YMCA Megathon Schedule
FAQ
The Basics – What is Megathon Anyway?
Q: What is Megathon?
A: Megathon is a fundraising experience that challenges people to become heroes by taking on personal fitness challenges and fundraising towards their goal in support of helping more than 1200 local families to belong, feel safe, and have opportunities to grow at the YMCA.
Q: When is Megathon?
A: Megathon will happen on March 7th in our 3 Family YMCA Centres from 9:00am – 5:00pm (registration 8:00am - 9:00am), and the weeks preceding in our YMCA Child Care centres.
Q: Where is Megathon happening?
A: Megathon events will take place in our Family YMCAs on March 7th, and in our YMCA Child Care centres in the weeks preceding. View our locations and schedules.
Q: What is the goal of Megathon?
A: The goal of Megathon is to open the door to more than 1200 local families so they can belong, feel safe, and have opportunities to grow at the YMCA. We know that nationally 93% of kids aren’t getting enough physical activity, and 80% of adults over 45 in Ontario live with chronic disease. In Waterloo Region 10% of people live with low income, and 1 in 5 feel like they don’t belong. The YMCA is one of the few places where everyone, regardless of background or income is welcomed and given the support and tools they need to find their healthy lifestyle.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Everyone is welcome! Anyone can be a hero! In order to participate in our group challenges, participants must be 13 years of age or older. Younger heroes are welcome to create their own personal or family challenge.
Q: What kinds of events will happen on March 7th?
A: Heroes are encouraged to create their own challenge based on a personal goal or participate in one of the group challenges at their local YMCA. Megathon will be like a “8 hour long party” with staff, volunteers and heroes cheering one another on as they push through their challenges!
Q: How is Megathon a Fundraiser?
A: Megathon participants are asked to fundraise by collecting pledges or pay a registration fee. Pledges will be collected by heroes after registration begins on November 19th. Pledge forms will be available in paper versions and online through each Hero’s profile page.
We are also looking for Sponsors to support this important cause from businesses and individuals in our community. If you would like to sponsor Megathon through a monetary gift or a gift-in-kind please email Alicia Becker or call 519-584-7479 x208.
Registration Basics
Q: How can I participate?
A: Will you be a hero? You can register for your Megathon challenge beginning November 19th online at www.ymcamegathon.ca or at your program site. You may also choose to Volunteer at your Program Site or Membership Centre and cheer on our many heroes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please email Alicia Becker or call 519-584-7479 x 208.
Q: Can I Register in a team?
A: Yes you can! Support one another in your challenges by joining in a team of 3 or more friends, family or co-workers.
Q: When do I need to register by?
A: Registration begins November 19th online and in centres. You can pick up your registration form at every YMCA program site, or go to www.ymcamegathon.ca. Registrations will be accepted up to March 7th (day of event), however some group programming will be limited based on space and equipment available. Early registration is recommended.
Q: How do I register?
A: Go online to www.ymcamegathon.ca and click on “Be a Hero” to register. If online registration isn’t convenient, complete your registration at the Family YMCA you want to participate at.
Q: What does it cost to register?
A: We don’t want you to pay a registration fee at all! The goal of Megathon is to raise pledges so that we can open doors for families in our region to get healthy and active.
We want to challenge you to raise a minimum pledge of $100 for adults, $50 for children, or $150 for families to participate, but we understand that there may be those who are unable to raise those pledges. We are offering the option of a $35 registration fee for adults, $10 registration fee for kids, or $75 registration fee for families for those who cannot commit to raising pledges.
Q: What if I decide to participate at the last minute, but haven’t raised any pledges?
A: You are welcome to participate by paying the registration fee (see above), or would be welcome to make the minimum donation amount (see above). Donations are eligible for a tax receipt.
Q: What if I can’t afford the registration fee?
A: If you are unable to pay the registration fee or raise the pledges but are interested in participating, please email Alicia Becker directly to determine next steps or call 519-584-7479 x208.
Q: If I am paying a registration fee do I get a tax receipt?
A: Registration fees are not considered donations. Tax receipts will not be issued for these contributions. Any donation over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Logistics on Donations
Q: What if I just want to donate?
A: Absolutely! Donations can be made on our website: www.ymcamegathon.ca or by emailing us, or by calling 519-584-7479 x205.
Q: Where will money raised go?
A: All money raised through Megathon will stay in your local YMCA and will support families getting healthy and active through Health and Fitness Memberships, Newcomer Youth programs, Teen Drop-In, Beyond the Bell after school programs, adult Wellness Programs, and Day Camp or Overnight Camp experiences. We need you so that we can support more of our neighbours in programs like these.
Q: Can I still donate next month or later this year?
A: Of course! We are opening doors to potential all year long!
Q: How will my pledge/donation be recognized?
A: Each donation or pledge over $20 will be eligible for a tax receipt. With any donation or pledge of $1000 or above you will also be recognized as a member of the Chairs Round Table.
Q: Who do I make the cheque out to?
A: You can make the cheque out to the “YMCA of Cambridge” “YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo” or “YMCA.” Pledges collected will be directed as indicated on your registration form (i.e. YMCA of Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA). If you are mailing in your pledge form, registration or any donations please send them YMCA Opportunities to Give, 460 Frederick St. Suite 203, Kitchener, ON N2H 2P5.
Some Additional Things you Might Like to Know
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: This is your fitness challenge! Bring along a water bottle, workout clothes, indoor shoes and any equipment you need to complete your challenge. If you require any further support please contact your local Family YMCA to make arrangements.
Q: Will Membership Centres still be open for my regular workout?
A: All of our Membership Centres will remain open the day of Megathon with limited programming. There will be a higher level of activity, and centres will be open free of charge for visitors and guests.