Last year as I drove down the Broadway into my new home; Wimbledon, I past the YMCA and I remember my friend jokingly saying “well, if things don’t work out you could go and stay there! We chuckled as the image of indians and builders flashed through our heads and I’m pretty sure that there was some a small rendition of the song in there too.
Little did I know that nine months on, the YMCA would have impacted my life so much and that I’d be singing it’s praises and be a huge supporter of their work.
So you think the YMCA is just a song? Think again…
Walking into the Wimbledon YMCA you can just sense an ethos. Before people speak or before you even get past the main reception you can just sense an atmosphere that allows you to relax and be at peace. It’s a place to work out, a place to socialise, a place to eat, a place to bring your children, I place to leave your children! It’s a real home to many and safe haven to many more. A place to pray and a place to work. It is a place were music is made and youngers experiment with sounds and explore their talent. A place that reaches out to teenagers by providing on the street interaction as they step off their buses and trains after a day at school. It’s a place of sport and competition, a place of prayer, a place of counselling, a place were church meets. A place of safety and a place of friendship. Ironically though it’s not the place at all, I mean, all this isn’t held in the brick is it? It’s in the people, the ethos, the character, the care, the spirit of the place.
The YMCA’s symbol is a triangle, the 3 points being mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing. I love what it stands for! SO many of us are burnt out mentally, spiritually thirst and physically weak and drained. Couldn’t we all do with a bit more balance in our life?
Yesterday I got the privilege of spending the day with the YMCA staff at the Kingston Dragon Boat Race to raise money for this amazing organisation. I can confirm that all the qualities I list above, are in the people! I want to be part of the YMCA family, do you?
Help support the YMCA in all it’s work by sponsoring me for the Dragon Boat racing.
Please send donations to:
SJi, The Church, Tolverene Rd, Raynes Park, SW20 8RA.
Thank you.
