GREENFIELD — Sometimes people need help, both financially and through personal training, to get in shape.
That’s why the YMCA in Greenfield is holding its annual sustaining campaign. The nonprofit is looking for donations to help make its facilities and activities more affordable for current and prospective members.
This year its goal is to raise $180,000, which is 5 percent more than last year’s total.
According to Bob Sunderland, executive director for the Greenfield YMCA, the money raised will help fund the facility’s sliding fee scale program, which reduces the program fees of households that qualify between 20 and 70 percent.
With these discounts, Sunderland said an adult membership could be as low as $12 a month for an individual, or $18.50 a month for two adults in the same household. This includes access to activities such as fitness classes and swimming.
“The YMCA’s goal is to make sure that the Y is available to any individual or family that chooses to better themselves,” Sunderland said.
“We don’t want money to stand in the way of a child learning to swim, or a child going to camp” or senior citizens being healthy, Sunderland added.
Sunderland said that last year the sustaining campaign raised just over $174,000, nearly reaching the YMCA’s goal of $175,000.
According to Sunderland, the money raised through the annual sustaining campaign is about a third of the money needed for the sliding fee scale each year.
The campaign, in its 32nd year, is one of two major fundraising efforts for the Greenfield YMCA. The other is its annual Kids-to-Camp Golf Tournament that happens in July.
The campaign runs until April 18.
“My campaign team is committed to reaching our dollar goal because we know how vital the YMCA is in helping people of all ages and abilities improve their wellness level and quality of life,” said Andy Killeen, this year’s campaign chair in a press release. “Everyone, regardless of household income, needs the opportunity to grow, learn exercise, and be a part of a caring community at our YMCA.”
To donate, you can do so with a credit card at ymcaingreenfield.org or call 413-773-3646, ext. 0. You can also send checks to the YMCA, Attn: Tina Newton, at 451 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.