YMCA GTA

Megathon photos are a mega deal for GTA YMCA Health Centres

Every year, all nine YMCA Health Centres within the GTA region take part in a week-long “Megathon” fundraising event. In advance of Megathon, YMCA members create a challenge to complete and then train for it. Two of the 80 challenges included running on a treadmill for 12 hours and swimming laps for an entire day. As challenging as this was from a fitness perspective, the challenge for Blend Photography was how to document the breadth and scope of the event without making it a mega ordeal.

In Brief

Asked to assist the YMCA of Greater Toronto with their “Megathon” campaign event, Blend photographed members over five days at the Brampton, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Toronto Central, Cooper Koo, Scarborough, Shepard, and West End locations. Our sister company Blend Creative Studio then implemented the photography into their marketing material. Like the members, we were quite literally run off our feet as we scurried from place to place.

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YMCA Health Centres

1 in 4

Families receive the financial support they need from “Megathon” in order to keep their child in a YMCA Child Care Centre if a crisis hits

4 in 5

Adults who receive financial assistance state that their YMCA membership helps their mental health

11,328

Children and youth have access to Y camps where they learn new skills, discover the great outdoors and create lasting friends and memories

Execution

Blend was welcomed with open arms into the Centres by the YMCA’s champions. Their energy and enthusiasm could have powered all of Toronto and we were humbled and inspired by their efforts. And how could we not be amazed by their determination: imagine running 12 hours on a treadmill!! Together, they raised over $475,000 to help create more spaces for children and families at YMCAs throughout the GTA.