By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

YMCA receives $3.75 million donation from Cor Van Raay

Mar 16, 2017 | 12:01 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It’s one of the biggest donations ever made to a Canadian YMCA.

The YMCA of Lethbridge has received a gift of $3.75 million from local businessman Cor Van Raay. As a result, phase two of the ATB Centre, which will be operated by the YMCA, will be called the Cor Van Raay YMCA.

“I’ve been a supporter of the YMCA for quite a few years,” Van Raay said at the announcement Thursday, March 16. “I was approached that they were going to possibly spend this money on doing what they call the ‘warm side’ of the ATB (Centre.) And I was interested in doing it. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to spend some of my money.”

Van Raay, founder of one of Canada’s largest cattle feedlots, with involvement in other agribusiness sectors, has made other large contributions in the community, including a $5 million donation to the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College.

“We’re elated,” YMCA chief executive officer Jennifer Petracek-Kolb said. “This is such a turning point for our YMCA. It gives us so many possibilities.”

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The donation leads off a $6 million fundraising campaign. Petracek-Kolb said they would be speaking with others in the community, including potential donors. The money will pay for equipment in the new facility, as well as other capital costs, program expansion including a childcare centre, and the creation of a legacy fund.

“Our original campaign (goal) was $4 million, and we knew we could do some great things with that. And when Cor announced his gift, we said, if we believe Cor is behind us for this, we believe there’s potential for more,” she added.

The new facility will include an aquatic centre, including a wave pool and waterslides, a fitness centre, and track. Project manager Ashley Matthews said construction is expected to be complete at the end of 2018, but it would take at least another three months after that to open.

Petracek-Kolb said no decision has been made yet on what will happen to the existing YMCA facility on Stafford Drive.