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Young man YMCA's 'biggest supporter'
CHRIS CLAY - Mississauga News
Since he joined the Mississauga YMCA at the age of
8, the centre has remained a constant and positive
influence in his life. Even during his years at
Philip Pocock Secondary School, when he ran with the
wrong crowd and found some minor trouble, Tolias
knew his circle of friends at the YMCA would always
welcome him back with open arms.
Tolias, 22, recently decided to return the favour
for all the support the "Y" (as he affectionately
calls it) has provided over the years.
That gesture came in the form of a $2,500 donation
to the YMCA Community Fund that provides financial
assistance to people who have difficulty paying
membership fees.
Approximately 25 per cent of Mississauga's 9,000
YMCA members receive financial aid. Tolias and his
family of eight were once a part of that group.
"My dad and I used to play squash there and then
(one day) he came up to me and told me we wouldn't
be able to go anymore," said Tolias.
His family couldn't afford the fees, which for those
who can afford it amount to several hundred dollars
a month.
Tolias was devastated. However, the YMCA worked out
a payment plan for the family and they were able to
remain members.
This sense of social responsibility is what makes
the YMCA more than just a gym, according to the
centre's community fund specialist, Marcy Robertson.
She has been at the Mississauga location since it
opened 14 years ago and takes pride in the loyalty
members show.
"I've seen people...start off in (tough) situations
and the YMCA is a good place for them," said
Robertson.
"It makes people feel welcome and safe. We help
people with financial assistance so they can join
and when they're on their feet, pay the full fees.
"They always say the YMCA was there when they really
needed it. That's why so many members come back as
volunteers."
Currently the YMCA has over 300 volunteers.
The Mississauga YMCA is hosting a luncheon this
Tuesday to raise $20,000 to hit this year's
community fund goal of $122,000.
Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased by calling
905-897-6801, ext. 401.
TVO's Studio 2 personality Steve Paikin hosts the
event and the keynote speakers are Ray Patrick,
president of Mary Kay Canada and Derek Hatfield, who
sailed single-handedly around the world.
The YMCA also provides many programs and services to
the community in addition to their well-known
fitness programs.
Career counselling, day care, employment resources,
summer camps and drug and alcohol addiction
counselling are offered.
Tolias himself took advantage of the career
counselling back in 2000 when deciding between
college and university. Normally the course costs
$925, but with some help from the YMCA, Tolias paid
half of the regular fee and was awarded a year to do
so.
Now he owns and operates the successful Tolias
Landscaping & Plowing business, beautifying lawns at
30 homes and 18 buildings across Mississauga. He
owns three landscaping trucks and said last year his
company made over $500,000. When he donated to the
YMCA two months ago, he felt it settled some debts
and said thanks.
"It's a scary thought, where I would be without the
YMCA," said Tolias.
"They had a 100 per cent impact on my life. I told
them when I made my first $1 million I'd turn into
their biggest supporter."
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