The new YMCA build in Belleville got a major lift Wednesday.
Over the lunch hour, at the site of the new build, YMCA of Central East Ontario announced the Lehtinen family was donating $200,00 to the new Centre for Life.
YMCA President David Allen says while working with the family on various fundraisers for the “Y”, he saw their commitment to creating opportunities for children and youth in the community.
Ed Lehtinen says the family is proud to add their name to the new Centre for Life.
He says the family knows that providing young people with better access to YMCA programs will resonate for generations to come.
The Lehtinen family name will be above the space used by Big Brothers Big Sisters Hastings Prince Edward.
Quinte News had the chance to speak with Ed Lehtinen
The media release is below
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is thrilled to announce a generous investment of $200,000 from the Lehtinen family toward the new Centre for Life. The family’s name will grace the space used by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings & Prince Edwards Counties when the facility opens in 2026.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings & Prince Edward Counties match youths who may be facing adversity with an adult volunteer mentor for an additional supportive relationship. Bigs and Littles will be welcomed to participate in the many programs and recreational opportunities at the new Centre for Life, forging lifelong health and wellness habits.
“While working with Ed and Eric Lehtinen on the Strong Kids Campaign in 2019, then Liz in 2021, we saw their commitment to creating new opportunities for children and youths in this community,” said David Allen, President and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. “Thanks to their generous support, the new Centre for Life will help even more kids connect with services and programs to enhance their physical and mental health.”
Three generations of Lehtinen’s work out at the YMCA as current members.
“We are incredibly proud to add our name to the new Centre for Life,” Ed Lehtinen said. “We have a proud legacy of supporting the Belleville Community for more than 50 years professionally and personally. By providing young people with better access to YMCA programs, right in the same building, we know we’re having a difference that will resonate for generations to come.”
The YMCA of Central East Ontario, which includes the Belleville branch, has a long-standing history of supporting the community with programs focused on health, wellness, and community development.
Ed and Fran Lehtinen have lived in Belleville for more than 50 years and have contributed to dozens of community projects during that time. Their generosity via the family business, Impacto Protective Products Inc., has inspired their entire family to make this investment together.
The significant contribution from the Lehtinen family highlights just one of the strong partnerships that will create a hub for services within the new facility. The YMCA has also formed partnerships with Community Learning Alternatives, Community Services of Belleville & District and Volunteers + Information of Hastings & Prince Edward Counties.
Through the Community Building Campaign, the YMCA invites everyone to join in supporting the Centre for Life’s mission, ensuring a legacy of health, growth, and resilience for Belleville families now and into the future.
