Y.M.C.A. EXTENSIONS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 21, 19 October 1944, Page 4

Y.M.C.A. EXTENSIONS

Wellington Centennial Campaign Effort NEW SITE PURCHASED To carry out a post-war programme for the boys nnd youth of Wellington and suburbs, the board of directors of the Wellington Y.M.C.A. had decided, as announced in July last, to definitely commence its centennial caranaign for funds, said the president, Mr. R* H. Nimino, in a statement yesterday. Mr. Nimmo said that the directors and other voluntary worker? of the Y.M.C.A, held the view that never at any time had the work for youth been so vitally necessary as it would be in the immediate future and they had determined that the job would, with the necessary public support, be carried out vigorously and with foresight. To this end, a large site had been purchased immediately south of St. John's Church in Willis Street, where, it was proposed to erect a modern calisthenics gymnasium, full-sized basketball court, and a thoroughly up-to-date boys’ department. i In addition, the Y.M.C.A. was negotiating for a suitable permanent site and buildings for camping, and other outdoor recreational activities' for the youth of Wellington. This site would be. available to various other bodies with aims and objects similar to those of the Y.M.C.A. Further efforts toward the extension of post-war activities had already been taken in most of the suburbs, where groups of young people had regular recreational games, exercises aud hobbies under tile direction of trained Christian personnel. , The contributions made by the Y.M.C.A. to the youth of Wellington over the post 70 years, quite apart from the enormous Hut essential wartime job, merited the generous support of the public. The campaign would commence in February, but meantime, while the necessary organization was being arranged, a centennial campaign fund had been opened, advance donations to which would be welcomed and gratefully acknowledged.