THE Y.M.C.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19915, 27 September 1934, Page 4

THE Y.M.C.A.

A GREAT BROTHERHOOD Amongst the world’s great philanthropists was Mr George Williams — afterwards, Sir George—the founder of the Young Men’s Christian Association. A little more than 90 years ago, he, with twelve young men, held the first Y.M.C.A. meeting in a small room in London, and thus laid the foundation of a great movement in the interests of the moral and spiritual welfare of young manhood. Little did the founder think that within a comparatively short time the Association would grow to such an extent that it would own the great Exeter Hall in London. Neither did he dream that -such a small assembly would develop into a world-wide organisation that to-day is established in fifty-four countries. It has been said that the V M.C.A. provides the greatest Brotherhood in the world. Every member, British or foreign, no matter from whence he comes, is entitled to the privileges of the Association wherever a branch is established. A great advance has been made in the activities of the local Association during the past few months. More than 200 more young people have joined up and are now under the direction of the General Secretary and his staff. ,This has brought added responsibilities and entailed a considerable expenditure of money. The membership fees being merely nominal are insufficient to meet this, hence the public appeal that is being made to-morrow 7 for funds. The Board feels that it can rightfully and confidently ask the community to assist on the one occasion in the year when tike appeal is made. It is hoped the copper trail which will be laid under the direction of well known business men will add considerably to the amount realised by the sale of badges. On behalf of the Board, W. G. Irwin, President.