Quick Escape 
This holiday season, we reached out to our friend Dolores to help describe the impact YWCA Hamilton has had on her life. Here’s what she told us:
My name is Dolores, and I want to tell you a little bit about how YWCA Hamilton has helped me over the years.
YWCA Hamilton has been a part of my life for so long that I couldn’t even begin to tell you when exactly I started going there. I do remember that my 28-year-old granddaughter was a baby at the time – so let’s just say it’s been quite some time.
I have always loved to learn. When I was a little girl growing up on Hunter Street, one of my favourite things to do was go to the Central Library and check out books and magazines of all description. It was still on Main Street back then, only a short walk from my home. We had a big blackberry bush in our backyard, and I used to hide behind it with my books and read until my mother found me.
As I got older, I found that classes at YWCA Hamilton helped me keep my mind and body active. The first thing I ever did at the Y was tap dancing lessons on the bottom floor of the MacNab Street building. Then I started taking square dancing, and the Bone Builders exercise class. There was always something new and interesting for me to try.
One of the things I liked best about the Y was how many good friends I’ve made there. Every time I’d come to take a class, everyone would say hello when you walked in. There were some tables and chairs set up in the front lobby, and you’d sit, and you’d have a good conversation. It was always an interesting and a fun place, and a happy place. There were always friends to talk to.
When Covid-19 hit, the YWCA still helped me keep my mind busy. My husband and I received a seniors hamper filled with different kinds of food, different kinds of activity books, and reading materials – it was just wonderful. I appreciated it a lot, especially because we don’t have a vehicle and have stayed close to home during the pandemic.
These days, I’ve been enjoying taking classes online. My favourite are the Mind Buster classes on Thursdays – they’re helping me keep my mind sharp!
I’m so grateful to have had YWCA Hamilton in my life all these years. Without the Y, it would have been a boring life, I think!
This holiday season, please help seniors like Dolores stay active and connected to the community. Your gift will help us provide life-changing and affirming programs for seniors, women, girls and families.