YMCA of Lethbridge Receives $100,000 Donation from Cavendish Farms

On Wednesday, August 14, 2019, in the lobby of the Cor Van Raay YMCA at ATB Centre, Cavendish Farms gave the YMCA of Lethbridge a monumental $100,000 donation.

Robert K. Irving, President of Cavendish Farms, was on hand for the cheque presentation ceremony. During a tour of the facility, Mr. Irving was asked why the YMCA donation was important to Cavendish Farms. “We believe in supporting the communities where we live and work. The YMCA of Lethbridge is a natural fit for our organization because it brings recreation, health, and wellness to so many families in Lethbridge and southern Alberta.” As recognition for the gift, Cavendish Farms will be the naming sponsor for the new Cavendish Farms Community Galleria.

The Cavendish Farms Community Galleria is the main entry area that welcomes the public and members to the Cor Van Raay YMCA, which opened in May 2019. At approximately 256,000 square feet, the Cor Van Raay YMCA includes an aquatics centre with waterslides, lazy river and whirlpools as well as a multi-sport field house, fitness centre, indoor track, gymnasiums, child minding area, indoor playground, locker rooms and commercial lease spaces.

YMCA of Lethbridge CEO Jennifer Petracek-Kolb explained why these dollars are so important. “The Cavendish Farms Community Galleria is the heart of this amazing facility, and this gift will serve as the foundation for many new programs to be offered in the years to come.”

“Cavendish Farms has made more than just a donation to the YMCA,” says Lethbridge Mayor, Chris Spearman. “They’ve made a commitment to our residents that they’re more than just another business in the city. Cavendish Farms is invested in our city, our kids and our future.”

Cavendish Farms is a family-owned company that produces quality frozen potato and appetizer products for the North American and international food industry, supplying customers in the retail, and restaurant sectors. They operate four potato processing plants – one in Lethbridge, Alberta, two on Prince Edward Island, and one in Jamestown, North Dakota and a plant specializing in appetizer products in Wheatley, Ontario. Cavendish Farms is part of the J.D. Irving Group of Companies.

The YMCA of Lethbridge is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. Since 1905, the YMCA of Lethbridge has been committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community.