We are celebrating 140th anniversary!

Established in 1886, the YMCA of Cape Breton is the oldest, most diverse charity on Cape Breton Island. The YMCA is a volunteer-driven, charitable organization serving several areas of the Island.

Since 1886, the YMCA has strengthened the foundations of community. By adapting to needs and expanding programs, the YMCA has and will continue to build healthy children, families and communities across Cape Breton.

Fire would eventually destroy the original location; however, the volunteer men and women from the association quickly found alternate locations to deliver on the charitable mission. During WWI, the YMCA lends support to the war effort and by the time WWII breaks out, the YMCA owns a new building in the centre of downtown Sydney.  Overlooking Sydney Harbour, the YMCA plays a key role in supporting WWII by serving over 600 meals a day to visiting Canadian troops arriving on warships. 

Meeting the needs of the community, the YMCA expands yet again by doubling the size of the downtown main branch in the early eighties.  In 1987, the association expands into Glace Bay with the opening of the YMCA Enterprise Centre and offers employment and entrepreneurship programs. 

By 2010, the main branch undergoes a major redevelopment and opens the Frank Rudderham Family YMCA on the original 1940’s downtown location.  The new facility allows the Y to build stronger children and families with expanded programs. 

Today, the YMCA continues to serve tens of thousands of individuals, allowing Cape Breton communities the opportunity to succeed and prosper.