2026 YMCA City Builders: Celebrating our donors and a special volunteer
On October 28, YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomed friends and champions to the Central YMCA for the sixth YMCA City Builders celebration, an evening recognizing extraordinary philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and the impact they make possible across our communities.
Returning as master of ceremonies for the third time, Andrew Phung, known for Kim's Convenience and Run the Burbs, brought his trademark energy and humour to an evening that welcomed three new YMCA City Builders and introduced the inaugural YMCA City Connector Award. The evening also included a special conversation with two YMCA alumni about the experiences and people that helped shape who they are today.
YMCA City Builders 2026 master of ceremonies Andrew Phung.
YMCA City Builders are philanthropic leaders who have generously contributed a cumulative $1 million or more to YMCA of Greater Toronto. This year, three new inductees joined their ranks: Sharon and Steven Ranson, RBC Foundation, and Rogers.
Welcoming three new YMCA City Builders
YMCA of Greater Toronto President and CEO Lesley Davidson was joined by previously inducted City Builders to help celebrate this year's three honourees.
Sharon and Steven Ranson
Sharon and Steven Ranson were welcomed as YMCA City Builders in recognition of their generosity, leadership, and commitment to strengthening communities. Since longtime volunteer Helen Sinclair first introduced them to the YMCA, the Ransons have supported the Y personally and opened doors for others through their leadership, networks, and volunteer service.
Their impact continues today through a transformative commitment to the new Bridletowne YMCA, helping create a place in Scarborough where people can connect, find community, and experience a greater sense of belonging.
From left: David Green and Daphne Wagner, City Builder presenters. Steven and Sharon Ranson, 2026 YMCA City Builders. Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto.
RBC Foundation
RBC Foundation joined the ranks of YMCA City Builders in recognition of its longstanding support of the YMCA and its continued commitment to strengthening communities. Most recently, RBC Foundation has collaborated with YMCA of Greater Toronto to help address a critical challenge facing child care: attracting, developing, and retaining the early childhood educators that children and families depend on.
By investing in the child care workforce, RBC Foundation is helping support children’s development, parents' ability to work, and healthier, more inclusive communities.
From left: The Barrett Family Foundation, City Builder presenters. Joanne Durham, Director, Social Impact, RBC Foundation and 2026 YMCA City Builder. Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto.Rogers
Rounding out this year's three inductees was Rogers, recognized for decades of generosity, leadership, and commitment to young people. Its partnership with the YMCA has opened doors at many stages of a young person's journey, from helping students with learning differences access the YMCA Academy to providing scholarships and employment opportunities to supporting mentorship through the YMCA Black Achievers Mentorship Program.
Today, that partnership continues to grow. As national partners, Rogers and the YMCA are creating opportunities for young people from coast to coast. Through the launch of Screen Break, Rogers has made a bold five-year commitment to helping young people put down their screens and reconnect with the people, places, and experiences around them. Together, we are fostering physical activity, meaningful relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging while amplifying this movement through the power and reach of Rogers' platforms.
From left: Billy Boucher, City Builder presenter. Marisa Fabiano, Chief HR Officer, Rogers Group of Companies and 2026 YMCA City Builder. Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto.
The evening then turned from celebrating generosity to recognizing something just as important: the power of connecting others to a cause.
Celebrating our first YMCA City Connector
A special moment came with the presentation of the inaugural YMCA City Connector Award to Helen Sinclair, recognizing her nearly 40 years of extraordinary leadership, service, and commitment to YMCA of Greater Toronto.
As a board member and chair, campaign leader, mentor, ambassador, and trusted advisor, Helen has helped strengthen the YMCA while inspiring others to give, lead, and connect people to its mission. Her vision contributed to the growth of YMCA Child Care and newcomer services, while her ability to open doors, build relationships, and champion bold ideas has helped cultivate a lasting culture of philanthropy.
The award celebrated not only Helen's remarkable contributions but also the countless people she has inspired to help build a stronger YMCA and a stronger Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Helen Sinclair delivering remarks after receiving the inaugural YMCA City Connector Award.
YMCA alumni reflect: What made me who I am today?
One of the evening's most personal conversations came during "YMCA Alumni Reflect: What Made Me Who I Am Today?" Guided by Andrew Phung, the panel brought together two YMCA alumni whose very different experiences demonstrated the lasting impact that belonging, encouragement, and the right opportunities can have on a young person's life.
Nurzha Abam, a YMCA Newcomer Youth Leadership Development alumna and registered nurse, shares how her YMCA experience helped shape her journey. .
Nurzha Abam reflected on arriving in Canada from the Philippines at age 14, knowing almost no English, and feeling nervous about the new life ahead of her. Joining the YMCA's Scarborough Newcomer Youth Leadership Development group that first summer helped change that. Through conversations, volunteering, and exploring her new city alongside other newcomer youth, she built her English skills, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Nurzha remained with the program for seven years, eventually becoming a mentor to other newcomer youth. Now a registered nurse at Lakeridge Health, she is pursuing her master's degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. She credits the program with helping shape the person she is today.
Lucas Mychajlyszyn, a YMCA Academy alumnus now pursuing his passion for film and television at Humber Polytechnic, reflects on how the YMCA Academy helped shape who he is today.
Lucas shared how finding the YMCA Academy in Grade 7 changed the course of his education. Living with ADHD and dyslexia, he had struggled in a mainstream school environment, often feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unable to ask for the help he needed. At the YMCA Academy, he found teachers who understood how he learned, classmates facing similar challenges, and opportunities to explore his growing passion for film.
"There was a night and day difference," Lucas recalled. By graduation, he said he'd become "a person who was truly myself," with the academic confidence to pursue his dream. Today, after making the Dean's List in both semesters of Humber's Media Foundation program, he has begun the Film and Television Advanced Diploma program he first set his sights on in Grade 11.
Their stories gave guests a powerful glimpse of what long-term impact can look like and brought the evening's celebration of philanthropy back to the people and possibilities it supports.
Building communities where everyone belongs
Closing the evening, Chief Development Officer Ali Kashani reflected on the stories guests had heard and the powerful examples they offered of what philanthropy can make possible. He challenged guests to think beyond individual programs and buildings to the kind of community we want to build together: one where young people can discover their potential, people are supported through vulnerable moments, and belonging is within everyone's reach.
The evening was a powerful reminder that building a stronger GTA takes all of us. To our City Builders, volunteers, donors, and friends: thank you for helping create opportunities, strengthen connections, and build communities where everyone has the chance to belong.
Our YMCA City Builders
The event also celebrated all of our YMCA City Builders to date:
The David Braley Charitable Foundation
The Counselling Foundation of Canada
Goldie Feldman, Daphne Wagner, David Green, and Lita & Michael Green
Krystal Koo & Michael J. Cooper
Ann & Medhat Mahdy (honourary)
