One Bequest makes dreams come true on July 23rd!

Monday, 20 July 2009, 10:01 am
Press Release: YMCA

One Bequest makes dreams come true on July 23rd !

On July 23rd, thanks to one generous bequest, the YMCA Tauranga will finally move into the first office it has ever owned! “It is a dream come true really” says CEO Amy Thaler “My team is so excited that we will now have a home that reflects the quality of the services we provide and it is all due to the spirit of one woman.”

The initial capital for this new home came from a bequest made by Marjorie Coombes (nee Norton). Mrs. Coombes was born 11 November 1913 in Wanganui, died 18 August 2003 in Tauranga. At the age of 47 she married Leonard John Coombes (Jack) in Tauranga . She owned a high end women's fashion store in Cherrywood called Marleen’s. The name was a blend: "Mar" Marjorie and "Leen" her mother Eileen whom she initially owned the store with. She had no heirs at the time of her death and left cash gifts to those that had been good to her during her lifetime and the residue was divided between 4 charities. She had a particular desire to support organisations that benefitted young people and while she had no connection to the Y, chose it as a benefactor for that reason.

This bequest initially was used to purchase a childcare facility that the YMCA operated for several years. However, in 2006 for various strategic reasons the centre was sold and the funds earmarked for the purchase and fit-out of a central office.

In conjunction with the big move the YMCA will be also be launching their new brand campaign. The new look was developed by Woods Creative in Papamoa and gives the iconic brand a refreshed message, look and utlises local faces.

About YMCA Tauranga

The YMCA Tauranga provides great opportunities for people of all ages to participate in education and sport and recreational activities in the Western Bay of Plenty. We embrace the National YMCA vision to build strong kids, strong families, strong communities and incorporate our core values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all that we do.

YMCA Tauranga is an affiliate of The National Council of YMCA's of New Zealand, and the World Alliance of YMCAs.

ENDS

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YMCA

Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities

The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.

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