Soiree helps celebrate 125 years of YMCA in Bay

CHEERS: Hawke's Bay YMCA president Rosie Marriott toasts the 125th anniversary of YMCA with general manager Trevor Howes. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

The YMCA have been developing local youth in the Bay for more than a century.

To celebrate the 125-year milestone the YMCA had a cocktail evening at Shed 2 last night.

About 80 people including staff, members of the community and business partners attended.

Hawke's Bay general manager Trevor Howes said it had experienced a number of "twists and turns" over the years and it was an incredible achievement for the institution.

Founded in 1890, the YMCA focus on building strong families in Hawke's Bay.

"We have decided to put a stake in the ground and celebrate what we have accomplished."

He said the YMCA have exciting things happening, so "watch this space."

"It is an incredible privilege to work with such a great range of people who make daily contributions to our youth."

Mr Howes said it tries to focus on "youth empowerment" and engaging with local youth as much as possible. YMCA president Rosie Marriott said the organisation had been successful over time because it was adaptable to the needs of the children and the community.

"When it began all those years ago the focus was primarily physical whereas today there is more focus on the social needs of the children," Ms Marriott said. "Our morals haven't changed, we are all about honesty, caring and respect."

She said the fact it was so well supported had enabled its long-term success. "We are all about youth education and if the organisation can keep up the fantastic work it has been doing there is no reason we couldn't continue for another 125 years."