Should seniors get break at theY?

POINT OF VIEW

Updated 2 months ago

The YMCA has quite a quandary on its hands. Local resident Chuck Antonio has decided to start a petition demanding the Y give seniors a 10% discount for memberships.

The basis of his argument is that seniors at most businesses are granted discounts. It's just a matter of respect, he says, for those who can afford it. And for those who cannot, it avoids the humiliation of having to prove financial hardship.

Not an unreasonable request or suggestion on the surface.

However, the argument breaks down in a number of areas.

First, The YMCA is not a private enterprise. Its home web page includes the following statement:

"The YMCA is a charity that is open to everyone where no one is ever turned away. For 150 years, our YMCA has remained relevant to individuals and communities as they change and evolve, while maintaining our core Mission.

"To the YMCA, strengthening people ultimately leads to a stronger, more caring community.

To this end, people give of their time, talent and financial support to ensure that individuals can have a beneficial and rewarding experience with the YMCA.

Our primary method of applying our mission is to involve people -individually and in group settings. In doing so, we believe our holistic perspective "in spirit, mind and body" is to be reflected in all we do.

"At the YMCA, we are a place that builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. We are a place where you can be yourself."

If those seniors who can afford the YMCA are given a discount, it will come out of the pockets of individuals and families who are paying full rate to subsidize this group.

Also, Mr. Antonio's statement that some seniors are too proud or embarrassed to give out their financial information presupposes that those who are not seniors and in need of financial assistant are not proud nor are they embarrassed to give out their financial information.

Those people are every bit as uncomfortable.

Steve Butz, the CEO at the Y, says the fee structure is based on the principle of equality, where anyone in need can access the YMCA.

While we understand some of what Mr. Antonio is trying to say, Mr. Butz is correct in defending the principles of the YMCA with access to everyone based upon ability to pay -not age.