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Stamford YMCA Seeks Donations From Local Corporate HQs

STAMFORD, CT (WCBS 880) - These are desperate economic times and desperate times call for desperate measures. That is certainly true at the YMCA in Stamford.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

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In a change of strategy, Stamford YMCA CEO Ernest Lamour will be reaching out to local corporate headquarters for continued funding of programs there.

With a prolonged recession, Lamour feels that a downturn in private giving is imminent.

"You know, hopefully, you know, it won't impact us tremendously. But you know, you'll definitely see a decrease though, I think, in individual giving, and hopefully, you know, some of the corporations will be able to step up," he told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

He says that when he was growing up in Stamford, the YMCA helped him develop on the straight and narrow armed with plenty of confidence.

Now, as head of the YMCA, Lamour says continued funding is critical since the YMCA now provides many of the programs local schools are unable to fund.

"We provide services to children grades K through 12 - after school, youth sports, the arts, aquatics programs, and so we're touching 600 to 700 children a day at our Y," he said.

Lamour says he has 1,800 members and adds proudly that they turn no one away.

The Stamford YMCA is at 900 Washington Boulevard and can be reached at 203-357-7000 or info@stamfordymca.org.

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