North Penn YMCA Board President walks 23 miles for the Y

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Howard Reid, board president of the North Penn YMCA, embarked on a 23-mile walk between the Y branches to raise awareness and donations for the North Penn YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

The ‘Walk for the Y’ spanned 11 hours, covered more than 50,000 steps, and encompassed six municipalities within the North Penn and Indian Valley communities. Reid, a cancer survivor and kidney donor, was able to undertake this walk thanks to the physical and social growth he has experienced through his membership at the North Penn YMCA.

However, his journey was not meant to highlight his personal achievements but to draw attention to the charitable services the North Penn YMCA offers to support the growth of those in need.

“No one is turned away because of an inability to pay at our YMCA. In order to serve all of our community members, we engage in fundraising efforts to collect the funds used to support the waived fees we provide to those who qualify. We are proud to be able to welcome everyone with the need and desire for wellness opportunities into our facilities,” said Financial Development Director Cassie Digman. “In 2023, we provided over $667,000 worth of charitable services benefiting more than 7,500 individuals due in part to fundraising activities.”

Throughout the walk, Reid was greeted by supporters.

“People wave and go out of their way. The generosity of people giving you respect … there’s a lot of goodness inside everyone’s hearts in our society. People are really wonderful and our community is truly beautiful,” Reid said a few hours into his adventure.

    Howard Reid takes a photo at his first stop, Harleysville YMCA Early Childhood Center, at 10 a.m. Oct. 30. (Credit: North Penn YMCA)
  

    Howard Reid reaching his first stop, Harleysville YMCA Early Childhood Center, at 10 a.m. Oct. 30. (Credit: North Penn YMCA)
  

    YMCA day care children with signs supporting Reid. (Credit: North Penn YMCA)
  

At Harleysville YMCA Early Childhood Center and Indian Valley Family YMCA, Reid was greeted by day care students who made signs and cheered as he made his arrival.

“Seeing the kids support me made my year,” he said.

Reid’s route took him from Lansdale Family YMCA to Harleysville YMCA Early Childhood Center. Next, he walked to Indian Valley Family YMCA before visiting North Penn YMCA corporate office in Colmar.

    Howard Reid reached his second stop, Indian Valley YMCA, to be greeted by some excited kids at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 30. (Credit: North Penn YMCA)
  

Finally, he headed back to Lansdale Family YMCA to cross the finish line, which was complete with confetti cannons and balloons.

When asked how Reid’s associated with the North Penn Y began, he said, “Many years ago when my children were very young, we took them to the Y. We saw over time how the Y and the children grow. It was a great environment for our kids. My wife and I would come and exercise and as my kids got into high school they got involved in other sports they still came back to the Y. It’s always welcoming. We always felt like we belong.”

    Reid outside the YMCA corporate offices at 4 p.m. with three miles to go. (Credit: North Penn YMCA)
  

“About a year and a half ago, I was approached about possibly becoming president of the Board of Directors (a volunteer position) … Initially, I said no. Then I thought it over and I thought there’s probably no organization I’ve been associated with that I would be more proud to be able to go and serve time with,” he said.

If you would like to support Howard and North Penn YMCA's mission, please visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/YWalk to learn more.

The North Penn YMCA provides programs and services for children, teens, seniors, families and those with special needs in the North Penn, Indian Valley and Perkiomen Valley communities. Our programs, available for all ages and abilities, include child care, swimming, sports, group and individual exercise, character building, social activities and volunteer opportunities.