The Y receives media support to remind a wider audience of its role in helping youth

The YMCA, recently rebranded as the Y in Australia, is able to remind a wider audience of their support for young people and their associated communities with its first ever national TV ad, “We Are Here” following the willingness of media organisations to provide advertising space to the not-for-profit.

The Y has been helping young people stay connected and having their voices heard throughout months of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Y National Chief Executive, Melinda Crole said she was thankful that media organisations were willing to provide advertising space to the not-for-profit.

“Thanks to the support secured by the Zenith Media Agency, more than $225,000 worth of advertising was donated to the Y across Australia by Channel 10, Channel 7,  Prime TV and News Corp’s metro daily papers in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

“It’s heart-warming that during a crisis, these businesses have come to help a not-for-profit be there for young people and let them know we’re still here supporting them.

“The TV and print advertising features the faces and voices of young people from the Y who have already been inspiring others by stepping up with compassion and creativity and now have the opportunity to inspire more.”

Crole said it was important to bridge the gaps of isolation, which the Y’s young people have been doing with enthusiasm, even when many were either stood down or on reduced hours due to the Coronavirus impacts.

Crole highlighted “our young people have been leaders in embracing and developing online content and opportunities to connect, engage and support one another during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Feedback has been that these opportunities to connect have been a lifeline for many of our young people during this challenging time.”

View the Y’s #YWeAreHere video below

Credits:
Creative: The Department of Creative Affairs, Dane Robertson and Leigh Mullens
Media:   Zenith Media, Anita Babba and Michael Smith.
The Y:  National Brand and Reputation Group: Bree Godden, Emma Whale, Julie Cullen, Fiona Anderson, Dianne McDonald, Diane Shelton, and the young people featured in the Y’s first TV Ad: Hannah O’Brien, Kergen Angel, Nicole Comelli, Priyanka Dharmapalan, Hamani Tanginoa, and Emily Osborne.