On September 25, 2024, Calgary business leader, philanthropist, volunteer, and friend of YMCA Calgary, Andy Melton was honoured with the prestigious YMCA Fellowship of Honour medal, recognizing more than three decades of unwavering service to YMCA Calgary. Presented by the Honourable Senator Ratna Omidvar at a ceremony in Ottawa, this award is one of the highest recognitions within the YMCA, celebrating Andy’s profound contributions to the organization and the broader Calgary community.
Andy’s involvement with YMCA Calgary began in the 1990s, and his contributions have touched nearly every aspect of the organization. From serving on the Board of Directors to spearheading capital campaigns, he has been a key player in YMCA Calgary’s transformation.
In addition to his professional contributions, Andy has been a dedicated YMCA member since 1977. As a regular at the Eau Claire YMCA, Andy actively supported local branch initiatives, and he continues to be a passionate advocate for YMCA programs. His commitment to creating healthy communities is matched by his philanthropic spirit - Andy has been a YMCA Calgary donor since 1994, contributing to both capital and annual campaigns in both a personal and professional manner.
For Andy, family, community, and service are at the heart of everything he does. He has embraced these values in his own family, encouraging his children and grandchildren to be involved in charitable work and community service. Whether it’s stepping up as a volunteer, leading capital campaigns, or supporting others behind the scenes, Andy exemplifies what it means to give back. His leadership and dedication inspire everyone around him, making him not just a key figure at YMCA Calgary, but a true role model for the entire community.
Shannon Doram, YMCA Calgary President & CEO, says, “Andy’s leadership and years of dedication and passion have helped to build a stronger, healthier YMCA Calgary that, in turn, is helping to build a healthier Calgary. Andy’s investment of time, energy, and talent in serving others has created a legacy that will be felt for generations.”
For over 30 years, Andy has been an essential figure in expanding the organization’s presence and impact in Calgary, consistently demonstrating the values of service, leadership, and community-building. His background in real estate and land development has been instrumental in shaping the physical landscape of YMCA Calgary. Every facility the YMCA currently operates in Calgary is in part due to Andy’s contributions, with his input ensuring that these spaces are not only accessible but also designed to serve the evolving needs of the community. His involvement in every major initiative over the past three decades has shaped the YMCA into what it is today: a thriving community organization that served over 73,000 members and saw over 4 million visits in 2023, helping Calgarians ignite their potential.
Transforming the YMCA Calgary Landscape
In the early days of his service, Andy helped raise funds for the revitalization of Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot and played a pivotal role in the relocation of the facility to meet growing demand in Calgary’s north.
His leadership continued with the opening of the Shawnessy YMCA in 2002, which became the first multi-service facility operated by the YMCA in Calgary. This innovative model - housing a YMCA, a library, a community association, and a high school under one roof - became a blueprint for future YMCA locations, helping bring these community hubs to more Calgarians. Andy’s vision of creating spaces that cater to the needs of diverse communities has had a lasting impact on how YMCA Calgary serves its members today.
One of Andy’s most notable achievements was his leadership in the Power of Potential capital campaign, which raised $30 million to build and operate three new YMCA facilities in Calgary. His efforts were especially critical during a time of economic downturn, when securing funding was more challenging than ever. Thanks to his work, YMCA Calgary was able to open two of the largest YMCA facilities in the world, providing much-needed resources and services to thousands of Calgarians.
Even after receiving the prestigious YMCA Fellowship of Honour, Andy’s work with the YMCA is far from over. He is currently serving in the cabinet for Love, Camp, a plan to revitalize Camp Chief Hector YMCA. His passion for ensuring that YMCA programs remain accessible and impactful for future generations is far-reaching. His legacy is not just one of buildings and dollars raised – it’s one of lives changed, communities strengthened, and futures brightened.
Andy Melton’s contributions to YMCA Calgary over the past three decades have been extraordinary. We are deeply grateful for his service and leadership, and we look forward to seeing how his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.