The YMCA Honours Transformative $500,000 Bequest and Names Conditioning Floor in Memory of Ottawa Restauranteur, Walter Krepski
16 July 2024 - 3:00PM
The YMCA of National Capital Region was thrilled to host over 30
Krepski family and friends in early July to celebrate the unveiling
of the Walter Krepski Conditioning Floor, named in memory and in
recognition of Walter Krepski and his generous
donation of
$500,000 to the YMCA, received after his passing in 2022.
“This transformative gift will significantly
enhance the YMCA’s fitness and recreation programs, where Walter
spent so much of his time,” says Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO
of the YMCA of the National Capital Region. “Walter’s legacy in
Ottawa will live on through the generous gift he made to the Y.
Because of this tremendous support, more youth, adults, and
families will build meaningful connections while fostering their
health and wellness, for many years to come.”
Walter’s generous contribution stems from his
longtime connection with the YMCA, a story which is also deeply
intertwined with his immigration to Canada from Poland. In a 2001
Maclean’s article on the history of the YMCA in Canada, Walter
stated that “the Y has been a big part of getting me started in
Canada.”
Shortly after arriving in Ottawa, he moved into
the Y and found employment as a dishwasher. This helped spark his
restaurant career, and he rose through kitchen ranks, eventually
becoming a partner.
Together, Walter and his partners would come to
own and operate several beloved Ottawa restaurants until the early
2000’s, which have become embedded in Ottawa’s history, including
The Mayflower, The Marble Works, Maxwell’s, The Mill, Bravo Bravo,
and Buffalo Charlie’s.
“The Y was always a special and significant
place for my Dad,” says Walter’s son, Derek Krepski. “One of the
first places he called home, after arriving in Canada, was the Y,
and it continued to be an important place for him. Going to the Y
every morning was a real anchor for my Dad, not only in his days
and daily routine, but for his identity of embodying the values of
health, physical fitness, and community.”
Walter prioritized staying active and led early
morning aerobics classes at the YMCA for many years. He was an avid
tennis player, and took up running later in life, finishing the
Ottawa, New York, and Boston marathons.
Walter felt so passionately about the importance
of keeping YMCA programs accessible for all that he dedicated
himself to raising funds for the Y. Through his annual golf
tournament, and other fundraising initiatives at his restaurants,
Walter raised more than $130,000 and impacted countless lives at
the Y.
About the YMCA of the National Capital
Region:
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National
Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building
healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the
potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy
living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y
serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. A
focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages,
backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To
learn more visit ymcaottawa.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrea Bailey
Director, Marketing and Communications
YMCA of the National Capital Region
613.237.1320 Ext. 5167
andrea.bailey@ymcaottawa.ca