GNAG crushes COVID-coping!


At GNAG, we hope you are all keeping safe and well. Many of you have inquired after the well-being of GNAG and its amazing staff. We want to thank you; we really appreciate your concern and support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on every single one of us, and GNAG is no exception. As you may know, the city has shut the Glebe Community Centre until at least June 30. In adherence with directives from Ottawa Health, GNAG suspended in-person operations on March 13.
As a result, GNAG has had to reduce staff to its core team of managers and program coordinators. Our extended family of part-time and contract staff is getting by with support from employment insurance and the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefits, but many are offering their own online services, and we encourage you to reach out to them directly.
The core team, along with a number of dedicated volunteer instructors and contractors, have been busy creating online programming and other opportunities to keep the GNAG community connected, entertained and healthy. Please visit GNAG.ca to view and sign up for these exciting programs. Most courses are offered on a pay-what-you-can model. Others are offered at a reduced rate to ensure accessibility. Thank you to those who have been attending – it is a joy to see the 150 to 200 faces that show up each day.
To those who have contributed on our donation page, I wish to extend our gratitude for your support and generosity. Your donation will help support our online offerings and keep us going till we reach the next stage.
Summer Camp
While we feel encouraged by recent reports that Canada is #flatteningthecurve, we want to be straightforward and honest during these difficult times. Our top priority is to keep our clients and staff healthy and safe. To that end, GNAG may have to reduce its summer camp offerings and perhaps offer modified programs online or in-person. All summer camp decisions will be made six weeks before the scheduled starting date.
The many unknowns of this pandemic make future planning particularly challenging. While we continue to offer online programming, we will facilitate a quick return to in-person operations as soon as government regulations and our ability to ensure the safety of clients and staff allow. We are in this together and will get through it all together!
In the meantime, here are some May highlights:
Online Burn and Brew
Workout and Social:
Friday, May 15, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Join fitness enthusiasts Ruth Hartanto and Mary Tsai for this special online Burn and Brew fitness class and social.
For the first 45 minutes, Ruth and Mary will lead you through a fun and energizing interval workout. No equipment is necessary. This class is suitable for all levels. After your workout, grab your brew (coffee, that is) and join GNAG’s very own chef Tanis Hodder in her kitchen as she demonstrates how to prepare gcCafé’s tasty no-cook energy bites.
There is no need to register for this free event, just show up online! Look for the Zoom link at GNAG.ca.
What people are saying about our online classes
Thank you so much to the whole GNAG team for having organized so quickly online activities and fitness classes for the entire community. You rock and clearly are a foundation for the Glebe community. Thank you so much for making sure we are all well. – Ana
Many thanks for your terrific work amid all this craziness. You’re the same team of community heroes you’ve always been! – Lisa
Thanks so much for providing structure with this adventurous Lego competition and giving the boys the opportunity to stay connected to their friends and the community centre. – Dana
Thank you so much to you and GNAG for providing this content. My husband and I have been struggling with adapting to working from home while caring for a toddler, and this is the best COVID-coping content I’ve seen so far. Thanks! – Chelsea
Wow wow wow
You guys are the greatest! Thank you so much for keeping our community connected.
We are so lucky to have GNAG. – Susan
Thanks for Disney Trivia – the kids had a blast! Chloe updated her calendar for tomorrow to make sure she doesn’t miss anything! – Danielle
II am soooo impressed with all that you have offered to the community. Please pass on a huge THANK YOU to the team of you who pulled this together so quickly. Kudos to all of you!!! – Pat
We wish you to keep well and hope to see you online!