File

This file
documents the means by which the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)
disseminated and promoted its principles, mission, objectives and fundraising
and community support activities to interest groups and the public at large. It
is composed of official publications, brochures, flyers, handbills and
newsletters published by the Canadian and American national federations and by
the Montreal and Toronto local associations. Two publications concern the Young
Women's Christian Association (YWCA), the women's branch of the Y.

Several
documents chronicle the Y's role during the First World War, focussing
primarily on its activities to support soldiers: canteen services, promotion of
physical fitness, shows, and social and cultural activities. The publication
entitled Blue Triangle Y.W.C.A. Hostess Houses describes the
places that were set up near Canadian military training camps to accommodate
wives and mothers who came to visit soldiers before they were deployed
overseas. Through touching stories, the author recounts the activities
organized in these houses that offered couples separated by war a place to say
good-bye and servicemen a warm, homey atmosphere in which to take comfort and
socialize. Other documents note that the end of the war was seen as a crucial
time, given the anticipated challenges faced by returning soldiers. For this
reason, the Y created specific initiatives to support recently demobilized men.

Generally
speaking, the promotional documents in this file highlight the Y's foundations
and areas of activity. For example, in its 1936-1937 fundraising campaign,
which took place during the Depression of the 1930s, the YMCA of Montreal used
the occasion to promote the importance of providing a stable environment for young
men of the next generation who were dealing with high unemployment and changing
values. The documents also reveal the Christian roots of the organization,
whose activities sometimes bordered on proselytizing. However, it is clear
that, overall, the Y promotes physical, intellectual, social and spiritual
well-being by making sports facilities available to young men and boys and by
providing opportunities for social, cultural and peer support activities.
Finally, the file includes several issues of the YMCA of Montreal newsletter,
entitled Y's Acres, which provide progress reports on the April
1927 fundraising campaign. There is also a copy of the Quebec edition of
the Red Triangle News, the newsletter of the Canadian federation of
YMCAs, which mentions John Wardrop Ross as a member of the provincial committee
and the leader of the May 1919 Montreal fundraising campaign.