Congratulations to the 2016 John Kjelson Memorial Service Award recipient Michelle Nelson

After a car accident in 1992 left her recovering from a serious injury, Michelle Nelson discovered an interest in fitness, which she pursued through the Y. Over a decade after her injury, with encouragement from a Y staff member, Michelle started volunteering, and has shown true dedication to helping our Y members reach their health and fitness goals through patience, perseverance and a little humour.

Michelle’s particular gift for connecting with seniors and those with special needs has made her a popular instructor at the John Tod Centre Y, where she currently volunteers 5 hours a week teaching 4 different fitness classes. “She is a cheerful, positive person,” writes one of her class regulars, “who has the ability to relate to people and assist them to overcome their fears.” Her classes are both fun and educational, and she motivates her participants to challenge themselves and work through their physical limitations. She is always smiling, is quick to laugh when she makes a mistake in class, and her encouragement and special attention show how much she truly cares about the health and happiness of our members. “I want to ensure our seniors are not forgotten. It’s important to help them keep active, fit and provide a place for them to meet others, form friendships and keep connected in the community.”

On top of that, Michelle also volunteers to be a campaigner every year for the Y Strong Kids Campaign. She “grew up” at the Downtown Y, attending various youth activities, like sleepovers in the old racquetball courts, and learning to swim in the pool, and she wants to make sure that other kids have the same opportunities to grow up strong. “I volunteer to give back,” she says. “I am a firm believer in the campaign, because I was a strong kid.”

Over the last 11 years, Michelle has grown into a confident, passionate and inspiring leader in the Y community. She is always willing to make time to mentor other Y Fitness volunteers, as Y staff and volunteers mentored her. She is dedicated to the health and happiness of our members, and it shows from the words of her friends, colleagues and class participants. “Michelle really believes in what our Y stands for, and promotes our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in all ways,” writes Carla Young, Director of Health and Fitness at the Downtown Y. “We are lucky to have her on our team and as a part of our Y family.”