YMCA Northumberland is proud to announce that Dan Bulger, a dedicated volunteer and former board member, has been honoured with an appointment as an Officer to YMCA Canada’s prestigious
Fellowship of Honour. This is the YMCA’s highest honour in Canada, recognizing outstanding service and significant impact on the YMCA movement.
Dan Bulger’s unwavering commitment to YMCA Northumberland and the broader YMCA community spans over 46 years. Starting as a volunteer in 1978, Dan hascontributed significantly to the YMCA’s growth andsuccess. In 1982 – and for 42 years – Dan has led the 3 morning per week 6:30am unique pool-based workout,Waterpower Fitness Class, in Cobourg!
Dan specifically designed this class to appeal to a wider audience than a traditional Aquafit Class. Dan’s longstanding commitment to this class is estimated to be a remarkable milestone of 5,000+ hours volunteer teaching! What’s more, with Dan’s leadership and encouragement, many of his Waterpower Fitness Class attendees have become volunteers and donors themselves.
But his efforts don’t stop in the pool. He has also been involved in program development, leadership roles, significant fundraising campaigns and provided transformative financial contributions that have left an indelible mark on the organization and community.
Eunice Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of YMCA Northumberland, stated, “Dan is so deserving of this prestigious recognition due to his unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to YMCA Northumberland and the broader YMCA movement for over 46 years. His tireless efforts have helped shape our organization and positively impacted countless lives in our community. We wouldn’t be the Y we are today without him.”
The Fellowship of Honour is a tribute to both volunteers and staff who have excelled in their efforts to advance the YMCA mission locally, nationally, and internationally. Since its inception in 1981, only 123 individuals from across Canada have been appointed to this esteemed fellowship.
Dan’s remarkable achievement will be officially recognized when he receives his Officer appointment and his Fellowship of Honour Medal at a formal ceremony in Ottawa this September. Each recipient receives a Fellowship of Honour Medal designed byaward-winning artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt, a framed citation, and a commemorative lapel pin, and is featured in a book listing all Fellowship members.
Dan’s journey reflects a deep-seated passion for community betterment. His leadership has extended from the water to the boardroom and reverberates through capital campaigns, local events, international conferences, program improvements and funds development to create lasting impacts.
From construction of new facilities and activity centers to enhancement of programs and services, he has played a pivotal role in enabling YMCA Northumberland to become the vibrant organization it is today.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
