Ensuring the safety and protection of children and vulnerable persons is of utmost importance to the YMCA. On Friday, May 23, 2014, the YMCA of Oakville was made aware via the news media of criminal charges of a sexual nature, dating back to 2003, involving minors and Mr. Sean Hewson, at the time, Head of the Bronte Yacht Club.

The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford identified that this individual is a current employee of the YMCA.

The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford has contacted and shared the details of Mr. Hewson’s employment at the YMCA with Halton Regional Police and confirmed our commitment to support any requirements of this police investigation. Please see the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford’s Message to YMCA Families for more information.

Mr. Hewson is also a past employee of the YMCA of Oakville. He worked at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA for a brief period of time from April 1 to May 30, 2006.

We recognize that news of this nature is extremely upsetting to families. We want to reassure all members of our on-going YMCA practices to ensure the safety and protection of children, youth and vulnerable persons at the YMCA:

  • The YMCA requires that all staff and volunteers have an active criminal record check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and require three references for employment or volunteer placement.
  • All YMCA staff and volunteers participate in Child Protection Training and must sign-off on the YMCA’s Child Abuse Policy.

In the interest of timeliness and transparency, the YMCA has also reached out to media to ensure the public is aware of Mr. Hewson’s work at the YMCA and to ensure that any concerns are forwarded to Halton Regional Police.

If you have any additional questions related to YMCA Child Protection practices, please email Brenda Ridgway, Manager of Marketing and Communications at [email protected].

Sincerely,
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Kyle Barber, President & CEO