Lane Merrifield, Executive Vice President of Disney Online Studios & Co-founder of Club Penguin

What was it about the Y that inspired Club Penguin to give?
The Y is an incredible organization that benefits so many in our community. Whether it’s teaching children to swim, giving teens a safe and supportive environment where they can have fun and develop leadership skills or helping seniors stay active, the Y is all about making our community a better place. As a team that works to provide a fun and safe online entertainment experience for children and families around the world, we at Club Penguin really value that focus on strengthening individuals in order to strengthen the whole. It truly is an inspiration to see an organization like the Y that’s so dedicated to identifying and meeting the needs of Kelowna residents.

Why does Club Penguin feel the community needs this project?
There are so many vulnerable and at-risk youth in our community who have such incredible potential to do great things given the right tools and opportunities. As the home for the Y’s Youth Leadership Development Programs, the new Youth Zone will provide a safe place for young people to gather and connect. It will also allow them to access great programs to build character and develop valuable leadership skills that will benefit the entire community, so we’re thrilled to be able to support it.

Is there a connection in values and mission between Club Penguin and the Kelowna Family Y expansion project?
All of us at Club Penguin share the Y’s commitment to empowering children and youth to take on leadership roles and do their part to make the world a better place for everyone. Both within our company and in the virtual world of Club Penguin, we work hard to nurture a spirit of giving. We encourage our players and our staff to do their part to give back and be active, contributing members of their community, whether it’s the online community in the virtual world of Club Penguin, the community in which they live or the larger, global community.