International Day of Charity Spotlight: YMCA and MK Dons Community Trust Collaborate to Inspire Over 100 Young People Through Summer Activities

On International Day of Charity 2026, we want to highlight the impact organisations can make when they come together for a good cause. By combining expertise, resources and a shared commitment, partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthen local communities.

This summer, we saw that impact first-hand through our partnership with MK Dons Community Trust, working together to deliver an exciting holiday programme for more than 100 young people aged 5 to 12 at Cold Harbour Primary School.

From sports and physical activities to arts and crafts, healthy eating workshops and mentoring sessions, the programme gave young people opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills and build confidence, all while having fun and connecting with others.

Through the partnership we also supported young people to access nutritious meals during the summer holidays. With the the school holidays often bringing additional financial pressures, we recognise the growing need to provide not only positive experiences but also practical support.

At a time when youth services have faced significant funding cuts in recent years, many young people have fewer opportunities to access positive activities and support within their local communities. That’s why partnerships like this are so important. By bringing young people together, we can provide safe spaces where they can make friends, develop new skills, build confidence and simply enjoy being themselves.

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel supported, included and empowered to reach their potential. Holiday programmes like this are about much more than keeping children occupied during school breaks. They provide a space where young people can try new things, improve their wellbeing and create positive experiences that can have a lasting impact long after the summer ends.

Seeing more than 100 young people get involved, challenge themselves and share their enthusiasm throughout the summer was a brilliant reminder of what can be achieved when organisations collaborate around a shared purpose.

We would like to thank MK Dons Community Trust, Cold Harbour Primary School and everyone who helped make the programme such a positive experience. We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together and are already looking forward to building on this success in the future.

On International Day of Charity, we’re encouraging more organisations to think about the positive difference their people, skills and resources could make.

Could your organisation help create the next opportunity?

Whether through a corporate partnership, fundraising, volunteering or sharing skills and expertise, there are many ways to work alongside YMCA South Midlands to create positive experiences with young people and communities.

Individuals can make a difference too.

Every donation helps us continue creating spaces, experiences and opportunities where young people can belong, contribute and thrive.