Who’s Who at the Y? Meet Irum Shoaib

We had the chance to catch up with Irum Shoaib. Irum is a ray of sunshine. She has an incredible sense of humour and is full of positivity. We are so fortunate that she chose to share her Y story with us!

“My name is Irum and I am a mom of 3!  Life is a little different for me because we don’t have any family here, just me, my husband and 3 kids. I have been living in Canada, for the last 10 years.

We did struggle quite a bit and we face a lot of stress. I was not happy in my life. I was just living for my kids. I totally forgot who I was and I experienced a lot of stress. Yes, I would smile on the outside, but I felt so sad on the inside. One day I went to the French library with my 3-year-old. He was playing and I was just sitting in chair watching him play when a great librarian came over and started to talk to me and I just felt so happy. She was so nice! I started talking with her and realized that she could see I was in emotional pain. She was so sweet and told me about the YMCA. She said there was a lot for kids and adults to do at the Y and financial support for those who cannot afford it. She was able to print off information for me at the library and I went to the YMCA and filled out a membership assistance application. After 10 days my application was accepted and my children got to participate in the youth programs for no cost! I cannot express how grateful I am that the YMCA changed my life.

I go every day to do exercises and take my kids to their activities. I am so happy. I just wish I knew about the YMCA programs before, but thank goodness I know now. The staff is so helpful and Andrea (at the Welcome Desk) is the best because they have helped me so much. I pray every day for Andrea and the librarian because without them I would be stuck and home and feeling depressed. The YMCA has changed my life forever. I am telling everyone now how they have helped and how easy it is.”