Who We Are

Two young girls singing into a microphone during a BGC London program

We are committed to BRIGHT futures

BGC London is a community organization that delivers safe and fun activities for children and youth whenever school is out. We also provide day-time programming for adults 50 and over. Our members benefit from development opportunities that foster leadership skills and provide practical work experience.

Our programming is designed with these goals in mind:

To provide hope, inspiration, and opportunities to help people reach their full potential
To promote physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being
To support young people as they cultivate success in school, form positive relationships, and mature into healthy, responsible and caring adults.

Our Mission

To provide safe, supportive places where children, youth, and seniors can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.

Our Vision

All members of the community discover and achieve their dreams to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society.

Our Core Values

In our work with children, youth, families, seniors and the community, BGC London is guided by the following Core Values. They are the standards by which BGC London's services are measured.

Belonging & Inclusion

We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.

Respect

We ensure that everyone – children, youth, families, seniors, volunteers, staff – is heard, valued and treated fairly.

Encouragement & Empowerment

We encourage and support each individual to play, learn, and grow to achieve their dreams.

Working Together

We work together with young people, families, seniors, volunteers, partners, and the government to better our community.

Speaking Out

We speak out for children, youth, families, and seniors so that we can make our world better.

Horton Street 50+ Centre

Since 1987, Horton Street 50+ Centre (HS 50+) has been a destination for older adults (50+). We offer daytime facilities and programs including swimming, gym access, and a weight room. Our Centre maintains a good reputation and is a well-respected community agency. Our program plays a vital role in contributing to the overall well-being of older adults.

Swimming at Horton Street Seniors’ Centre, London, Ontario

Our Core Principles

Some of our Core Principals at the Horton Street 50+ Centre include:

We welcome all older adults in a safe, accepting environment, based on diversity, belonging and positive relationships.

We agree that all older adults should be valued, treated fairly, and encouraged to embrace a positive view of aging.

We work together with our Members, volunteers, partners, our community, and the Government to promote a positive mindset around active aging.

Older adults have the right to make choices.

We advocate on behalf of our Members to age with dignity, by being an organization that fosters learning, wellness, physical activity, and social connections.

Our Slogan

A good place to be.

Our strategic plan & annual reports

Strategic Plan

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2020 Annual Report

2019 Annual Report

2018 Annual Report

2017 Annual Report

2016 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

2014 Annual Report

Our History

Since 1956, the Club has continued to successfully serve the community. From its initial focus of programs for boys to an organization that supports meaningful development and activities for children, youth, families and older adults, we work hard to meet the needs of our diverse community.

1956 - 1959

The Canadian Legion Memorial Boys' Club was opened by the Royal Canadian Legion, Roosevelt Branch #002 and Vimy Branch. Their goal was to help keep delinquent boys away from the moral and physical dangers of the streets.

1960 - 1969

In 1964, a house on Simcoe Street became the Club House where boys enjoyed a games room, lounge and carpentry shop. Within a year, membership grew to 230 and paid staff was needed. The building at the current location of 184 Horton Street was purchased in 1968, and was transformed to provide more services and educational programs. Girls became members shortly thereafter and membership increased significantly.

1970 - 1979

In 1974, an indoor swimming pool, change rooms and a gymnasium were added as the population grew to over 1,200 children and youth and our name was changed to Legion Memorial Boys' & Girls' Club. 1976 was the inaugural year for the annual H.W. Coulson Swim-a-Thon, a successful fundraiser which supported Club programs. We became a United Way member agency in 1978. In 1979, our name was changed to Memorial Boys' & Girls' Club.

1980 - 1989

Plans were developed in 1985 for the Club to grow, offering programs for 2,000+ members and service their needs into the ‘90s. In 1987, the Horton Street Seniors Centre was opened for 60 members. The London Rib-Fest, a five day outdoor festival held on the Civic Holiday weekend in Victoria Park began in 1988.

1990 - 1999

In 1996, another 25,200 sq. ft. was added to the facility to include increased program space and the ClubHouse Café. Forest City Signs was opened as an entrepreneurial opportunity for job training and experience and to assist in funding for the Club's operations.

2000 - 2007

In 2000, we changed our name to the Boys and Girls Club of London to reflect the association with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario and Canada. The Kelly Jarmain and Family Aquaplex was opened in 2006 which provided a new pool, more program space, landscaped parking and green space around the Club. In 2006, we celebrated 50 years of service to London and area.

2008

The development of the My Action Plan to Education (M.A.P.) Program has provided the foundation for supporting enhanced academic skills for children and youth.

2021 to Present

In March 2021, the Boys and Girls Club of London became BGC London because Clubs across the country open their doors to all kids and teens and we believe our name should reflect that.

At this time we have more than 35 full time and 40 part time staff to provide programs and services, drive children and older adults, and offer administrative support. Over 400 volunteers participate every year, sharing their knowledge and talents with children and older adults in many roles including special events, programming and leadership.