THE YMCA in Glasgow is aiming high in its quest to rid itself of its
''chipped paint and cut-price image''.
It has recently opened new business conference facilities on the 29th
floor of the 30-storey David Naismith YMCA building in Petershill Drive,
Springburn -- a new direction for the charity established 170 years ago
in Glasgow.
For many years the name of the YMCA has been synonymous with helping
the disadvantaged and providing reasonably priced accommodation for
people of all creeds, religions or sex.
This compares with the initial purpose of the Young Men's Christian
Association, formed in Glasgow by David Naismith.
However, in common with many other voluntary organisations which
depend on Government and public subsidies to survive, the Glasgow YMCA
has experienced hard times financially and has realised that its
survival may hinge on generating more of its own income.
To this end its chief executive in Glasgow, Mr Bill Harte, explained
that it had employed its own team of professionals to spearhead a series
of money-making initiatives.
Among the first of these is the YMCA's new conference and restaurant
facilities on the 28th and 29th floor of the YMCA building in David
Naismith Court, Springburn.
The Belfast-born chief executive, whose 32 years with the YMCA have
included stints in Asia and Africa, the past nine years in Glasgow,
said: ''We are hopeful of attracting both private and public sector
groups to use our facilities which are completely self-contained.''
He said everything imaginable needed to stage a conference, including
secretarial back-up and transport to and from David Naismith Court if
necessary, could be made available.
Mr Harte conceded that few businessmen may have thought twice in the
past about considering YMCA accommodation -- and particularly the
unfashionable Springburn venue -- for holding business conferences and
seminars.
But he believes the facilities offered at David Naismith Court,
compare favourably with those offered by three-star hotels in Glasgow.
Mr Harte said: ''The food is excellent, the cook is keen to please,
and at around #10 per delegate a day, the venue is ideal for businessmen
keen to cash in on the value for money ethos of the nineties.''
Assistant house manager and manageress of the Goosedubs restaurant, Ms
Edele McCormack, who worked for five years in the hotel trade after
gaining her degree in hotel and catering management, said the charge for
delegates would include three coffee breaks, a three-course lunch, and
the use of the room for a day.
Ms McCormack, from Roscommon in Ireland, said conference facilities
could be made available for up to 50 people.
Tastes from traditonal Scots fare through to Indian and Italian can be
catered for in the restaurant named after a former street in the
Saltmarket where geese often roamed about in the dubs -- large puddles.
Overnight accommodation, including bed and breakfast, can also be
provided at David Naismith Court at #15 for a single room and #25 for a
twin room.
Mr Harte explained that other initiatives, aimed at getting the YMCA
on an even keel financially, involved developing language courses for
foreign students mainly from Germany and Italy.
The courses involve the YMCA providing accommodation and supply
teachers for students during the summer months. Mr Harte hopes the
programme may be extended to year-round with EC support, and that
students from other areas of Europe, particularly the former Soviet
Union, will attend.
The Glasgow YMCA is involved in several projects, which include young
homeless units in Maryhill and Ruchazie.
Mr Harte sought to dispel critics who have suggested that the YMCA has
lost its sense of purpose by entering the world of mammon.
He said: ''The days are gone when voluntary organisations can rely on
people simply to give them money to keep them going.
''What we need now is viable projects housing or community work. We
also need the support of the private and public sector.''
Mr Harte added: ''In Glasgow, most important of all, we have to be
earning money ourselves which helps to demonstrate our commitment to the
work we are doing.
''The aim of our diversification is to improve our bank balance which
hopefully will ultimately allow us to help more disadvantaged people.''
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