About Us

Helsinki YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) was founded in 1889. Its founding members included, among others, Sakari Topelius and Arthur Hjelt. Helsinki YMCA is known for its pioneering youth work. Helsinki YMCA has been launching significant forms of work throughout its history. The best known of these are the import of basketball to Finland (Vilho Nuoreva) and the launch of scouting activities (Verneri Louhivuori) and club activities in Finland. 

Today, the YMCA in Helsinki offers various hobby opportunities for children, young people and adults. Activities include clubs, physical activities, music, scouting, adventures, various events, courses and a varied camp offering, among other things. Almost 6,000 children, young people and adults are included in the weekly activities of Helsinki YMCA. An impressive 490,000 encounters were realised through different modes of activity. 

Helsinki YMCA is operated by a support organisation, which also includes Hotel Arthur, which is one of the largest private hotels in Finland. Its profits are spent on activities for children and adolescents. Helsinki YMCA employs 200 people and is part of the YMCA movement, which is active in 130 countries, emphasising the holistic nature of mental, spiritual and physical growth. Helsinki YMCA enables being an active agent both locally and internationally.