WINDSOR – The Windsor/Bertie County YMCA announced the presentation of a $5,000 check from Perdue Farms of Lewiston-Woodville, awarded through a Franklin and Arthur Perdue Foundation grant to help fund the purchase of new fitness equipment.

“We hadn’t really had any updated equipment in a while,” said YMCA Director Casey Owens. “Even though we’re proud of what we have, and our members never complained, we all knew it was outdated.”

The “Y” will be receiving two new treadmills, two new stationary bicycles, and a new pair of elliptical.

“With this new equipment we wanted to be able to compete with other fitness facilities in places like Ahoskie and Williamston,” Owens added.

“We’ve finally got some stuff now that looks the part,” he said with a laugh.

The upgrade also includes new TV’s for the YMCA fitness room; and the additions also increase the floor gear to four treadmills, bikes, and elliptical each.

“We’re very appreciative for the support from Perdue Farms and its Foundation,” Owens noted. “The Bertie County YMCA is the only fitness center in the county, and this funding allows us to continue to serve members of the community and provide up-to- date equipment as they strive to better themselves and live a more active lifestyle.”

The Bertie County YMCA is a non-profit organization that has been serving the community for 27 years. It is also one of the smallest YMCA’s in the country.

“The YMCA has been an important part of our community, including for many of our associates and their families,” said Jeff Stalls, Director of Operations at the local Perdue facility in Lewiston. “Organizations such as the “Y” are essential to make our community stronger, they share our values and we’re delighted to lend our support through this funding.”

Nationally, the YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the country some 2,700 YMCA’s engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support their neighbors.

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue, is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of their belief in supporting the communities where and with whom they do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of their associates live and work.