The annual Spin4Kids event held at GoodLife Fitness Club on Main Street East last weekend was a success, according to organizer Mariane Wagner. A final tally has not been reached, but Wagner could comfortably say that the event had raised $7,700 for the GoodLife Kids Foundation. Funds raised are used to support two key initiatives aimed at encouraging kids to be active.
"GoodLife Kids is looking to give away money [a grant of up to $10,000] right now, in the region, to a charitable organization that promotes kids' fitness, specifically on the special needs side," explained Wagner.
The GoodLife Kids Grant Program provides funding for programs offering ongoing physical activity opportunities for children with special needs. In 2016, 76 organizations received grants of up to $10,000 to improve local access to adapted physical activity programs for this underserved segment of the population.
Added Wagner, "The foundation is looking to find a charity in the area that fits the criteria, so that they can give them money for equipment, facilities, whatever the organization needs. We're looking. If anyone is interested, check out our website."
GoodLife4Kids coaches across the country spent in excess of 3,000 fitness hours with students in 2016. Locally, fourth-grade students at Vincent Massey, Alliance and St. Alexander have benefitted from having a coach from GoodLife Kids Foundation visit once per week to bring fitness literacy to the youngsters.
The GoodLife4Kids School Program is a partnership program with local teachers that helps to teach fitness skills to grade 4 students at no cost to the schools. In 2016, the program reached over 3,500 kids at 100 partner schools.
The mandate of the foundation is to give "every Canadian kid the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life."
The theme of this year's Spin4Kids event was "What moves you?"
"We're asking people to take a moment to reflect on what draws them to our cause," said Lisa Burrows, Executive Director of GoodLife Kids Foundation.
"Many of our Spin4Kids participants are passionate about the positive impact that fitness has had on their lives and the lives of others," said Burrows, adding that the foundation "works to bring those physical activity and fitness opportunities to Canadian children through school and community-based programs, helping them develop healthy habits and a lifelong love of being active."
