Strong support for fitness fundraiser

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Published on Monday, September 17, 2018

Photo by Eoin Devereux

Nearly 50 people participated in the Whitey’s Fitness and Body Shop barbell workout/fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 3

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

Exercise buffs in Neepawa recently sweated it out for a worthy cause. Nearly 50 people participated in the Whitey’s Fitness and Body Shop barbell workout/fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 3. The event was put together to support Lindylou Escabarte, who has been combating breast cancer.

The participants were asked to supply a donation of $10 to support the cause and then allowed to take part in the circuit training and yoga program that was organized for the day. Several local businesses also donated products that were raffled off. 

Sherrie Hockin, owner and personal trainer at Whitey’s Fitness Body Shop, said that plans were already in the works for Whitey’s to do some type of workout oriented fundraiser. She noted that after they learned of Lindylou’s plight, they knew this was the one that they wanted to support.

“When we heard of Lindylou’s situation on Facebook, through a GoFundMe account, which was set up by a friend or relative of Lindylou. We knew it was exactly what we wanted to assist with. Talking with a lot of the club members about [the fundraiser], they were very supportive and indicated that they’d like to get involved. From there, it just took on a life of its own. Then, Michelle Gerrard [of Home Hardware] offered a few items as prizes and Chelsea Henry of Minnedosa offered to teach a yoga class as part of this. The amount of support just starting to snowball from there. Neepawa Golf and Country Club, Safeway, New Hope Health and Embark Fitness, out of Brandon also came forward to donate.”

The combinations of individual and business donations allowed the event to bring in $1,104. Hockin said that figure greatly exceeded their expectations.

“The amount of support that this brought in was fantastic. It was a bit unexpected as well. We knew there would be some solid support for the event, but to have that amount of people involved and so many businesses offer their support, it was just amazing,” stated Hockin. 

Photo by Eoin Devereux

Yoga instructor Chelsea Henry teaches a class as part of the fundraising effort.