Sherry and Joan were downtown at Molly Bloom’s this afternoon to provide the warm-up for teams setting out on the Heart & Stroke Big Bike.  This amazing community event raises funds to support critical heart disease and stroke research across Canada.  Last year, more than 70,000 riders in over 200 communities across Canada raised over $8 million for research!  We were so proud to play a small part in such a meaningful event.
 
If you would like more information on the Heart & Stroke Big Bike Event, please visit:
https://secure-support.heartandstroke.ca/site/SPageServer/?pagename=BB2018_home&s_locale=en_CA#_ga=2.46871982.803515748.1525135442-525173816.1524892454.

We loved seeing everyone dressed up in their bright colours for Inspired by Colour Week and had so much fun celebrating health, fitness and life with you!
 
To all who donated to the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice, a sincere THANK YOU!  With your enthusiastic participation, we raised over $700.00!  Your generous support will help the Hospice create a compassionate place where all who enter are warmly welcomed and cared for at no cost; a comfortable place to provide the better ending we all deserve.
 
And remember, you can always participate in our ongoing fundraising efforts for the Hospice by taking part in DJ for Dollars.  For a $10 donation, you can groove to your own playlist at Boot Camp.
 
“Giving is not just about making a donation.  It is about making a difference.” ~ Kathy Calvin

Our CORE DE FORCE demo was a huge success!  We had a full house of Inspired Warriors punching, kicking and sweating their way to a knockout body!  This fabulous weekly program, led by our new fitness instructor, Julie Witzel, begins on Tuesday, May 1st from 5:20 to 6:05 pm.  If you want to achieve amazing results without lifting a single weight, this is the workout for you!

April is always an exciting month for us at the studio since we will be hosting our 4th Annual Inspired by Colour Week!  This week is a unique and fun way to celebrate health, fitness and life by lighting up the studio with colour.  And this year, we are especially pleased to partner again with Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice to raise funds for a wonderful cause.  Members are invited to make a donation to the Hospice and will, in turn, receive a ballot for a fabulous daily door prize.  As well, all drop-in fees that week will be donated to the Hospice.
 
Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice exists to provide a needed alternative to institutional care facilities and home care; a place where palliative care individuals, as well as their loved ones, are supported through their end-of-life journeys.  All donations will make an impact by providing:
 

• Better end-of-life care for people that provides a one-stop service for those with a life-limiting illness.
• Better support for caregivers, family and friends.
• Better, more coordinated care across the entire healthcare system.
• Better awareness and understanding of hospice palliative care.

 
Besides feeling good about yourself for doing something for others, giving back is also good for your physical health.  Doing for others may stimulate the release of endorphins, which has been linked to improved nervous and immune system functions!  Research has shown that the good feelings you experience when helping others may be just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet.
 
Giving back in all shapes and forms strengthens our community, brings people together and provides us with valuable experience and insight.  It feels good to make a difference!  It feels good to give!
 
For more information about Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice, please visit:  http://www.stratfordperthhospice.ca/.