**GOODLIFE FITNESS NEWS RELEASE**

 A partnership between the town of Moosonee and GoodLife Fitness helped transform the town’s community centre into a full gym for residents. GoodLife Fitness donated and shipped a large container of fitness equipment and sent a team of associates to the small northern Ontario town last week. The goal is to create more options for recreational and physical activity for residents in the community and provide youth in Moosonee with a safe and fun space to spend their spare time.

“Northern communities are very near and dear to my heart,” said Jane Riddell, President and Chief Operating Officer, GoodLife Fitness. “Based on discussions with the town, it was clear Moosonee needed a community gathering place – somewhere residents, especially teens, could spend time doing something positive they enjoy. The idea took shape and we worked with community organizers to establish a fitness facility. Access to fitness equipment and programs promises to improve residents’ physical and mental health. It’s part of our mission to give every Canadian a chance to live a fit and healthy good life.”

GoodLife Fitness developed the project with the Aboriginal Peoples Alliance of Northern Ontario (APANO) Diabetes Prevention Program, which is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The donation included 56 fitness machines and pieces of equipment including elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, rowing machines, strength training machines and free weights. The machines and equipment were shipped to Moosonee by train last month. The gym will include cardio and strength training areas, while additional rooms will be used as group fitness studios.

GoodLife Fitness Associates from across Canada applied for the chance to travel to Moosonee on October 28 as part of a select team of fitness experts. The team spent five days in the town to orient residents to the equipment, help develop fitness programs, teach group fitness classes and build capacity in the community.

“This was an opportunity to connect with people in Moosonee and help them set up their own customized fitness programs. We don’t just want to provide the equipment. Our goal is to build capacity and knowledge to ensure anyone who wants to work out has what they need to continue after we leave,” said Jessica Beaugrand, a GoodLife Fitness Associate from Winnipeg who was chosen to be part of the initiative.

APANO arranged for members of the GoodLife team to learn about the history and customs of the Moose Cree First Nation, including museum visits and a lesson in Moosonee history with an Elder; a session to learn about smudging and the significance of the drum, the chance to make bannock and sit around a traditional fire in a tipi.

“The GoodLife team is teaching the community about fitness and in return, they asked to learn more about Cree customs and culture. There is such a deep history in Moosonee, so this is a wonderful opportunity to share our experiences and practices to create a lasting connection,” said Kelly Geddes, Diabetes Prevention Program Manager, APANO. 

The donation comes on the heels of an initiative for which GoodLife donated fitness equipment to the town of Cambridge Bay in September 2017. APANO has been working with GoodLife Fitness to organize efforts to make the fitness facility a reality in Moosonee to support its Diabetes Prevention Program. GoodLife Fitness will work with local organizers to provide training on how to maintain the equipment.

“Moosonee did not have a fitness centre and had limited resources and supports for physical activity. Like other northern communities, young people in Moosonee are looking for fun, positive activities. GoodLife came up with a sustainable approach that will give Moosonee residents access to the right equipment and the knowledge and skills to use it on a regular basis,” said Bryan Nahrgang, recreation programmer with Moosonee Recreation.

 

About GoodLife Fitness
Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness club chain in Canada and the fourth largest overall in the world. With over 400 clubs from coast-to-coast, including GoodLife Fitness, Fit4Less by GoodLife and ÉconoFitness Clubs, approximately 14,100 employees and more than 1.5 million members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of 1 in 25 Canadians.  www.goodlifefitness.com

 

SOURCE GoodLife Fitness

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