Rec & leisure students launch second Fit for Care fundraiser

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: PROVIDED BY KATE BANCROFT
The second annual Fit for Care fundraiser runs virtually from November 16 to 20.

Second-year students in Fanshawe’s recreation and leisure services program are moving forward with their second annual Fit for Care fundraiser, despite challenges created by the pandemic.

For the week of November 16 to 20, the group will run a variety of virtual wellness events and fitness challenges designed to raise money for residents at the McCormick Home in London. The not-for-profit facility houses seniors and runs an extensive day program for those with dementia.

This year’s fundraising goal is $10,000 for the purchase of a wheelchair tandem bicycle and garden enhancements.

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“This is the first time we’ve tackled a virtual event, so we’ve all been learning together which is a lot of fun,” said Linda Whitehead, a professor in the program. “It’s been a good challenge for the students. They’re breaking new ground.”

The Fit for Care fundraiser is a part of the program’s capstone project requirements. Last year, it took form as a three-hour cycle-a-thon in the College’s wellness centre.

As with everything else in 2020, COVID-19 meant rethinking the event this time around.

The result includes an art night, cooking demo, and TikTok challenge all created by the students.

Whitehead said that the bright side has been students being provided with the opportunity to stay in touch and work towards a common goal.

“As professors, we get how hard it is,” she said of studying during a pandemic. “But this has allowed them to interact with each other, and it’s kept them socially connected.”

A full description of the fundraiser and its challenges can be found at mccormickcarefoundation.ca/fit-for-care.