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Council supports ‘extend a hand’ for the VFC
By Erin Knutson
Valley Fitness Centre (VFC) requested the support of the District of Invermere to act as a donee for an ‘extend a hand’ micro-grant of $300 awarded to the organization by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) and was offered full support by council at its last meeting.
‘Extend a hand’ is an initiative to subsidize the membership of individuals who are coping with significant health issues, including mental health and addictions, and battling to regain their quality of life, according to VFC Executive Director Teresa Rogal in a letter to the district.
“We know how much a gym membership will help in their fight for a change of health. This grant gives us more opportunities to ‘extend a hand’ and purchase a membership for these individuals,” said Rogal.
Rogal testified on behalf of a woman who found the courage to rebuild her life through fitness.
“I recently met a woman on the street who I know is struggling with alcoholism, and I chatted with her and asked her what was holding her back from coming to the gym, and she said money. So I gifted her a three-month membership to get her started, and she showed up at least once, sometimes twice per day. After three months, she was building confidence and looked brighter.”
By the end of three months, the woman bought an additional three months on her own and attributed the positive shift in her life to the help she received from VFC.
“Teresa, I just want you to know that on the street that day, you saved my life,” said the client.
With the support of the district and the community, Rogal will be able to carry on with her work and her vision to help people get back on their feet by helping to restore their health and confidence.
“If that is all I can do to extend a hand to someone in need, then I wish to do it more. I want mayor and council to know what even this small grant can do for someone in need in this community,” said Rogal.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
