This is a page where we highlight how we give back at Blue Sky Fitness Studio.
Bi-monthly we feature meaningful charities to our Blue Sky Family…charities that have meaning to our members, our clients and most importantly our friends. When our clients are touched by heartache, setbacks or need support we want to be there to help in any small way possible.
We always have the choice to do better. To live better. To be kinder. To exercise. To eat healthy. To GIVE back.
I feel blessed that in my lifetime I haven’t had to worry about having food on the table, a roof over my head, or any awful illness bestowed upon a family member or close friend.
But there are so many that have.
And that is why I want to give back through karma classes and other community events that help our amazing community in so many great ways.
Have a glance below on how we’ve made a difference to date.
February/March 2018
Charity of Choice: Jaedra Winter Scholarship Fund
Story: Jaedra Winter took her own life on June 2015 at the age of 17. Jaedra’s Mom Melissa Winter is a valued part of our Blue Sky Family. Jaedra was a student at College Jeanne-Sauve and was an avid athlete who loved her friends , family and had a beautiful smile that lit up every room. Her memory is kept alive through the She Wore Flowers In Her Hair event each June at Kelburn Estates with funds raised going to the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.
Money Raised: $800
April/May 2018
Charity of Choice: Stephane Cormier Memorial Fund
Story: As written by Stephane’s Mom Lynne Cormier…
Our wonderful son, Stephane Cormier passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on May 22nd, 2017. He died 10 months ago and we are all still feeling his loss every day. Stephane often told us his biggest regret was that he wasn’t going to have enough time to make a difference in this world. For him, becoming a doctor or a medical researcher and being able to help others was his ultimate goal. He was well on his way to achieving this goal. Our son faced illness and death as he faced life – with strength, resolve and dignity.
It is in Stephane`s honour that we create the Stephane Cormier Memorial Fund. The Funds collected through various fund raising efforts will go to the Desmoid Tumour Research Foundation of Canada. The foundation`s mission is to aggressively fund research to accelerate the development of improved therapies and ultimately find a cure for Desmoid tumours. At this time there is no cure. Desmoid tumours are rare soft tissue tumours, also known as aggressive fibromatosis. They are growths that can infiltrate and affect vital organs. They aggressively invade surrounding tissue and can be very difficult to remove surgically as reoccurrence is high. Stephane tried 5 different types of chemo with minimal success and went through multiple invasive surgeries.
24 years ago, Stephane came in to this world and instantly brought happiness and love to all those around him. Steph was his parents’ first and only son and the first grandson and nephew born into their families. He attended Ecole Lacerte, College Louis-Riel and the University of Manitoba.
As a child, Steph’s big blue eyes and smile could melt your heart. He was soft spoken, polite and loved to laugh. Steph became an active teen loving and living life to its fullest. His energy seemed boundless. Numerous hours were spent perfecting his passions in life; drawing, baseball, Ping-Pong, guitar, as well as golfing, snowboarding, kneeboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding. He also loved reading, playing cards and board games with family and friends.
Steph always worked hard and had great determination. He was studious with the goal of becoming a doctor. He excelled academically, earning a place on the U of M honour roll every semester. Even from his hospital bed he studied, never giving up.
Steph had a big heart, was gentle, kind, compassionate and caring. These qualities along with his love of children and great patience made working at the Y in youth programs and day camp his ideal part-time job. Children were drawn to him and he loved every minute.
He will be remembered for his sharp wit, sense of humour and infectious laugh. Even in his last days he still found ways to joke with his loved ones. His resilience was remarkable.
Words cannot express the happiness you brought to our lives or how much you will be missed. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Money Raised: $1200
September/October 2018
Charity of Choice: Grayson Hicks Type One Diabetes
Story: Grayson Hicks was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 2016 at 18 months old. Now, at three and a half Grayson’s days are filled with finger pokes, carb counting, insulin injections, and frequent monitoring of his blood sugar. We are fortunate enough to have the technology of Grayson’s Dexcom, which allows the ability to read his blood sugar every five minutes. However, our goal is the ultimate cure for Diabetes. Thank you for your support to help fund research aimed to prevent and cure Type One Diabetes. We want nothing more than to find a cure for Diabetes and turn this devastating disease into something of the past, that no longer threatens our health, our children’s, or our friends’.
Money Raised: $200
March 8, 2019
Charity of Choice: Joy Smith Foundation
On Friday March 8th, 2019 Blue Sky Fitness Studio hosted an empowering event for Winnipeg Women from 7-10 p.m. in celebration of International Women’s Day. Partial proceeds from this event will be donated to the JoySmith Foundation in the hopes to help end human trafficking.
Our event had an active qigong session and a group meditation with Wonnita Brands followed by a self-love session with self-love coach Natalie Reimer-Anderson. Our goal was to create a strong sisterhood together by celebrating one another in a loving and meaningful way!
Money Raised: $1025.16
March 2020: $1600
March 2021: $2300 (virtual via zoom during Covid-19)
September 10,2019
The Power of One Dollar- Money Raised: $170
We will be one of the donation locations for collecting loonies in support of 4 different charities this September! Snowflake Place, Kids Initiative, Heart and Stroke Foundation and U-Turn Parkinsons. Please click on the link below to read more on this great community initiative!
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE DETAILS
Charity of Choice: Heart & Stroke Foundation
February 2021
Virtual Exercise Valentine’s Bingo via Zoom $220 raised!