Spin4Kids Raises Over $900,000 for Kids with Special Needs

National fundraiser helps kids with autism and intellectual disabilities get physically active

LONDON, ON, Dec. 19, 2019 /CNW/ - Fitness lovers at 105 locations across Canada got sweaty for a good cause at the 8th annual Spin4Kids. On November 16, almost 4,000 participants raised over $900,000 to support physical activity programs for kids with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Spin4Kids participants at GoodLife Fitness Stittsville Corners in Stittsville, ON, take part in the annual fitness fundraiser that raised over $900,000 nationwide for kids with autism and intellectual disabilities. (CNW Group/GoodLife Kids Foundation)

Spin4Kids participants at GoodLife Mississauga Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga, ON, take part in the annual fitness fundraiser that raised over $900,000 nationwide for kids with autism and intellectual disabilities. (CNW Group/GoodLife Kids Foundation)

Spin4Kids is an annual fitness fundraiser for GoodLife Kids Foundation, hosted at GoodLife Fitness locations across the country. The foundation distributes funds raised through its Grant Program, giving grants of up to $10,000 to registered charities that provide physical activity programs for children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

"For kids with special needs, it can be really difficult to find accessible and affordable fitness programs," said Lisa Burrows, Executive Director, GoodLife Kids Foundation. "Spin4Kids raises money to support programs and organizations that remove some of the barriers these children face so that they can experience the incredible benefits of physical activity."

Spin4Kids events featured spin classes, group fitness activities, and powerlifting competitions. Participants included all ages and skill-levels – and they weren't just GoodLife members.

Highest Fundraising Totals, Single Club Events:

1. Ottawa Lansdowne Park - $16,411.00
2. Belleville Quinte Mall - $15,236.00
3. Grimsby Industrial and South Service - $12,838.90
4. Vancouver Hemlock and 8^th - $11,677.90
5. Hamilton Queenston Place - $11,538.00

Highest Fundraising Totals, Multiple Club Events:

1. London - $90,587.96
2. Halifax - $63,386.22
3. Calgary - $61,869.42
4. North York Victoria Terrace - $22,516.65
5. Toronto Dunfield - $21,362.76

Since 2012, Spin4Kids has raised more than $6.1 million. In past years, funds have helped organizations across Canada offer adapted programs such as swimming and skating, purchase modified exercise equipment, and provide one-on-one supervision for kids with special needs.

Twice a year, GoodLife Kids Foundations accepts applications for grants from charities across Canada. The most recent round just closed, and Burrows said they saw the largest number of applications to date.

"The overwhelming volume of applications we received just demonstrates the need for physical activity programming for kids with autism and intellectual disabilities," said Burrows. "The funds raised through Spin4Kids are going to help so many kids experience the joys and benefits of being active."

Grant recipients across the country will be announced in January 2020.

MEDIA NOTE: Interview opportunities available with Lisa Burrows, Executive Director, GoodLife Kids Foundation

About GoodLife Kids Foundation
GoodLife Kids Foundation is a registered charity with a vision for kids with special needs to have equal opportunities to experience the joys and benefits of being active. To date, GoodLife Kids Foundation has impacted more than 254,000 Canadian children through physical activity opportunities. To learn more about GoodLife Kids Foundation, visit goodlifekids.com.

GoodLife Fitness covers 100% of GoodLife Kids Foundation's administrative and operational expenses so that every dollar raised will make the biggest impact on the lives of Canadian kids.

SOURCE GoodLife Kids Foundation

Media Contact: Laura Haggart, Corporate Responsibility and GoodLife Kids Foundation Senior Specialist, GoodLife Fitness, [email protected], 226-377-5505