A community-driven fitness fundraiser has raised more than $32,000 in support of Chatham-Kent Hospice.
The “Lifting for Life” event, held at Performance 360 in Chatham, combines memorial recognition with a bench press challenge designed to raise money for end-of-life care services in the region. The volunteer-led initiative was organized by Rick Paxton and Heather Myers.
Participants raised pledges by completing as many bench press repetitions as possible using a pre-determined weight, with funds generated per lift. Organizers say the event is open to all ages and abilities, and this year’s participants ranged from eight to 79 years old.
“Community-led fundraisers are vital to our hospice and our fundraising goals,” said Brock McGregor, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. “They extend our reach, deepen community connection, and directly support compassionate end-of-life care. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who steps up to organize and participate. Rick and his team have continually gone above and beyond to support the Chatham-Kent Hospice.”
Since its launch in 2023, Lifting for Life has raised more than $74,000 for hospice care in Chatham-Kent.
“We are thrilled to have been part of such an awesome event,” said Warren Potter of Performance 360. “Thank you to all who contributed to such an amazing donation to Hospice!”
Organizers say this year’s event was held in honour of several individuals, including Rob Pomajba, Dave Craeymeersch, Kerry Stone, Calvin Carrothers, Nelly Kasper and Mary Louise Rosseel.
