The third annual GoodLife Fitness Associate Lift for Kids Powerlifting Meet took place this past August at canfitpro, and was the biggest yet.
Fourteen GoodLife Associates fundraised for GoodLife Kids Foundation and participated in the 3-hour competition, which included squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. Together, the competitors fundraised $9,606 to help kids with autism and/or intellectual disabilities across Canada get physically active.
Helkat Jaffer, a personal trainer at Ottawa Place D’orleans, had never competed in a powerlifting competition before, but signed up as a way to give back and help kids with special needs.
“Growing up, sports were a big part of my life. I want to help give the same opportunities I had to other kids,” he said.
Helkat has been with GoodLife for over 2 years, and said one of his favourite parts of the job is having an impact on people’s lives, and getting clients to reach their fitness goals. It’s no surprise that when he heard about Lift for Kids, he jumped at the chance to participate and fundraise.
Helkat finished as the event’s top fundraiser, raising $1,525 for GoodLife Kids Foundation. Leading up to the event, he fundraised by offering quick personal training demonstrations and advice for donations, and emphasized to all his friends, family and clients that any donation – no matter how small – would help.
Select GoodLife Fitness locations across the country are offering Lift for Kids competitions as part of their Spin4Kids events this November. For those thinking of competing for the first time, Helkat offered his advice.
“Just go for it. Really, it’s a competition against yourself. You’ll only get stronger and better from there.”
GoodLife Kids Foundation supporters like Helkat are incredibly important to the success of events like Lift for Kids and Spin4Kids. If you or someone you know is committed to breaking down barriers and helping kids with special needs get active, share your story for a chance to be featured!