In 2023 and 2024, we were grateful for many opportunities to continue building more programming and support for youth with autism and intellectual disabilities to engage in physical activities and fitness.
Over this period, the MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program has grown across Canada, with more participants engaging in a variety of virtual, in-home classes and in-person programming. Our national fundraiser, MOVE 4 Kids, also saw continued growth as GoodLife Fitness Associates, Members and supporters showed their on-going commitment to the annual event by getting active, donating and staying engaged.
Our goals throughout 2023 and 2024 were to:
1. Lead impactful national fitness programming for kids and youth with autism and intellectual disabilities
2. To increase engagement in the work of the Foundation
3. To secure ongoing sustainable support for the growth of the MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program.
Today, we are proud to reflect on our successes and growth as we look forward to our next steps to an even brighter future for kids and youth with autism and intellectual disabilities in Canada. With the support of our incredible partners and donors, we are able to celebrate growth for the MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program and the GoodLife Kids Foundation across the 2023 and 2024 years.
Thank you for taking the time to review this report and learn more about the impact made through the GoodLife Kids Foundation in 2023-2024.
Lisa Burrows, our Executive Director, is retiring after over 20 years leading the evolution of the GoodLife Kids Foundation and impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families across Canada. With Lisa’s departure at the end of 2025, we look forward to new leadership supporting the Board in carrying out the upcoming 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.
You make it possible
Build Belonging
Confidence
Mental Wellness
2023-2024
Impact Report
Board of Directors
Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead
The MOVE Program
The MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program expanded throughout 2023 to 2024. We’ve continued to offer virtual in-home MOVE classes to participants across Canada, and we’ve had the opportunity to expand the MOVE Program into in-person spaces both in schools and GoodLife Fitness Clubs.
Today, MOVE by GoodLife Kids is reaching more youth online and in-person, helping them strengthen their bodies, minds and social circles with every class.
93% said that MOVE helped youth develop courage to try new things.
100% said that classes increased confidence in movement and exercises.
On average, 91% said that the MOVE Program improved social skills, independence, and mental well-being.
MOVE Classes
MOVE Participants
MOVE In-Person
In 2023, the MOVE Program continued to offer virtual classes to participants across Canada while also expanding into a variety of in-person programming in schools and GoodLife Clubs. The GoodLife Kids Foundation now offers weekly MOVE classes to local communities out of three GoodLife Fitness locations, serving over 30 MOVE participants in person.
Over the past two years, we have also partnered with schools to create spaces for in-person classes on campuses in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. As of June 2025, the MOVE Program serves over 290 participants in schools.
Learn more about virtual and in-person MOVE classes!
MOVE Coaches and Support Agents
In 2023, we developed the MOVE Program Digital Training Series, an online resource and training program for our Coaches and Support Agents that enables them to deliver the best possible programming while supporting every MOVE participants’ individual needs and preferences.
A grant provided by the Government of Canada Community Services Recovery Fund allowed us to develop and launch the MOVE Program Digital Training Series, which is now used as an introductory and ongoing training for all MOVE Coaches and Support Agents.
Learn more about the MOVE Program Digital Training Series by watching the video linked below!
The MOVE 4 Kids Event
GoodLife Kids Foundation launched the MOVE 4 Kids Event, a national fundraising and awareness event in November of 2022. Today, the MOVE 4 Kids Event runs throughout March and April in GoodLife Clubs across Canada and is marked by incredible enthusiasm, engagement and year-over-year growth. Participants join the fundraiser every year to help spread awareness and to raise funds in support of the MOVE Program.
The MOVE 4 Kids Event 2023 saw a 33% increase in funds raised year-over-year. In 2024, the MOVE 4 Kids Event raised even more with a further 16% increase.
The funds raised enabled the MOVE Program to run for free, year-round, throughout 2023 and 2024, ensuring consistent and sustainable programming.
Where The Funds Came From
In 2023 and 2024, the majority of the funds were received through the MOVE 4 Kids national fundraising event.
In 2023, funds were received through the Community Services Recovery Fund grant, which was designated to developing and launching the MOVE Program Digital Training Series.
The MOVE 4 Kids Event began in 2022 and has experienced strong engagement and year-over-year growth across 2023 and 2024. The funds raised through the event are crucial to the operation and delivery of the MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program.
2023
2024
Where The Funds Go
In 2023 and 2024, funds were used to bring the MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program to youth virtually and in-person at no cost to participants or their families.
The in-person delivery model utilizes spaces with no rent costs. Operating out of GoodLife Fitness Clubs and partnered schools ensures free programming year-round, maintaining consistency for our youth.
The GoodLife Kids Foundation’s administrative and operating expenses are covered by financial contributions from David Patchell-Evans, Founder & Chairman, GoodLife Group. We are so grateful for this ongoing support, which ensures that all funds raised by GoodLife Members, Associates and partners go directly to supporting the MOVE Program.
2023
2024
David Patchell-Evans
Founder
Kelly Musovic
Chair
Mike Rathwell
Vice Chair
Zena Nurse
Treasurer
Tim Cadeny
Secretary
GoodLife Fitness
Tammy Brazier
Director
Jonathan Fagg
Director
Keith Trussler
Director & Past Chair
John Muszak
Director
Silken Laumann
Director
Tell us your MOVE story
Has MOVE by GoodLife Kids Program made a positive impact on your life or someone you know? We’d love to hear your story and spread the inspiration!