A Zumba fundraiser at 100 Mile Elementary School raised close to $400 to benefit the community's youngest children who participate in the Kindergym program, a free drop-in at the 100 Mile Community Hall every Thursday from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m.
More than 40 women and children participated in the Zumba class on Oct. 22.
Kindergym is a life-saver for many families, especially in the winter months when it is too cold for infants and toddlers to play outside for more than a few minutes, says Kimberley Vance-Lundsbye, who helped organize the event.
“These kids benefit so much from being able to ride tricycles and burn off some energy safely indoors. It was wonderful to see so much community support at the event and especially to watch all the kids dancing and having fun.”
Zumba instructor Gale Ogden engaged some local businesses to donate door prizes for the event. The 108 Mile Supermarket, Canadian 2 for 1 Pizza, and the Hills Health Ranch were supporters, as well as Canlan Ice Sports, which helped organize and promote the event.
Vance-Lundsbye is the community programs co-ordinator at Canlan Ice Sports in 100 Mile House. She says it's a program they want to bring awareness to.
“Kids under five have a chance all winter to be physically active, work on their gross motor skills, and that's important for us in the recreation field.”
Three years ago, Vance-Lundsbye took her son to Kindergym and enjoyed the fun and benefits first hand.
“I saw the sign outside the hall and was so happy to have found a place for my then two-year-old to play that winter. Elke Baechmann and Irene Tinney, who facilitate the program, were so welcoming and introduced me to the other parents. I have made friends and found support at Kindergym over the years and I know a lot of other parents, and even grandparents, who would say the same."