A Haliburton business is challenging locals to get their sweat on for a good cause this weekend, by helping to raise
money for Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre.
Sweat Social Health and Fitness is running a high-energyhour-long ‘Sweat for Support’ fundraiser at its gym at 713 Mountain St. on Saturday. The by-donation event is open to anyone, regardless of fitness level, background, or ability, says owner and head coach, Chelsea Adamson.
“This is a chance to show up, work hard and give back to an organization doing deeply meaningful work in the
Highlands,” Adamson said. “The workout will honour the vital work Brooksong does in supporting those living with a cancer diagnosis.”
People will be put through their paces in pairs, using equipment like barbells, dumbells and kettlebells. Adamson
said every movement and activity can be modified, making it a workout anyone can participate in.
The money will support programming at Brooksong, which has been running free programming for cancer
patients and their families at its sanctuary at Abbey Gardens since 2017.
Executive director Barb Smith-Morrison said the organization has hosted five in-person retreats this year,
welcoming people for four days of intimate talks, activity and reflection, with three more scheduled. Each retreat can accommodate about 10 people.
“This is one more retreat than last year. We will welcome approximately 90 people by year-end,” Smith-Morrison
said. It costs approximately $2,500 per person to attend .
Brooksong has also designed a new ‘charting unknown territory together’ retreat, for people living with an
advanced-stage cancer diagnosis and a close support person or caregiver. Smith-Morrison said the offering provides healing opportunities to focus more deeply on how to make meaning and having conversations about what end-of-life means to each person.
The non-profit is also working on a new program for alumni, ensuring those who have benefitted from cancer
support programs have ongoing opportunities to integrate the learning and healing tools they’ve received, while
staying connected with Brooksong’s supportive community “that nurtures their ongoing healing,” Smith-Morrison
added.
With annual operations now well into six figures, fundraisers like this are vital to ensuring Brooksong’s long
term future. Smith-Morrison said there’s a long waitlist for people looking for assistance – with Brooksong attracting interest from across Canada and North America.
“The growing waitlist tells us just how much this kind of care is needed. This year, we’ve focused on offering
our free cancer support retreats while also building the fundraising strength to keep them going for years to come.
“We believe whole-person cancer support should be available to anyone who needs it, and we’re working hard
to meet the demand,” she said.
For more information on Brooksong’s programs visit brooksong.ca. Register from Sweat for Support at
mindbodyonline.com. Cash donations are accepted at the door.
