By Sara Moulton
Women in Mining (WIM) arranged for the furnishing of a new fitness room at Chrysalis House, a facility that provides support for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. The original aim was to collect Canadian Tire money throughout 2013 to purchase necessities for the shelter, but the work of WIM member Barb Anderson resulted in Teck Coal purchasing three major pieces of fitness equipment to allow the women at Chrysalis House to work out in a safe environment.
Canadian Tire matched the $180 of Canadian Tire money that was raised by the group, allowing the purchase of a 32-inch television to be mounted on the fitness room wall. The Fernie Ghostriders volunteered their time to pick up and install the treadmill, elliptical and exercise bike for the shelter.
For the tenants of Chrysalis House, the new fitness room is a welcome addition to the facility.
“It’s perfect; I feel like I’ve won the lottery! I’m going to use the equipment all the time,” said one of the women.
While the effort involved a large number of individuals, the president of WIM Jo-Anna Singleton praised Anderson for taking the lead on the project and thanked Teck Coal for their generous contribution.
“This was (Anderson’s) initiative, her vision and her interaction with Teck that actually resulted in the equipment being furnished by Teck Coal,” said Singleton.
“It really makes me glad to be a part of the Elk Valley Women in Mining group.”
WIM was established in May 2012 and has a commitment to helping other groups in the Elk Valley, particularly those that cater for women. Further details about their work can be found at www.elkvalleywim.com.