WODs for Wishes Recap
Total Raised in 2024 is over $25000 and still climbing!
First off, I want to give a massive thanks to everyone in the Alchemy Community who came together to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation! Helping to grant a wish for a sick child extends so far beyond the individual--to their friends and family that help and support them, to the doctors and hospital staff, to all the people needed to fulfill the wish. This year we had the pleasure of hearing from Make-A-Wish representative, Taylor, at our WODs for Wishes competition and she was able to explain how a small business and community like Alchemy can have a huge impact.
This year I was able to tackle 24 gruelling workouts on Thursday June 6th, lifting a combined total of 380,001 pounds. Personally, this is the hardest challenge I’ve taken on to date! I was able to participate in 10 classes, working out alongside 155 of our members throughout the day. The energy of each class truly helped to get me through the day and a big shout out to Joe L, Broder, Leanne, Tori, Jenna, Annemarie and Jess V. for doing workouts with me during open gym times. I also want to thank Dani and Niv for taking some awesome photos and videos!
Our WODs for Wishes pairs competition was one of our best run competitions yet thanks to the organizational skills of Duncan and Anita. It was amazing seeing competitors push themselves to the next level--some hitting PRs, or competing for the very first time! We had an amazing group of volunteers who ensured scores were being put in (you may have noticed our improved live leaderboard thanks for Alex W!), athletes were taken care of, and equipment was managed between workouts. We also had staff from The Movement Physiotherapy volunteer their time to make sure everyone had a guided warm up for each of the 4 workouts. Special thanks to Dani and Coach Andrew for taking some great athlete photos throughout the day, and Ali and Bahar (SYNONYM on James) for donating food for the volunteers and staff.
We had some talented Alchemy members and local businesses come together and sell products with proceeds going towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The "Alchemy Market" helped bring in over $2000 in donations! A Special thanks to Noelle (ellenoire: Dundas), Victoria (Foxhill Farms), Holly (Robinson Candle Co.), Leanne (homemade cookies), Kris (homemade granola), Coeli (tomato and pepper plants), Firas and Shannon (School Specialty Coffee.) We also introduced another way to draw in donations through a partnership with eCycle, set up by Ethan. Used electronics and appliances were donated and a monetary value was provided for the recycled material. Through eCycle we were able to divert over 3000lbs of waste from landfills and raise $300.
To say this was another year where I felt overwhelming support would be an understatement. I am constantly blown away by the generosity of our community and touched by all the stories and connections I have made since I started this event. I have been able to hear personal accounts of how this foundation has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of so many, beyond the extent of my family and our experience. In the past 5 years we have raised over $125,000, granting the equivalent of approximately 12 "wishes."
Thank you so much to everyone involved and to the Alchemy community and for all the encouragement, motivation and inspiration you have given me each year to continue running such an amazing event!
Coach Craig