5 charity fitness events that don’t involve running

Kayak for a Cure

Launched in 2006 in Vancouver, B.C., Kayak for a Cure is a volunteer-run organization that hosts paddling events around Canada and the U.S. Funds raised go to support the Canadian and American Cancer Societies, respectively. This year’s Canadian locations include Vancouver, B.C., Victoria, B.C., Peterborough, Ont. and Yukon, N.W.T.

For more information, visit kayakforacure.org.

Image: Thinkstock

Grow Your Yoga

Grow your Yoga (formerly known as Living Your Moksha) is a 30-day community-wide challenge that inspires students to embrace daily practice. The challenge runs May 1 to 30 and Moksha/Modo Yoga studios across North America will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from Karma classes held in April and May to Big Brothers Big Sisters. This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000.

You can sign up for the challenge at any participating Modo or Moksha Yoga studio. Visit growyouryoga.ca for more information and to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Image: Thinkstock

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

Peterborough’s annual Dragon Boat Festival began in 2001 when a group of women diagnosed with breast cancer introduced dragon boating to Peterborough. Their team, called Survivors Abreast, continues to host the festival each year. To date, the Festival has raised more than $2 million in support of cancer care and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. This year’s fundraising goal is 200,000. The Festival takes place on June 14, 2014. Visit peterboroughdragonboatfestival.com for more information.

Image: Robert Boudreau, Fireklix Imaging and Design

Birdies for Brain Tumours

An estimated 55,000 Canadians are living with a  brain tumour, including Connor Thomson who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in December 2011. That diagnosis prompted Thomson to start the Birdies for Brain Tumours Golf Tournament to raise awareness and funds to support the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. This year’s event is July 12, 2014 at Glen Lea golf course in Brandon, Manitoba. Visit b4bt.com for more information.

Pictured, left to right: Connor Thomson, his wife, Glynis, and friends Jason Earl and Josh Matthies.

Ride for Karen

Ride for Karen was founded by brothers Kris and Kirk Tobias. The brothers, who are avid cyclists, decided to organize a charity in the name of their mother, Karen, after she died of breast cancer. Since its launch in 2002, Ride for Karen has raised over $2 million. That money has been used to provide resources for cancer support centres and send kids with cancer to camp. The 2014 event on Sept. 7 will include four events, a 160km course, a 100km course, a 25 km course and a Kids Fun Ride for children 2-12 years old. Find out more at rideforkaren.com.

Best Health’s Editor-in-Chief, Bonnie Munday, is a proud supporter of Ride for Karen. She’s completed the 100Km cycling challenge the last two years.

Image: Stephan Morley

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