More than 220 fearless women from across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley joined forces at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium and Central Park today for Woman2Warrior, Vancouver’s only all-women charity obstacle adventure race. Five kilometres of trails, track and grass along with 12 challenging obstacles were conquered by participating warriors to raise over $89,000, helping to send more than 800 kids and young adults with disabilities to one of three accessible Easter Seals camps in BC. This year’s top individual fundraiser was Leora Shipley, raising an incredible $2,532. The top fundraising team went to “Scrambled Legs,” raising a collective $5,140.
“Once again we have been blown away by the overwhelming support and turnout for Woman2Warrior,” explained Amy Kleckner, events manager for the BC Lions Society. “After four years of doing this event, we have built a wonderful community that has been truly life-changing for the children and families that benefit from our participants and donor’s hard work, time and generosity.”
This year’s event was one of the best yet, and featured obstacles including a 16 foot tall cargo net climb, ice bath bin, and a giant slip and slide. Cheering friends and family welcomed participants as they entered the finisher’s area as newly proclaimed warriors for the prizing ceremony and some well deserved post event fun. Presenting sponsor Subway was on-site with fresh sandwiches and cookies, along with Safeway offering water, fruit and snacks to refuel participants. Of course, warriors also enjoyed free massages and the ever so popular toonie mimosa bar.
“Woman2Warrior wouldn’t be the event it is today without the support we receive from our many sponsors,” added Kleckner. “From creating online and social media buzz to participating in the finisher’s area on event-day, they continue to bring attention to an important community cause and we are so appreciative of that.”
Woman2Warrior is just one of many annual events produced by the British Columbia Lions Society in support of Easter Seals camps in BC. Last year marked the fundraiser’s successful expansion into Calgary and Victoria, and will be continued this year with expansion into Edmonton. For more details on these events, and other events produced by the British Columbia Lions Society in support of Easter Seals BC, including Easter Seals Camp Challenge (June 11-12, 2016 at Camp Squamish), and Easter Seals Drop Zone (September 13, 2016), please visit www.eastersealsbc.ca.
About Woman2Warrior: There is a warrior in the heart of every woman. She is Strong. Determined. Powerful. Woman2Warrior is Vancouver’s only women’s charity obstacle adventure race, raising funds to benefit Easter Seals camps in British Columbia. An untimed, five-kilometre run featuring 12 obstacles, the event challenges participants to step out of their comfort zone, try something new and have fun. Register today at www.woman2warrior.ca or call 604-873-1865 for more information.
About the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities: The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities has been providing services to people with disabilities and illnesses since 1955.
The Society owns and operates three Easter Seals Camps across BC. Each year, approximately 800 children with disabilities attend one of our week-long, fully-accessible, overnight camps in Shawnigan, Winfield, and Squamish. The goal at our camps is to focus on abilities rather than disabilities, providing campers with an opportunity to try new activities, create lasting memories, and build life-long friendships.
The Society also owns and operates the Easter Seals House. Families from all over BC and the Yukon stay at Easter Seals House while their child receives care and treatment at nearby medical facilities. Their visit may be as short as one or two nights, or as long as several months. No matter how long they plan to stay, all guests arrive to a warm, comfortable, cost-friendly environment that provides a perfect home away from home during a stressful time.
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