On June 6 close to 230 people worked up a sweat and filled the gym at Fleetwood Park Secondary during another Zumbathon for Charity workout with Elaine Chong.
A teacher at the school, she's the driving force of a community effort to raise nearly $92,000 for BC Cancer Foundation over the past 12 years.
The heart-pumping event has become an annual tradition, a Friday-night fundaiser many mark on their calendar a year in advance, according to Chong.
"We are all connected by this cause and for one night, in the Fleetwood Park gym, we unite, sweat, dance, smile — cancer stands no chance," she told the Now-Leader.
"Totals are still not official yet, as the link is open for another week and cash from the event has to be tallied, but we have collected for sure over $14,000 bringing our 12 year total to over $92,000," Chong added.
"I can't wait to break $100,000 next year. We can do it!"
Fellow fitness instructors Laarnie, Abi, Gabby, Linda, Dani and Olga helped lead the group workout with Chong, joined by family and friends. Photographer Doug Doi and DJ Colton also helped the cause, along with student volunteers. "I couldn't do it without them," Chong noted. "I call them 'La famille de Chong.'"
Community groups and businesses donated door and raffle prizes worth close to $5,000.
"Each year we dance for those who watch us from above and for those going through it right now," Chong said of the group effort. "It's sad but a reality that each year, we add people we know and love to the list. It adds more fuel to my fire, that's for sure.
"Last year, I also started ZFC gear (T-shirts, sweaters and tote bags), working with a friend's business (Bernice Gordon Creations) where she donates $5 from each apparel sale to our cause each year," she added. "It was so emotional to see people in the crowd wearing it. It makes me realize just how large of a community we have become. So special."
Chong says she began the fitness fundraiser 12 years ago for sister Caroline following her Thyroid cancer diagnosis.
After a two-year virtual break, the Zumbathon returned to Fleetwood Park Secondary in June 2022 for an in-person workout.
“I have always struggled to describe this event to others," Chong said in 2023. "I always say that it is an emotional, uplifting, energizing event. You truly feel a range of emotions throughout the night and leave on a super high, smiling ear to ear.… There really is no other way to understand just how unique and powerful this event has become. You have to attend to get it. I am so proud and in awe of the community we have built.”
