Rebounding for Nicky
On Fri., Feb. 16, the Reps with Alison Fitness Studio in Embrun hosted an open house to both raise funds for Nicky Caldwell’s expenses, and also to try a new fitness class using Kangoo Jumps Rebounder Boots.   Courtesy photo

Candice Vetter
Villager Staff
RUSSELL – A Mother Teresa Catholic School student, Nicholas Caldwell, has recently learned he has an inoperable brain tumour and requires intensive chemotherapy. Consequently, the local community is stepping up to help the family with expenses associated with the treatments he has started at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa.

On Fri., Feb. 16, the Reps with Alison Fitness Studio in Embrun hosted an open house at which owner Alison Lystiuk invited the public in to both raise funds for the Caldwell family, and also to try a new fitness class, Kangoo Power Jumps using Kangoo Jumps Rebounder Boots.

“During the three hours we had over 60 people in and out of the studio to try the class,” said Lystiuk. “I have had a lot of interest with people wanting to try Kangoo Jumps Power Classes without registering for a full eight-week program. I figured this was a perfect opportunity to do a positive thing with this interest.”

The minimum donation for a 30-minute class was $20, and Lystiuk reported that many people who could not attend the event still donated to the cause. All four Instructors from Kangoo Club Embrun were present to lead classes: Leanne Baril, Gen Sequin, Chantal Lacroix and Lystiuk. Julia Reid from Kangoo Club Ottawa lent another 10 sets of boots.

The event raised $1,000 for the Caldwells. Said Lystiuk, “We have the power to make a difference by helping a local family.”

Local schools in both the public and Catholic boards are also supporting the family with fundraisers.

At St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Russell, students participated by wearing red for Nicky on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 13. Students wearing red donated $2 each. Students at Russell Public and Cambridge Public schools are also helping today, Wed., Feb. 21, by wearing red for a $2 donation, along with a bake sale at lunch time.