Halifax spin studio to host fundraising event

JUST Cycle plans a fundraising spin class in support of the Elizabeth Fry Society.

A Halifax spin studio is setting the stage for a fundraising event that aims to support clients of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia.

The non-profit helps women and girls affected by the justice system.

“It’s folks who are leaving incarceration or have been criminalized and are looking to rebuild their lives,” says Cydney Kane, the society’s board of directors’ chair.

“We provide housing support. We have different programming options like education and employment, skills-based courses, and we also do advocacy both with individual clients, like helping them apply for criminal records suspensions. We run a nonprofit law firm, and we also do bigger picture advocacy to government and other institutions.”

In their latest fundraising effort, they’ve teamed up with Just Cycle on Sackville street in Halifax.

On Saturday, the spin studio will run a “Justice Cycle” spin class, with all proceeds going to grocery cards for clients of the society.

“Following the holidays in particular, it can a be really difficult time. So, we want to make sure our clients have something to help them get through this period,” says Kane.

Brittany Burke, owner of Just Cycle, says the event aligns with their values of giving back to local organizations.

“We really want to support local organizations because that impacts the community that shows up through our doors,” says Burke.

“I think it’s really nice when people can support an organization that speaks to them while also getting an activity for themselves. Especially because we’re in a society that always tells us to put ourselves last, it’s a nice combination of being able to support for people within our community but also look after our own mental health and well-being at the same time, slowly.”

The class is more than 50 per cent full, but they’re hoping for a complete sell out by Saturday.

“You do not need to be a certain fitness level to do it and to enjoy it. It’s all about having fun, enjoying the experience, and also meeting new people. I think as adults that’s always a new challenge for everyone. So, I think coming to an experience like this, you have one common ground, which is the passion for the organization or for moving your body,” says Burke.

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