Letter to the Editor | Gym owner supports healthy community

John Canada, owner of Emerald City Athletic Club (14925 Chain Lake Road) in Monroe, is an active member of the Monroe community and passionate about health, fitness and helping others.

Canada has piloted programs to help children become more fit through exercise and nutrition. He has taught nonprofit classes, helping overweight children and their families overcome low self-esteem and physical health issues. Each child received a customized exercise program and nutritional classes. Although the program focused on the children, it was truly a commitment for the whole family. Each family had to commit and sign a contract to eat healthy, exercise and have their children attend classes regularly.

Since moving to Monroe, Canada [has worked] to a start similar program here, focused on helping kids learn health and fitness at an early age. He is an advisory board member for the Boys & Girls Club and is dedicated to help make Monroe a healthy place to live. He is also leading community outreach programs to raise money and collect canned foods in support of Sky Valley Food Bank and the Sky Valley Relay for Life. Each year, Canada collects enough food to supply the food bank for a full quarter. Last year, he helped raise more thn $12,000 for American Cancer Society. This year, on Saturday, May 16, he is sponsoring the Conquer the Hill run/walk and hopes that not only the Monroe community will participate but anyone who enjoys walking and running. The $10 event fee will directly support American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. (For more information, visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ECAC.)-á

Emerald City Athletic Club is more than a gym membership, it's a community of dedicated trainers and members supporting each other through life's obstacles. For them, it's not just about money GÇô it's about making a difference in people's lives.

Katie Earl and Shana Frankovich-á

Relay for Life volunteers-á