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Your Gifts at Work

Sunlight streams into the room. The air is filled with voices and the hum of exercise equipment. It's 8:00 am and the new fitness room on the second floor of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Centre is full of people working on stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and a military press, all purchased with assistance from the Lethbridge Community Foundation.

This is quite a change from the old fitness room — a dark, dingy room in a basement filled with old equipment in need of repair. Many people could not physically go downstairs because there was no elevator, and others did not feel comfortable because the room was so isolated.

"The new space and equipment has really made a healthy difference," said Dennis Dray, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. "The fitness room gets used all the time. Users take real pride in the equipment and take very good care of it. This has been an excellent addition to our facility."

Several of those using the equipment are recovering from heart attacks or going through cardio rehabilitation. Others are simply interested in increasing their fitness level. "I enjoy working out here. It has a nice atmosphere and people are friendly," said Alex Molnar, walking steadily on the treadmill.

Valentine Gartke said that she appreciates the variety of equipment: "I have a treadmill at home, but can use the bicycles here to exercise different muscles. I can also work on my upper body strength using the new equipment here."

"This is ideal," said Tony Bogusky enthusiastically while showing Valentine how to use the military press. "The ability to exercise on a regular basis can really help us all stay healthy."