‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ challenge raises more than $28,000 for Pushing Boundaries

So often, movement is taken for granted. During the month of February, the Bellevue Square lululemon athletica store created a movement challenge and culminating day of fitness classes that raised more than $28,000 and spread awareness for Pushing Boundaries, a Redmond-based nonprofit organization providing intensive exercise therapy for people with paralysis.

March 22, 2010 12:29 pm
The first annual 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' community challenge raised more than $28
The first annual 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' community challenge raised more than $28

So often, movement is taken for granted.

During the month of February, the Bellevue Square lululemon athletica store created a movement challenge and culminating day of fitness classes that raised more than $28,000 and spread awareness for Pushing Boundaries, a Redmond-based nonprofit organization providing intensive exercise therapy for people with paralysis.

The first annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” community challenge took place Feb. 1–27. Community participants were inspired to raise money and awareness for Pushing Boundaries through tracking mileage by walking, running, hiking, and snow shoeing.

Contestants shared their goals and involvement in the challenge with friends, family members and people in the community to match their miles for sponsorships supporting Pushing Boundaries.

The initial goal to increase awareness for Pushing Boundaries was exceeded on more than one level — 158 people participated in “Walk A Mile in My Shoes.”

Combined, the challenge participants totaled over 2,383 miles. The “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” Facebook fan page reached more than 500 fans and continues to grow. lululemon athletica Ambassadors created a calendar of opportunities to gain and track daily mileage. Through daily runs, the community came together for the cause of something greater – moving for those who can not.

The challenge concluded with “Move Me,” a day-long event celebrating movement. “Move Me” included Yoga, Pilates, Fitness and Goal Setting classes along with a testimonials and involvement of Pushing Boundaries clientele and staff.

Fifty guests attended the Feb. 27 event to sweat, move, and embrace their health and vitality.

Ben Lovelace won the February mileage challenge tracking 131 miles. Kaye Cole was the winner of the most donations, collecting $5,620.

The totals from this fundraiser make this is the largest contribution the Bellevue lululemon has made to any local charity at one time.

“This challenge and event would not have been a success without all lululemon stores in our region, the support from Ambassdors, and volunteers from within the community,” said Shawna Hanson, events and public relations coordinator for Pushing Boundaries. All proceeds from the events support the exercise therapy programs provided by Pushing Boundaries to people living with paralysis.

For more information, call (425) 869-9506 or visit www.pushing-boundaries.org.