By Carl Ulmer
When Lynda Mercs, a Regional Manager with Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness and She’s Fit! was replacing worn out mats from her clubs, she had an epiphany: they didn’t need to go to landfill, they could find a second life outside of planks and push-ups, and she could satisfy two personal and professional goals – to give back to the community, and to support the environment.
“I have always been an avid supporter of recycling, and have encouraged my teams at Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness and She’s Fit! to take part in initiatives to give back to the community.”.
Mercs reached out to homeless and women’s shelters, and was able to donate over 165 mats that were showing wear and tear to those in need, donating mts to the Elizabeth Fry Society Women’s Shelter, Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter, Mission Thrift Women’s Shelter and the Gordon House shelter.
Mercs’ hopes that her small act of service will inspire others in the fitness industry to repurpose and reuse items that have a shelf life longer than the gym. “We can help people and protect the environment at the same time. During COVID, many gyms switched their cleaning products, but have older supplies still sitting around. We have hand soap that we are looking to donate to shelters as well.”
Trevor Linden, part owner of Club 16, applauds Lynda’s take charge attitude. “Her idea and follow through is an example of how we can all take responsibility to make a difference. She has contributed in a huge way to our community and our organization over the years, and we are grateful for the impact she’s making. Mercs has also led initiatives such as fundraising for the ALS society, and helped raise money for families who lost their homes in the Fort McMurray fires.
Carl Ulmer
Director of Operations
L&L Signature Fitness Group
National Treasurer Board Member
Fitness Industry Council of Canada
