Orton Community Association

Sharing Recipient Stories

2024 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$1,500

Orton Works Out with Free Fitness Classes for All Ages

The Dufferin Community Grant from Dufferin County has been instrumental in supporting our small rural community by enabling us to offer free weekly fitness classes to all area residents.

The Orton Community Association (OCA), a charitable organization running for over 50 years, is dedicated to fostering community through social and recreational programs year-round. We initiated the classes in response to a need for regular opportunities for community members to gather and improve their health and fitness. The Dufferin Community Grant allowed us to hire a qualified instructor to lead the classes for 27 weeks.

Each week we held two 45-minute classes. The first class focused on cardio fitness, while the second emphasized stretching and muscle strengthening. Attendance was free, and we provided weights and mats for those who needed them. Participants ranged in age from 20 to over 60 years old. Attendance increased significantly over the course of the program, as word spread and more people made the fitness classes part of their weekly routine.

While the primary goal of these classes was physical fitness, the group workouts also fostered conversations and connections among participants. The first few minutes of each class were often spent warming up and discussing the week’s stressors. This group setting supported not only physical well-being but also emotional well-being, with plenty of laughter shared during the sessions.

Although the classes are taking a break for the summer, fitness in Orton continues! Inspired by the classes, a group of participants has started a walking group to stay active and maintain the social bonds formed during the sessions. We plan to resume the fitness classes in September.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dufferin Community Grants program for their support of our extraordinary Orton community, and for helping us create an inclusive environment where all ages and abilities can come together to improve their health and well-being.

The funds provided through Dufferin Community Grants really make a difference in allowing our small community groups to provide accessibility and inclusive programs. Thank you.

Fiona Armbruster, Secretary, secretary@orton-community.com, www.Orton-community.com