Your story!

The Basement changes lives. It is an independently-owned gym in Sudbury, Ontario with an inclusive, family-like atmosphere servicing a wide-ranging clientele looking to be better than yesterday. It offers access to equipment that caters to all levels of physical fitness, age and ability. Its staff members specialize in various fitness disciplines allowing for unique approaches to one-on-one training and group classes. (It is also the gym featured in popular comedy series Letterkenny—so truly Canadian!) Better than yesterday. This is The Basement’s call to action to its diverse members. Three words that inspire those who walk through its doors to change mindsets, leave behind doubts and fears, and begin to build the lives they’ve always wanted to live. So many people have done just that. Plaques on the walls leading to the gym’s changerooms tell stories of members who, in their own words, came reluctantly to The Basement and were shown something within themselves that they didn’t believe existed. Cancer survivors, the injured, and individuals feeling beaten- down and low were all welcomed into a safe space and embraced by their fellow members and caring trainers and made to understand that they could all do what once seemed impossible. Gym ownership works hard to keep The Basement inviting and free of judgement. Those who are unwilling to accept differences and contribute to a supportive environment are asked to leave. At The Basement, creating and sustaining a familial atmosphere always comes before profits. This community is also built and sustained through social activities like hikes, golf tournaments, and even destination vacations! Members also come together to raise funds during special charity days where training fees are donated to local student athletes in need. It’s so hard to find this type of support network as we become increasingly distant and divided. Imagine what could be possible if we all subscribed to the idea that we can be better than yesterday—better to ourselves and better to each other. What a country—what a world—we could create. The Basement should receive this grant to further recover from the financial hardships brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic so that it can continue to create community and show those searching for change that anything is possible. New plaques are waiting to be hung; stories are still waiting to be told.