Fitness marathon gives a big boost to the Santa Claus Fund
Though he is not from Medicine Hat, and may not live here forever, Charlie Bruce still wanted to help the community in a big way.
Starting at 11 a.m. Friday, and running until 11 a.m. Saturday, Bruce worked out non-stop at Gas City Crossfit, raising 200-plus toys that he will donate to the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund.
“I just wanted some lessfortunate kids to have a happier Christmas,” said Bruce.
Over the 24 hours, Bruce did the same cycle over and over. Wearing a 20-pound weight vest, Bruce did a onemile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups and 300-squats. He was able to complete seven rounds of the cycle, until he subbed in burpees for the pullups, which he completed two rounds of.
“It was a pretty tough challenge,” he said. “All the toys we’ve raised make it worth it. There’s going to be a lot of happy children for Christmas — it’s amazing. I’m a little bit tired, but at the same time I’m on a slight high. I’m a little bit euphoric, and I’m sure I’ll crash in a couple of hours at home.”
Bruce came over from the United Kingdom more than one year ago, and is training with the British Army Training Unit Suffield. He says he just wanted to give back.
“Kaine and Britteny (Dick) welcomed me into their community, and this community is huge,” he said. “The Gas City Crossfit community backs you in everything you do. I just wanted to give something back to them, and I wanted to give back to the Medicine Hat community as a whole.”
Along with the toys, Bruce raised a few hundred dollars, all of which will be spent on more toys to be donated to the Santa Claus Fund.
For more information on the Santa Claus Fund go to
www.mhsantafund.com