The Trent Excalibur women’s rugby team is back with their annual Fitness Fundraiser, this time in support of the Mental Health Services at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).  

The team launched the annual fundraiser in 2020 to work towards their fitness goals during the off-season while giving back to the community. 

“This fundraiser is one of our team favourites,” said team captain Jaeden Avery. “It allows us to work towards bringing positivity into the lives of people within our community, while also making the exercise we do in the off-season fun and meaningful. Running a few kilometres is easier when you know it’s for a good cause!” 

Each year, the student-athletes set personal fundraising goals, vowing to complete a certain fitness challenge depending on the amount of money raised. In some cases, team members have vowed to run one kilometre for every dollar raised, while others will do one push-up or one squat, to name a few. 

Over the past three years, the team has raised over $8,000, keeping half of the proceeds for the team, and donating the other half. This year, in addition to each individual pledge, some members are taking the fundraiser one step further: promising tattoos or wild haircuts if the team raises over $5,000 this year. 

“I think the women on our team really buy into this as they know the money raised goes towards charities that mean a lot to us,” shared Jaeden. “Mental health is essential to varsity athletes and mental illness is something many people struggle with. It brings both excitement and peace to know the money we collect from this fundraiser is going towards enhancing the mental health resources in our community.” 

Visit the Women’s Rugby Team’s Instagram page for more information on this fundraiser and team pledges.