Changing Lives From the Inside, Out

Fusion Fitness Center is proving that a club can do more than just provide an outlet for people to get in shape.

Nic DeCaire, the president of Fusion Fitness Center Inc. in Newark, Delaware, decided it was essential to give back to the local community by having the club support local charities. When he found out the police K-9 unit was in need of a new dog, DeCaire thought it would be the perfect way to give back.

In order to raise funds for the cause, DeCaire launched the Main Street Mile run, which is held annually. “We wanted to make a difference in the community so we decided to make the Newark Police K-9 Fund our house charity,” said DeCaire. “Over the past nine years we have funded the department with enough money to purchase two K-9 dogs.”

DeCaire noticed how involved members got with the Main Street Mile event, so he decided the club should host other events throughout the year as a way to give back to numerous non-profits in the area.

Now the club hosts six challenges a year, each between 21 and 28 days long. To join the challenge members pay a fee and all of the proceeds go to a local non-profit. Members are divided into teams of 20 to 30 people and they compete in various challenges to win points.

“You can earn one point for every workout performed during the challenge,” explained DeCaire. “Workouts must be a minimum of 30 minutes. Then, once a week the team gets a special challenge, which might be to workout with a partner — that way we also encourage members to get to know one another. On the last day of the challenge we have a big workout celebration and we announce the winning team.”

Over the past few years, the fitness challenges have raised over $1,000 for the Delaware Humane Association and $2,000 for the B+ Foundation, that’s mission is conquering childhood cancer.

According to DeCaire, members love participating in the challenges. “More and more people get involved with each challenge,” said DeCaire. “You have your core people that always participate, but they spread the word and get others involved too.”

On February 15, 2015, Fusion Fitness Center launched its newest fitness challenge. Proceeds will go to a local organization, 3B (Brae’s Brown Bags), which was started by a young boy, Braeden, who began packing brown bags to hand out to homeless and those in need. Braeden has handed out over 2,000 brown bags since July 2013. He fills the bags with water bottles, healthy snack foods and brochures for shelters and organizations that might be able to help.

“Every business should have a house charity. It is the foundation of what you are and what you stand for,” added DeCaire. “For us it is not only about changing lives inside the gym through fitness, but what we can do outside of the club. It doesn’t even need to be financially — you can donate gift cards or membership time. It is important to stay local and impact the community we live in.”

By Emily Harbourne