A Zeal for Zumba(R) - Fundraiser to Feature New Fitness Craze

HALIFAX , Dec. 22 /CNW/ - Nova Scotians are set to ring in the New Year with a burgeoning fitness regimen that's gaining momentum across the globe. Zumba(R), an exercise program that melds easy-to-follow moves with Latin rhythms, is taught in 75 countries at over 40,000 locations. Its popularity in Nova Scotia is growing at a comparable pace, with enthusiasts lining up for an hour just to ensure their spot in their favorite weekly class.

A new fundraising event, Bust a Move for Breast Health, is poised to capitalize on Zumba(R). Set to be a ground-breaking, memorable day, Bust a Move festivities wouldn't be complete without featuring Zumba(R) as one of the exercise styles in the January 30, 2010 fitness extravaganza being hosted jointly by the IWK Foundation and the QEII Foundation.

"Our objective is to raise funds for new digital mammography equipment," said the Event's Chair, Marie Mullally . "But we want to have fun while doing it, so what better way than to incorporate the Zumba(R) mania into our unique event? Having attended a few Zumba(R) classes myself, I couldn't be more excited about adding this fun and energizing exercise to our program!"

Local instructor Sherry Ross will be leading the Zumba(R) contingent at Bust a Move. "Because Zumba(R) fuses Latin and international music, it creates a dynamic, exciting and effective fitness experience. It's growing in popularity around the world because it is a fun way for people of all fitness levels to get in shape and let go of their inhibitions!" The atmosphere created in a Zumba class is even reflected in the Zumba(R) slogan: 'Ditch the workout... join the party!'

The Bust a Move event is indeed a party in the making and a first in many ways for Nova Scotia. Attendees can expect live music, an hour of exercise led by Richard Simmons , amazing prizes and an experience not soon forgotten. "The best part is that every dollar raised by Bust a Move participants will go directly to the cause, allowing more women to be screened each year for breast cancer and increasing the quality of those images," said Mullally. "It's truly a win-win situation."

She encourages every Nova Scotian to visit the event website at www.bustamove.ca to find out more.

About the IWK Foundation

The IWK Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to helping the IWK Health Centre Foundation provide the best care possible to Maritime women, children, youth and their families. With the generous support of donors, the IWK Foundation raises funds that are used to purchase medical equipment, fund important research initiatives, provide fellowship opportunities and support specialized programs that enhance patient care in the areas of children's health, women's health, mental health and community health.

About the QEII Foundation

The QEII Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization established to strengthen health care at the QEII. The Foundation's mission is leading the spirit of philanthropy to enrich health care for Atlantic Canadians and in the process helps support the QEII's quest to become a world-leading haven for health, healing and learning. The QEII Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care through the purchase of state-of-the-art patient technology, promotion of professional education, advancement of medical research, and involvement with community-based disease prevention initiatives.

For further information: Steve Jennex, QEII Foundation, [phone]; Sara Napier, IWK Foundation, [phone]