All right, Niagara. It’s time to make your move.

Brock University wants to get the public spinning, dancing, boxing and stretching, all in the name of United Way.

On Sunday, Oct. 28, the University’s United Way committee is hosting its first Move-a-thon, a fitness celebration and fundraising event in support of the community organization. Eight one-hour fitness classes such as yoga, fitness kickboxing, Zumba and spinning will be offered from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Each will cost $5 with all proceeds directed to United Way Niagara and counted towards the University’s $145,000 fundraising goal for the charity’s 2018 campaign.

“Not only is group exercise a great way to feel good and get active, it’s also community building,” said Eric Walter, Brock University’s Fitness Manager and Move-a-thon organizer. “Joining this kind of fundraising event adds purpose beyond the individual. Participants reap the health benefits of exercise while also helping others in their community.”

Advance registration is highly encouraged and can be done by phoning Brock University’s Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk at 905-688-5550 x4060 or by registering for activities online by searching for ‘United Way’ or ‘Move-a-thon.’ If space remains, registration will also be available in person at the Walker Sports Complex entrance on the day of the event.

Parking will be free in the main visitor Lot D when mentioning the Move-a-thon to the booth attendant.

Children 10 years and older are welcome to attend, as are all exercise abilities. Classes will be led by volunteer instructors who have experience accommodating various fitness levels.

For those hesitant to participate, Walter encourages them to take the leap.

“There will be lots of first-timers participating simply to support the initiative,” he said. “Exercise is a habit that’s difficult to start, but this is a nice opportunity to try something new.”

Brock University has a long history of supporting United Way. Over the past 15 years, more than $1.7 million has been donated through employee payroll contributions and fundraising events.

Last year’s fundraising campaign was the University’s largest ever, raising more than $160,000 for the cause.

“One of Brock’s goals is to enhance the life and vitality of the Niagara community,” said Brian Hutchings, Vice-President, Administration. “One in three people in Niagara will use a United Way-funded program in their lifetime. By supporting the Brock Move-a-thon, we create a real win-win: We contribute to the betterment of the region by showing our support of United Way, and we also act on and promote healthy living.”

United Way Niagara funds 114 local programs and special initiatives in all 12 Niagara municipalities. These programs enhance the quality of life for 163,000 of the most vulnerable people in our community. This year’s United Way Niagara goal is $5 million.

What: Move-a-thon for United Way

When: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Walker Sports Complex, Brock University

How: Register online or by calling 905-688-5550 x4060

Move-a-thon class schedule

9 to 10 a.m.

Spin Class, Brock Spin Studio. Instructor: Kristen

Yoga, Brock Dance Studio. Instructor: Teighan

10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Spin Class, Brock Spin Studio. Instructor: Nicole

Fitness Kickboxing, Brock Dance Studio. Instructor: Heather

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Spin Class, Brock Spin Studio. Instructor: Nicole

Yoga, Brock Dance Studio. Instructor: Danielle

12:45 to 1:45 p.m.

Spin Class, Brock Spin Studio. Instructor: Eric

Zumba, Brock Dance Studio. Instructor: Kristina