I received this news release from longtime friend and colleague, Doug Setter of 2nd Wind Body Science. He is asking people to raise awareness about Covenant House, an organization, located in Vancouver, Canada, which provides shelter and other services for homeless kids, by participating in a 6-week fitness programme that he will lead.

Challenge yourself for those who face challenges every day.

On October 11, a group of selected people will be competing to raise awareness for Covenant House. The competition? Get through 12 sessions with Doug Setter’s boot camp. Setter is a former real life army boot camp instructor who has trained hundreds of both civillian and military recruits since 1984. “The idea is not to break people’s spirits,” says 53 year old Setter, who also instructs Pilates, kick-boxing and yoga. “We want to teach them to believe in themselves and their buddies. They often have no idea what they are really capable of.”

Setter, in co-operation with Convenant House, wants to raise awareness of young people’s daily struggles on the streets of Vancouver. “If you think a few crunches are a challenge,” comments Setter. “Try scrounging food and shelter while dodging muggers and sexual predators.”

Convenant House’s development officer, Mark Savard reports that for the past 13 years they have provided over 14000 young people with shelter, food, clothing, counseling or just a safe night’s sleep. “90% of our funding comes from private donations,” states Savard.

Logistics and details:

Six weeks (Oct. 11 through to Nov. 17, 2011 inVancouver.

Up to 30 people.  Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$50 for t-shirt, prizes and donation to Convenant House.  That is 12 sessions.

The twice-a-week event is outside, rain or shine.

LocationTo Be Confirmed.  (Kitsilano Beach, Alexander Park or Jericho Beach)

Training is Cardio Kick-Boxing (by former welter weight competitor), Pilates and military team building.  It is safe, effective, fun and guaranteed to increase posture, strength, stamina, flexibility and trim in those problem areas.  Greater flexibility after the first class almost always occurs for the participants.

Prizes include Spa Treatments and restaurant gift certificates for the most improved and top students.

Details from Doug Setter, BSc. at 778-837-3528 and e-mail:   dougsetter@gmail.com

Doug Setter has studied Food and Nutrition, Behavioral Psychology and Eating Disorders. His training has included, weights, aerobic dance, martial arts, yoga, pilates and outdoor survival. He’s the author of three books: Stomach Flattening, Reduce Your Alcohol Craving and One Less Victim: A Personal Protection Guide.

Sept. 26, 2011 Note:  In the sentence directly after it is first mentioned, I removed a second reference to Doug’s BSc .