Holiday weight challenge will aid local family

A holiday weight challenge sponsored by the Health and Wellness Department will not only benefit the waistlines of participants, but also benefit a local family struggling with finances.

"Hold it for the Holidays" begins November 10 and continues through January 8. The program's goal is for participants to avoid gaining extra pounds during the holidays, staying within three pounds of their initial weight. Cost to participate is $10, which will be returned to those participants who stay within the weight guidelines.

Program proceeds, along with donations from any faculty or staff member, will go toward helping the Swiney family of Grand Rapids obtain a family membership at the Grand Rapids YMCA. Tim Swiney was recently laid off; he said the membership will help his family stay active and participate in YMCA programs they otherwise would not be able to afford. "Essentially, they're trying to hold it together for the holidays," said Josie Goldberg, Health and Wellness program coordinator.

Three weigh-ins are scheduled throughout the six-week program, beginning on November 10 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Lake Michigan Hall, room 140; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the DeVos Center, room 499C; and 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, room 136.

Register for the program online at www.gvsu.edu/seminar. Questions can be directed to the Health and Wellness Department at x12215 or [email protected].