UB Recreation and Intramural Program Helps the Community Over Winter Break

“Can It…for winter” program raises over 130 food items for “Friends of the Night People” while keeping UB faculty in shape
BUFFALO, NY – The Recreation and Intramural Services at the University at Buffalo held a can drive as part of the Group Fitness Program during the winter break at the university. Aerobic participants, under the direction of Jessica Nyrop, Director of Aerobics and Spinning Instruction, brought in one non-perishable food item for each class taken part of; one food item permitted participation in one class.

In the past, participants paid a flat fee for the winter break aerobic classes, with the number of aerobic participants ranging from 18 to 25 individuals. Each aerobic class attendance ranged from one to five participants last year. However, this year, the average class size was seven to eight participants. Thirty-eight patrons total participated in the “Can it…for winter” program; about a 40% increase in enrollment compared to previous years.

Classes for the winter aerobic program included indoor cycling, Pilates, and muscle sculpting class. Classes were free to any patron (student, faculty, staff and community members) who brought in a non-perishable food item, thus creating a community-friendly program.

“It was clearly such a win-win situation: a chance for the UB community to stay active over the break -- or get back in shape after the holidays -- while at the same time helping to get food to those in need,” said Hella Jacob, “Can it” participant and German Lecturer at the university.

Recreation and Intramural Services collected over 130 food items. These items will be donated to the Friends of the Night People; a non-profit organization serving meals and providing essential support services to the homeless, destitute, and working poor of Buffalo.

“We found a way to not only encourage people to work out and live a healthier life, but to also help those in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. In doing this program, we also helped raised our patrons’ awareness of issues of fellow citizens in their community,” said Marcus Hutchins, Director of Recreational Services.

The “Can it…for winter” aerobic program was a simple way for UB, R&I and patrons to give back to the Buffalo community during the holiday season.

02/01/2008