INNISFAIL – There’s often strength and support in numbers.
The Innisfail chapters of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) are co-hosting an area rally with a theme of Heart, Health and Humour.
The fall rally takes place at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Oct. 5.
“I think (people) are going to find the rally very motivational and very helpful,” said Lori Tapley, leader for the AB 5342 evening chapter in Innisfail. “Midway through the year it’s really nice because you get that extra little boost, where you see other people who have been able to take weight off or be healthier, and it motivates you.”
Tapley noted a provincial rally is held every spring, with an area rally every fall, that is hosted by a different chapter in a different town or city. The TOPS area that both Innisfail chapters belong to includes Red Deer to High River, and Stettler to Rocky Mountain House.
Rose Winters, fall rally chair and member with the AB 2525 afternoon chapter, said the rally is a great way to show support for TOPS members across the region.
“There’s well over 30 chapters in our area. We’re hoping to have at least 125 people (attend) the rally,” said Winters. “TOPS does not have a specific diet like so many other (groups) do. We try to teach people about portion control, healthy foods and exercise, and support each other.”
The one-day event will include various activities, exercise, awards, door prizes, guest speakers and a silent auction.
“It’s a fun (event),” said Winters, noting Innisfail hosted area rallies in 2010 and 2015. “We’ll have a silent auction to help raise funds for future rallies, we’ll have skits, an exercise feature, guest speakers and our area coordinator, Elaine Sinotte from Calgary, will be talking and presenting various prizes to chapters (for accomplishments) throughout the year.
“I think everybody enjoys the area rally,” Winters concluded.
Innisfail TOPS chapters hold weekly meetings every Tuesday afternoon and evening at Innisfail United Church.
For more information on the area rally or to join a TOPS chapter, email Tapley at [email protected] or call her at 405-550-5702, or call Winters at 403-227-6903.
