After Brenda W. overcame her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in 2008, she focused on finding a way to heal her body as well as her soul. In 2020, she found the Enliven Cancer Care organization in Muskoka, a place of tranquility that prioritizes self-care and peace for people going through the turmoil of cancer through yoga and dance.

“After my cancer diagnosis, Nia dance was one of the first physical movements I started,” said Brenda, speaking of one of Enliven’s classes that blends yoga and tai chi with dance movements. “[There’s] such a range of emotion you can feel when you dance. Not only do you start to smile, but the tears start as well.”

While organizations like Enliven Cancer Care work tirelessly to provide support and a sense of community for their members, underfunding combined with the effects of the pandemic, have made it difficult to support these types of critical programs in the community. That’s where Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund comes in.

The Energizing Life Community Fund supports organizations, Indigenous communities, and municipalities across Ontario that continue to serve their residents.

Now in its third year, the Energizing Life Community Fund has supported local communities through initiatives such as service dog training for children with autism, revitalization of Indigenous language and culture through hosted medicine walks, and a life-saving command unit for a fire station.

Click here to read more about Hydro One's  Energy Life Community Fund - an initiative that supports  Indigenous communities, and municipalities across Ontario in the fall issue of The Distributor.