Julia Sanders

First responders are constantly having to quickly spring into action during emergencies, risking their lives to save others. To be able to help ensure the safety of community members, first responders need to stay active, so they are ready to help in any capacity needed.

Taymax helped local first responders stay fit and strong by donating fitness equipment. The franchise group donated to six different fire departments, including two each in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Alabama. Along with the equipment donations from Taymax, Ecore also donated rubber flooring to some of these departments. In total, there were 33 pieces of equipment donated, including adjustable benches, weight trees, rowers, stair climbers, ellipticals, arc trainers, bikes, back extension machines and treadmills. The donations ensured that the fire departments had everything they needed to stay fit.

“All the firefighters and EMS personnel have been very happy and want to pass along their gratitude,” said Sam Thornton, chief of the Portland, Tennessee, fire department.

This was more than just donating equipment, as Taymax was glad to give tools to help these firefighters stay prepared for the demanding work they do to protect their local communities. Taymax is committed to investing in the well-being of their first responders, especially since the CEO of Taymax, Tim Kelleher, was previously a police officer in Pelham, New Hampshire. Taymax has a total of 31 clubs in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Alabama, so this donation had a positive impact on the communities it serves.

“It’s a rewarding experience to deliver equipment to local police and fire departments and share in their excitement. It may seem like something small to most, but often working 24-hour shifts, this equipment not only gives them the opportunity to stay physically healthy, but also mentally healthy. Even nearly five months after donating to Portland, Tennessee, I continue to get messages from the firefighters and paramedics expressing their gratitude again and again,” said Lindsey Calvin, communications and club experience manager for Taymax Group.

During the holidays, Taymax got in the cheery spirit by sponsoring the 2024 Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elf Walk on Dec. 7 in Thunder Bay, Canada. The race was organized by The Salvation Army, which used the race’s funds to provide essential services, such as meals, shelter and more, for individuals facing homelessness, addiction and other challenges.

Runners showed up in jolly spirits to run the Santa Shuffle 5k. There were about 97 runners at the race. The event also included best-dressed contests and unique medals and shirts for participants. The race raised $4,170.36 for The Salvation Army.

As a race sponsor, Taymax had a booth on-site; flyer and branded products in the race kit bag; PF^® logo placement on the event webpage and social pages; and PF logo placement on printed race bibs. Four Taymax staff members volunteered at the race. This was Taymax’s first time as a sponsor for this race, and they received so much positive feedback from the community from their involvement that they are considering doing it again!

“The Santa Shuffle race organized by The Salvation Army was truly a heartwarming event, despite the 15 centimeters of snow that day. It was incredible to see over 60 participants braving the weather and staying engaged throughout the three-hour event, all the way to the prize distribution. The energy and community spirit were contagious, and we were thrilled to give away some PF goodies and draw a lucky winner from the ballots. Overall, it was a wonderfully successful event that brought people together, showcasing the resilience and enthusiasm of our community,” said Stanly Diraviam, Taymax’s assistant general manager at Planet Fitness Thunder Bay.

Taymax was proud to participate in the 51st annual Spryfield Santa Claus Parade, which took place along Herring Cove Road in Spryfield, Nova Scotia. The parade, which was held on Nov. 24, was organized by the Spryfield Business Commission and helped raise money for Feed Nova Scotia. Parade entries required a donation of food or money to Feed Nova Scotia, an organization that fights food insecurity in the area by collecting and distributing food to 140 member food banks, meal programs and shelters.  

There were over 55 floats featured in the parade. Taymax’s Halifax and Dartmouth locations staff were on a PF-branded float, which won the Best Community Float Award. There was a total of 10 employees who participated in the parade, including a special guest, the Grinch, to add to the festive spirit.

“The parade is always held on the last Sunday of November, and for me, was always a sign that the Christmas season was beginning. Growing up, my entire family would gather to watch the parade, including my 84-year-old grandmother who has never missed a parade. This year, the parade held over 55 floats and had a great turnout of spectators. Spryfield is known for being a close community who welcomes all walks of life. We were excited to be able to enter our team into the parade and take part of that,” said Cara Walsh, area director with Taymax.