An East St. Paul fitness professional is raising the bar for charity.
David Beakley is the brains — and brawn — behind Deadlifts for Dreams, a fundraiser in support of the Dream Factory. The annual event has raised more than $150,000 for the Winnipeg-based charity, which fulfils the dreams of Manitoba children battling life-threatening illnesses.
Fifty people are registered to participate in the sixth Deadlifts for Dreams Saturday at Training Grounds Gym in St. Malo.
Beakley was a competitive powerlifter for 12 years, which included competing in the 2015 World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Portugal.
The goal is to raise $60,000 that will benefit Ruby, a four-year-old with Down syndrome who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last year. Ruby’s dream is to go to Disney World.
Beakley was a competitive powerlifter and gym owner when he started Deadlifts for Dreams in 2019.
“I kind of felt I wasn’t doing enough for others,” says Beakley, who wanted to start an initiative that would benefit children.
He found the Dream Factory through an internet search.
“I loved the fact that they were focused on Manitoba and the money stays in Manitoba,” he says. “I sat down with a couple of people from the Dream Factory and fell in love. They’re incredible people with enormous hearts who are in it for the right reasons. It was kind of just a match made in heaven.”
This year’s participants have each raised at least $250 to earn their spot on the roster.
On the day of the event, each will do three deadlifts — a strength exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground to the level of the hips.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
End Homelessness Winnipeg needs 100 volunteers to help with the Gizhe Waa Ti-Sii-Win Service Expo. Service providers across sectors will meet to deliver free, essential services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The expo is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 13. Email volunteer@endhomelessnesswinnipeg.ca for more information. Register at http://wfp.to/CMf by Sept. 10.
LiteracyWorks, a non-profit adult literacy program located downtown, needs energetic, community-minded people to serve on its board of directors. Board members help in governing the organization in order to maintain its mission, goals and objectives. Email questions or resumé to info@litworks.ca by Sept. 13.
The Canadian Cancer Society needs volunteers for the CIBC Run for the Cure, which raises funds for innovative breast cancer research and support programs. Go to http://wfp.to/CMK to apply for opportunities for all ages. The deadline is Oct. 5.
Katimavik needs participants for its immersive, 22-week program. The National Experience program, federally funded through the Canada Service Corps, is open to people aged 17 to 25. People from various backgrounds, genders, religions and cultures are encouraged to apply. Participants do volunteer work, learn about Indigenous peoples, design and implement community projects, and manage the Katimavik house. The next cohort is scheduled from January to June 2025. Apply at http://wfp.to/CMb by Dec. 31.
Ted’s Run for Literacy needs volunteers to help direct runners and traffic along the racecourse in and around Kildonan Park and call for medical assistance if needed. Marshals are also needed to ride the course on their bike. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and willing to commit to a daytime weekend event on Sept. 29. The time commitment is 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers can leave after the last participant has passed their post. Volunteers are encouraged to join the festivities at the finish line after the run. Detailed information about roles and responsibilities will be provided, requiring around 20 minutes of review at home. Small groups of family and friends, or larger groups such as corporate teams and schools, are also welcome. Email leah.tedsrunforliteracy@gmail.com by Sept. 15.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs co-ordinators to support its expansion into Winnipeg. As the first point of contact for new volunteer applicants, the co-ordinators will communicate with applicants, conduct screening interviews and support them during the on-boarding process to ensure a positive experience. This is a remote position for adults, with an ongoing commitment of about four hours per week. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by Sept. 15.
Immigrant Centre Manitoba needs a class facilitator to help permanent residents prepare for the citizenship test. The role involves leading six two-hour classes focused on the Discover Canada guide. The volunteer should be a fluent English speaker with experience in conducting classes or workshops via Zoom, proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, and knowledgeable in Canadian history and geography. The facilitator must have strong communication skills, the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, and be comfortable working with adult learners at varying English proficiency levels. The classes are offered through Zoom and in person at the centre. Apply at http://wfp.to/6J6 by Sept. 30.
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape needs board members to join its governance-based board of directors. The board follows a consensus-based decision-making model to support governance and uphold the organization’s values and mission. Volunteers should have previous board experience, a working knowledge of non-profit organizations and be able to commit to monthly two-hour meetings in the evenings. While Indigenous community members are preferred, other adults with a passion for community involvement are encouraged to apply. Go online to http://wfp.to/oyatetipi or email volunteer@oyatetipi.com by Dec. 31.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
Some participants are expected to lift weight in the 800-pound range.
The spectator-friendly event will feature outdoor activities for children and a barbecue.
“I was joking the other day that it used to be a deadlifting event and now it’s a family day that has deadlifting in the background,” Beakley says. “It’s really turned into its own thing.”
Beakley was a competitive powerlifter for 12 years, which included competing in the 2015 World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Portugal.
One of the things that drew him to powerlifting is that ultimately, people are only competing against themselves. In a contest setting, that means everyone is cheering for everyone else.
David Beakley is the brains — and brawn — behind Deadlifts for Dreams, a fundraiser in support of the Dream Factory.
“You get into powerlifting, where everyone is big and bearded and tattooed and supposedly scary and it’s a gym full of the nicest people you’re ever going to meet,” he says.
That camaraderie lends itself well to Deadlifts for Dreams, which has become extremely meaningful to Beakley.
As last year’s event was coming to an end, he got emotional and stepped away from the group for some time to reflect.
“I kind of just had a cry to myself just because this little dream that I had has turned into something so beautiful for so many other people,” he says.
“At first you’re kind of embarrassed — oh no, all my lifting buddies are going to see me crying — and then you realize, who cares? I wasn’t the only one — a couple other guys were crying, too. We’re a bunch of softies.”
Deadlifts for Dreams is a fantastic event, said Chelsea Walker, community giving manager at the Dream Factory.
“It’s a great way to have new members of the community learn about what the Dream Factory is doing, but it also promotes fitness and health in a way that’s fun and accessible,” Walker said. “Everyone is welcome. It’s all about community, it’s all about supporting and making dreams come true for children in Manitoba.”
For details about Saturday’s event and to make a donation, visit deadliftsfordreams.ca.
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp
Reporter
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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