Bradford Wellness Centre’s Massage-a-Thon raises over $5K for the Helping Hand Food Bank (11 photos) - BradfordToday

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The Bradford Wellness Centre on Holland Street hosted a Massage-a-Thon over the weekend with over 55 massages performed by owner Assunta DeMarinis and two other massage therapists, donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the Helping Hand Food Bank.

The centre’s goal was to raise $5,000, and with each massage costing $90, DeMarinis and her team were sure to hit their mark.

“It was a crazy hustle,” states DeMarinis. “But the time went by quickly enough. Every person came with a different conversation."

DeMarinis and her two massage therapists, Jen Haughton and Rebecca Balfour, worked tirelessly all weekend giving back-to-back massages from Friday until Sunday, starting as early as 6 a.m. and going as late as midnight.

“A farmer took my 6 a.m. shift,” shares DeMarinis. “[He was] happy that they just finished their harvest on Friday."

DeMarinis extended her hours for the massage-a-thon well into the evening for late-night shift workers as well.

“A paramedic who finished a horrible shift at work felt blessed to have a late-night massage," shares DeMarinis.

The centre also held a raffle with several items donated by many local businesses including Victoria Bourque Beauty Boutique, Health is Homemade, Little Oak House, BBBeauty Boutique, Bradford Lash Bar, Mel's Craft House, Berries by Betty, Play Dead Customs, Grazeable Food Co., Refresh Candle Co., Designz by Jay, and Great Portuguese Sauce.

Jaylin Cuco, DeMarinis’ assistant at the centre was instrumental in organizing the selling of tickets and preparing the draws for each raffle item. She also donated a custom wreath which she makes and sells at the centre (Designz by Jay).

Together, with the proceeds collected from all massages and the number of tickets sold from the raffle, the Bradford Wellness Centre raised a total of $5,753.45 for the Helping Hand Food Bank.

“It was fun! Everybody had such good energy that was coming in," shares Haughton, adding that she didn’t work as many hours as DeMarinis, but did work until midnight on one of the evenings.

“My hands are fine! I actually feel pretty good," expresses DeMarinis. “I did run the shockwave machine over my forearms."

Carolyn Khan, President of the Bradford Food Bank, came by on Monday morning for the official cheque presentation, accompanied by Mayor Rob Keffer.

“This donation is so wonderful because of the fact that school food drives have been down because schools aren’t allowed to donate right now," explains Khan. “We’re purchasing a lot more food than we have in the past and we’re having roughly 10 to 12 new clients show up each week, so we’re seeing a huge increase in numbers."

Mayor Keffer added that it was a great initiative and something worthy of people in town knowing about.

“We’re very appreciative of all the donations, especially from Bradford Wellness. This will help us get through Christmas,” expresses Khan.

DeMarinis surprised Khan last minute with an extra PC gift card for $500 from DeMarinis herself.

Khan and Mayor Keffer aided DeMarinis with the draw for each raffle item which was posted live on Facebook during the cheque presentation. It can be watched on the Bradford Wellness Centre’s Facebook page.

DeMarinis states she will be hosting the massage-a-thon annually now.

“Now I go home and sleep,” jokes DeMarinis.