Berwick Church of Christ pastor John Mac works out a punchy way to get exercise equipment for a Casey youthsbased program at Power House Gym.By Rebecca Fraser
A BERWICK church has called on residents to donate their unwanted gym equipment so they can set up a new community gym for Casey teenagers.
John Mac, of the Berwick Church of Christ, said the Power House Gym would offer young people a place to focus on their personal fitness.
He said the program would also help teenagers build their selfconfidence, make new friends and achieve personal goals.
Mr Mac said the church also hoped a local business would donate a shipping container or disused storage unit so they could store the donated equipment.
He said Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre had also expressed support for the project and interest in becoming a sponsor.
“We need equipment that has not been used or is still in very good condition,” he said.
“Things like boxing bags, weights and other gym equipment would be great.”
Mr Mac said a program for girls would be offered at the gym and they also hoped to organise dance classes and other activities for Casey’s young people.
The church organises a portable skate park every Friday night as part of its youth program and Mr Mac said they also hoped to expand this service.
Mr Mac said he understood the importance of personal fitness after shedding more than 40 kilograms.
“This idea connects to my own story,” he said.
“I once weighed 130 kilograms but have now dropped down to 87 or 88 kilos.
“Part of this program has to do with how I broke through it and lost weight.”
Mr Mac said he understood just how challenging the teenage years could be.
He is a familiar face in many local high schools, and gives talks as well as running a popular breakfast program at Kambrya College.
“I like to teach these kids different stuff and I try to be a mentor and help them out and encourage them to achieve their goals,” he said.
“We just hang out and chat and I am not here to force religion down their throats.
“I believe the church’s job is to meet the needs of the community and in Casey there is more entertainment for young kids than you can poke a stick at, but our young kids need something deeper,” he said.
He said the gym would operate once a week and sessions would increase depending on demand.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the Power House Gym can call 9702 1011.
