Chelsea LeBlanc says it's tough to figure out if participating a triathlon is a good idea or not.
"It is one of those weird hobbies where you don't really know if you are going to like it so I gave it a test try but then the pandemic hit," said LeBlanc.
But being able to get through the challenge of the three events isn't the only reason to compete.
LeBlanc, who competed in her first race in 2019 is racing for a cause very close to her heart on June 26; Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre in North Bay.
"Amelia Rising is such a good organization and I am a survivor and I did participate in some of their programs and I think I wish I knew about it sooner then when I did because it was a long time before I discovered a program that was specific for sexual violence victims and survivors so I thought I wanted to give back to them because of everything they have done for me and I thought the best way I could do it was by doing something that was a pretty hard thing to do," explained LeBlanc.
She along with her partner Éric are helping with the cause. She raised $800 her first year but is hoping to raise more in the summer of 2022.
She has set up a fundraising Canada Helps website and will be visiting a few local businesses to garner support.
"My goal is $800 but I am hoping to get a little bit more," she said.
LeBlanc says the reason she wants to continue doing this is the importance of Amelia Rising programming and awareness.
"A lot of people just don't it is available and it is available for anybody of any sexual orientation," she said.
"It is not just for women. So one of the biggest things they have is counselling along with programs and courses that you can take. Whether that is healthy relationships or I took a resiliency course. It is pretty good for people who might have suffered from some sort of violence, sexual violence in the past. Unfortunately, the way to become a trauma survivor is not linear so you are constantly in up and down motion so being able to know about this program when you need it the most is great and in order for them to keep going they need this money. So I just wanted to make sure as much as I am supporting the cause and I do donate myself to Amelia Rising, I also want to make sure that people are aware.
"I think if I can reach one person, I think that would be important."
To give to the cause go HERE
For the 24-hour Amelia Rising crisis line call (705) 476-3355.
