PHOTOS: Surrey fitness fundraiser tops $100,000 in 13 years
Published 7:30 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Close to 330 filled the gym at Fleetwood Park Secondary for a 13th Zumbathon for Cancer fundraiser on Friday, June 5.
Every spring, Elaine Chong leads a group workout to benefit BC Cancer Foundation’s Patient Relief Fund, which helps patients with financial, travel and resource assistance.
Donations now total more than $100,000 over the years including $11,000 this month, with much left to be counted from a record-attendance event, Chong says.
“It was truly a great mix of participants — students and adults, staff, kids — everyone just there to have a great time in the name of one day finding a cure for cancer,” said Chong, a teacher and fitness instructor.
“Student attendance was definitely up this year but so was the general attendance of the community. Vibes and overall energy was also a lot more than usual, if that’s even possible — cheering, yelling, clapping. The best!”
Chong and six fellow volunteer instructors led an hour-long workout with upbeat songs for a minimum donation of $15, or $10 for students.
“My family was in attendance and there were a lot of first-timers that made this extra special for me,” she noted. “I love when my friends are able to feel the joy of what I have been speaking about with pride all these years,” since her first Zumbathon in 2013.
“This night is always so emotional for me,” Chong added. “I work very hard, planning two months in advance, and to see it come to life and be what it is every year fills my heart with joy.… I have no intention to stop or to slow down.”
Those who help Chong make the event happen include photographer Doug Doi, DJ Colton Carroll, Shawna with Bernice Gordon for bringing Chong’s ZFC apparel to life ($5 from each sale goes toward the cause), fitness instructors Abi, Laarnie, Linda, Dani, Gabi and Olga, along with prize donors and those who help find them.