On the morning of December 12th Lia Grimanis of Toronto, in Canada went live on national TV network ‘Canada AM’ and pulled a 8,100 KG truck over a distance of 30 metres. Quite the unusual way to spend the morning of your 42nd birthday too, but then Lia is on a mission like no other.
Lia is the founder of the ‘Up With Women’ charity and recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women, clearly in more ways than just her strength. Financial Post Magazine have named her as one of Canada’s Top 100 women in the world of business and philanthropy. Her key focus in the charity sector and her own inner strength that exudes through her many incredible thrill-seeking escapades as made her a well-loved public figure.
The underlying motivation behind pulling the 17,820lbs transport truck is something Lia has dedicated her charity efforts towards and that is to raise awareness for women and girls at risk not only in her country of residence, but even more so to inspire women to realize they are stronger than they think they are the world over.
“As a survivor of homelessness and violence in the home, I wanted to show women who are struggling that anything is possible, and that we are all stronger than we think we are,” said Grimanis.
“I didn’t think I would live past the age of 21. On December 12, I celebrate my 42nd birthday and I’m thrilled to use this opportunity to be able to give back through the truck pull to those who supported me when I was homeless — the YWCA and other shelters, and invest in the lives of women and girls at risk.”
This latest stunt took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and joining her for support was well-known female athlete Marnie McBean, three-time national Olympic Rowing champion who also participated on the day as a guest judge.
“Accepting big goals is intimidating,” said McBean. “Unfortunately, that’s why too many people hesitate to ‘think big’ and try to make a positive change. Lia is a normal person who does incredible things because she makes it a habit to accept the fear and challenge that comes with big goals, demonstrating to others that they too can be, and are, stronger than they think. “
Maple Leaf Foods, one of the event's primary sponsors has not only donated significant funds to 'Up With Women' already but has also pledged to donate 10,000lbs of food - 1,000lbs for every 10 feet Lia pulled the truck - to the YWCA Toronto, the very shelter that saved Lia's life when she was a homeless teenager.
“Lia, the Up With Women organization and the YWCA Toronto play tremendous roles in shaping bright futures for so many women and girls who need a helping hand,” said Michael McCain, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods.
“We are proud to provide the YWCA with nutritious food that will help thousands of women enjoy healthy, balanced meals and to partner with Lia to get the message out that women and girls at-risk can be the leaders they have always wanted to be.”
Canada Cartage, one of Canada’s leading transportation and logistics companies, provided the transport truck for the event.
“Our company is excited to support Lia and her foundation in this event,” said Jeff Lindsay, President and CEO of Canada Cartage. “Lia’s story is inspirational, and sends a message of hope and encouragement to women living in difficult circumstances.”
Lia is what has been termed in Media as a new breed of ‘Adventure-Preneurs’ of which Richard Branson from the Virgin Group is probably the leading and most well-known exponent of. And advocating this same life-choice with the hope of specifically inspiring women the world over to do the same, Lia Grimanis leads the way with both her ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ energy driving her as far as she can go.
When we asked Lia what her next plans were she told us:
“How about doing something spectacular for women in London? It’s something that I’ve been thinking about as in running the ‘Up with Women’ model for projects in the UK… and you may just be the first ones to find out what’s cooking!”
Check out the live TV footage of Lia’s latest truck pull stunt via the Canada AM network website.
On the thrill-seeking side some of her previous endeavors also include swimming with sharks, wing walking, jousting and a range of strength stunts to name just a few.
We salute you Lia… for taking the term ‘GIRL-POWER’ quite literally and inspiring us all!
For more information about the charity ‘UP WITH WOMEN’ visit: www.upwithwomen.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Tanja Tiziana Burdi
VIDEO CREDIT: Paul Muzzin / Lia Grimanis
About Up With Women:
Since 2009, Up With Women has supported women at-risk of homelessness to become fully independent and active members of their communities. Up With Women runs a free year-long career-coaching program to move women to the next level of economic independence and break the cycle of poverty.
Since 2009, Up With Women has supported women at-risk of homelessness to become fully independent and active members of their communities. Up With Women graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals. Up With Women graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals.
PHOTO CREDIT: Tanja Tiziana Burdi
VIDEO CREDIT: Paul Muzzin / Lia Grimanis
Special Thanks to Lia Grimanis and watch this space for upcoming adventures from her side in 2014.
FOR ALL DONATIONS AND SUPPORT FOR THIS GREAT PROJECT PLEASE VISIT:
www.upwithwomen.com/newchallengedonate.html
AND feel free to SPREAD THE WORD!
