About SYL

Shape Your Life (SYL) is a recreational boxing program for women and trans people who self-identify as survivors of violence. This project began through a partnership between The Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club, Opportunity for Advancement, the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families and Brock University. The program has been running for almost 4 years! Funding for the first year of SYL was provided by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the Fall of 2007. After that initial funding period ended, SYL continued with some generous sponsorship from individuals and various fundraisers. SYL has now had over 200 women, girls and trans people take part in our boxing project. We continue to offer the program, write grants, and rely on individual donors for assistance.

Physical exercise and sports can help our minds and bodies heal from the impact of violence and abuse. Being part of an empowering fitness environment can improve self-esteem and encourage positive changes in our lives. Survivors have a right to express the anger they feel at the injustices in their lives in ways that are positive and safe. Exploring healthy aggression in a safe space can help us express ourselves and build confidence. Boxing can help us get in touch with how strong we already are and contribute to building futures that are free of violence.

The classes take place at The Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club, which is proudly known as the first women-led boxing club in Canada. The club is located at 388 Carlaw St, which is just south of Gerrard on the west side of the road. To get there by TTC, go to Pape Station and take the Pape South bus. Get off at the Badgerow stop, which is the first stop after Gerrard St – you’ll be let off right at the building. You can also check out: www.torontonewsgirls.com for more info.

The Shape Your Life boxing classes take place once a week. Classes are always full, so you must be registered in advance to attend.

Shape Your Life is a free program. At each class, snacks, water and TTC will be provided. In addition, each participant will get a set of hand wraps to keep. Participants should come with comfortable workout clothes and runners if you have them. If you don’t, we will help you get used clothes and runners during the first few weeks of your classes.

SYL understands that many women and trans people, particularly survivors of violence, face multiple barriers and challenges in their day-to-day lives. We aim to make the project as inclusive and accessible as possible so that even women/trans people with a lot on their plates can join.

SYL also aims to connect boxers with other neighbourhood services, programs and resources that will benefit them- be it in the area of housing, income supports, counselling, parenting help, healthcare, community legal services etc. Also, the SYL coaches and partner agencies are always on hand to listen and offer support.

The SYL boxing classes are designed for beginners, so you don’t need to be super fit or have any experience with sports in order to participate. That said, its always a good idea to be promoting your overall health and well-being by eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of rest and doing some form of exercise such as walking or biking.

Feel free to contact the SYL coordinator,Savoy Howe at torontonewsgirls@hotmail.com

You can also call our agency partner: Opportunity for Advancement (416.787.1481) and ask for Joanne with any questions you have.