A local massage therapist is marking the first anniversary of her business by giving back to the community.
Tori Daradich, owner of Tori Daradich RMT, launched a fundraiser for the Wheatland County Food Bank called Hands for Hunger. The campaign began on July 2 and will run until the end of the day on Saturday (July 12).
As part of the fundraiser, $20 from each massage service booked will be donated to the food bank. Daradich's goal is to raise $500, which she says will provide between 40 and 50 food hampers.
"I've always had a passion for taking care of people," said Daradich, who views massage therapy as a way to help clients access a wide range of benefits. "When you're releasing muscles there's lots of stored traumas and energies in the body itself, and sometimes that just comes out. Sometimes I do hear some crazy things, but that's people's vulnerabilities, and it's always safe in the treatment room."
Now celebrating her first year in business, Daradich credits her support system for helping her reach this milestone.
"He's definitely my number one," she said of her partner. "I've had lots of support through my family and friends—sharing my posts and sharing my name to people in a group. That was pretty big too."
Daradich revealed that her desire to help others extends well beyond the massage table.
"I've always participated in fundraising events ever since I was a little girl," she said. "Even as a young adult, I would take my tip money when I was working as a server and go and do a food hamper shop, and one year in particular like my dad and I went and he matched the amount that I was putting into the shop. So, giving back to the community that I'm residing in has always been a really important thing to me."
She also emphasized the importance of food security and the role it plays in community wellness.
"When we have full bellies, maybe we can fill our hearts a little bit more."
As someone who works in healing, Daradich offered a message to other people who are active helpers.
"Thank you for all the hard work and the long hours that you work at the Wheatland County Food Bank," she said. "I don't think you get as much recognition as you should in our community."
Daradich hopes the fundraiser becomes an annual tradition.