TORONTO— Lia Grimanis, founder of Up With Women, set a new Guinness World Record when she pulled a 17,000 lbs Canada Cartage transport truck for 100 feet.  

“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,” Grimanis said.

Grimanis is recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women and set the record  for the “Heaviest Vehicle Pulled 100ft By A Woman” to raise awareness for women and girls at risk and to inspire women to realize they are stronger than they think they are.

“I didn’t think I would live past the age of 21,” Grimanis said. “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.”

Canada Cartage provided the transport truck for the event, which took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

“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.”

“Accepting big goals is intimidating,” said Marnie McBean three-time Olympic champion and guest judge at the event. “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 is donating 1,000 lbs of food to the YWCA Toronto for every 10 feet Grimanis pulled the truck, for a total of 10,000 lbs of food.

“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.”

Up With Women helps women at-risk of homelessness to become independent and active members in their communities. They run a free year-long career-coaching program to help break the cycle of poverty. 

Check out the promotional video here.