LAUGHING & BREATHING One Local Woman’s Lighthearted Fundraiser STORY BY MICHAEL SEGUIN DURING THESE dark times, one Windsorite is determined to provide some sunshine. Josie LoPorto Freeborn is a 44-year-old Essential Oil Educator, a Holistic Healthcare Lifestyle Promoter and a Certified Reflexology Practitioner. For Josie, health and wellness is more than a calling. It’s a passion that dominates her entire being, radiating outwards. “My background is in sales,” Josie states. “I was 15 when I started working at the McDonalds in Leamington. I spent most of my working years up until my late twenties working in sales—and I was getting burnt out! Then my sister, who is a Holistic Nutritionist, recommended that I learn about Reflexology, because it’s great for stress management.” From there, Josie was hooked. Over the last 16 years, she’s obtained countless certifications and learned about multiple different holistic modalities, including Chakra Healing and Energy Work. “Some people call me the Hippie Mom,” Josie laughs. However, Josie, like many others, has had to put her consulting and hands-on treatment business on hold thanks to the pandemic. “Thanks to COVID-19, most of my time is now spent homeschooling my two kids,” Josie states. “And trying maintain an online presence to keep people informed about living a healthy lifestyle.” This time of quiet and reflection didn’t last long. Earlier this year, Josie was approached by Brooke Meloche from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. “Brooke asked me if I would do a charity event for their May women’s fundraising month,” Josie explains. “I said yes immediately, because that’s a cause that means a lot to me. So many friends and family have been affected by cancer.” Initially, Josie was planning on hosting a large tea party and spa to collect donations. However, the current pandemic caused her to reevaluate her plans.
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Clockwise from top left: Josie LoPorto Freeborn and her father, Ralph LoPorto; Josie enjoying family fun time with daughter Fiona, husband Jeff and son Miles; after reaching her $100 milestone, Josie let her children do her hair and makeup before hosting a live meeting on her Facebook group.
