A Young Couple Determined to Make a Difference: Interview with Rachael Holden and Matt Carrothers
This summer, we’re challenging Canadians from coast to coast to get active and Just Move to end slavery. During July and August, we’ll follow justice seekers and share their stories as they run, walk, hike and bike to raise money for freedom.
Read our first interview with Rachael Holden and Matt Carrothers, a young couple determined to make a difference together.
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Rachael: My name is Rachael Holden, I am 27 years old and I’m a hairstylist and crazy cat lady.
Matt: I’m Matt Carrothers, I’m 28 years old. I work in the sanitation department for the city of London. I am, I guess, an intermediate runner. I’m an avid fan of sports and I guess I am a growing cat lover as well.
Rachael: Matt and I are in a relationship together and we live together. We’re a very happy couple.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Rachael: My cats who are asking for food at 5 a.m. I get out of bed in the morning for work and sometimes I get out of bed to do cleaning in the morning before work. I also get out of bed at 5 a.m. to make my boyfriend his breakfast.
Would you consider yourself to be athletic?
Rachael: I’m not athletic but he is. I have always been terrible at sports.
Matt: But you’re getting there.
Rachael: I do weights at the gym for instance, but not cardio.
Matt: And you’re rollerblading, you’re very good at rollerblading. You’re learning. I’ve always enjoyed sports, I like being active. I guess that’s one of the reasons to get out of bed - to improve yourself. You know, you do things to make yourself happy and one of those things is sports I would say - sports and activities.
Why are you participating in Just Move this summer?
Rachael: Because it’s for a good cause and it gets us going! It’s get me active which is good, because I can be lazy and sit on the couch sometimes. And it’s good to fundraise because you’re helping people who need the protection and rights we take for granted.
Matt: It’s for a good cause but you’re improving yourself too and you’re setting goals and you’re trying to attain it.
What are your goals for the event?
Rachael: We plan to run through July and August.
Matt: It’d be nice to run 15 times at 10km, that’ll be 150km. That’s the lower end of the limit and I want to see if I can beat it.
Rachael: My goal is 3km every other day.
Why do you care about issues of injustice?
Matt: Because everyone should care about issues of injustice! Everyone should have a safe and carefree life.
Rachael: Life should be peaceful.
Matt: Over here we take for granted how easy we have it when there’s so many issues in the world. More people should know about it and be doing something about it, that’s for sure.
Why do you think it is important for individuals in here in Canada to do something about justice issues in other countries?
Rachael: A lot of the poorer countries don’t have the means that we do, and they don’t have the voices that we do.
Matt: They may be lacking some of the education and practices that we can share.
Rachael: But a lot of them live under broken legal systems, and we’re able to help where they don’t have the voice to do that.
What is your greater vision for the world?
Rachael: As any beauty pageant contestant would say - world peace. That’s the number one thing.
What does world peace mean to you?
Rachael: In a perfect world, countries can get along and there wouldn’t be an imbalance where some countries have less than others. The Western world is so much better off, has so much more support and infrastructure for its citizens. There shouldn’t be countries where legal systems don’t function for those that need them.
Matt: And we have a responsibility to the world. Those that are less fortunate than we are, we almost owe them - basic humanity to want to help. It should be mandatory that we do something about it. Do what we can at least.
What would you say to people who are hesitant to sign up for Just Move for whatever reason?
Rachael: Don’t be afraid to get physically active because I was afraid. I’m not a good runner but it’s for a good cause and you’ll be able to do it - you’ll get there.
If you could learn the answer to one question about your future, what question would it be?
Matt: What are the correct lottery numbers for this Friday’s LOTTO MAX so that in turn, I can help end injustice in the world. [laughs]
If you had intro music, what song would it be?
Matt: Stayin’ Alive by The Bee Gees because it fills your body with electricity and you can’t help but move.
Rachael, do you have an intro song?
Rachael: I was trying to think of one - I don’t know.
Matt: Barbie Girl – Aqua.
Rachael: I don’t know if I should be insulted!
Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Rachael: You should definitely do Just Move. It’s a great fundraiser for a great cause and it will get you active. You’ll feel good doing it!
Matt: Even you can make change if you want to, and this is a good opportunity to help out and do some good.
This article is part of a series featuring the amazing individuals who have decided to participate in the Just Move campaign.
Inspired? Join Just Move today IJM.ca/justmove.
