OTTAWA, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Communities across Canada are competing through Facebook in a health challenge to connect to nature, feel better, and live longer. Until March 19th, people can sign up to take challenges and earn points for their community to be the Live Right Now Capital of Canada. Three organizations have come together to offer the winning community a reward that will last for generations. The Canadian Wildlife Federation has teamed up with Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds and Parks Canada to award the leading 'Live Right Now' community the grand prize of a natural playground worth more than $100,000.
Because the health of Canadians is directly linked to the time we spend outside and connected to nature, and in honour of their 50th Anniversary, the Canadian Wildlife Federation has contributed $50,000 towards the reward. The custom designed and community built natural playground will reflect the natural heritage of the nearest national park and Parks Canada will help the winning community experience the national park nearest to them. This free, natural, green park will be designed with the winning community to meet their needs. Hewn from the trees, earth, and bedrock found across Canada, the natural playground will be a refuge for Canadian wildlife and a haven for children and neighbours to gather and play.
"A major part of CWF's conservation mission is educating Canadians; but the greatest goal is for people to actually explore the outdoors and find the true value of our wildlife-rich land. The natural playground will unite people in their love of the outdoors and ignite that spark to want to get out and discover more. What a perfect way to celebrate the Canadian Wildlife Federation 50th Anniversary of connecting Canadians to wildlife." Wade Luzny, Canadian Wildlife Federation Executive Vice-President and CEO.
"A natural playground is the ideal reward for the winning community of Live Right Now. The perfect urban embodiment of healthy lifestyle, community spirit, and connection to nature, we are proud to be a part of a legacy that will contribute to the health of Canadians for years to come." Adam Bienenstock, Founder and CEO of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds.
"Canada's national parks are ideal places for Canadians to get active and to connect with nature. Parks Canada is pleased to be part of this effort to help Canadians get healthier and build a deeper and long-term connection with our natural heritage." Alan Latourelle, CEO Parks Canada.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
About Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
For over 25 years Bienenstock has engaged communities to re-imagine and rebuild their green space through better designs, partnerships, and programs that connect their children and adults to nature. The parks and playgrounds we create reflect the natural heritage of the site and the needs of the community through a collaborative design process, a skilled team of installers, and well orchestrated community builds. Projects can be found in public parks, schools and child care centres across Canada and the USA. For more information visit www.NaturalPlaygrounds.ca.
About Parks Canada
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places. For more information, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca
Image with caption: ""Bringing Nature to Life" Community Build Day, Matilda Natural Playground, Dundas, Ontario, July 2010 (CNW Group/CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120301_C8829_PHOTO_EN_10638.jpg
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Pamela Logan
1.800.563.9453
[email protected]
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
Adam Bienenstock
1.800.306.3319 x120
[email protected]
Parks Canada
Parks Canada Media Relations
819-953-8371
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