TORONTO, May 31, 2018 /CNW/ - Hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. Corporations and local businesses. Young and old alike. On June 1, Boys and Girls Clubs are inviting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join us to Unplug to Connect!
For one hour (or more), unplug from your devices and connect face-to-face with friends, family, coworkers, and peers—and watch the magic happen.
To help bring this initiative to Canadians across the country, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is proud to team up with Sun Life Financial as presenting sponsor of Unplug to Connect, building upon the successful partnership already established with the Sun Life Dunk for Diabetes program at Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada. Encouraging youth to put down their phones and get outside, play a game, or take part in an activity that fosters connections with each other is a natural fit with Sun Life's commitment to proactive and preventive health and wellness programs that help build stronger, healthier communities.
Unplug to Connect events will be hosted at Boys and Girls Clubs across the country, including:
- Toronto—Canadian R&B sensation Jully Black will visit our Jane & Finch Boys and Girls Club to connect with kids and members of the community … and give an "unplugged" performance. And the CN Tower will be lit up in Boys and Girls Club green!
- Ottawa—MPs and staffers will team up with kids from our Ottawa Club for basketball fun on the front lawn of Parliament Hill
- Calgary—Local politicians and community partners have been invited to a "choose your own adventure" event, including crafts, games, reading, and outdoor play. And the Calgary Tower will be lit up in Boys and Girls Club green!
- Halifax—Kids, their families, and staff at the Greater Halifax Club's Dartmouth North location will enjoy a pancake breakfast, and then have a chance to shoot some hoops in the gym!
- Vancouver—MPs and local politicians have been invited to unplug and connect with Club youth and staff, and local partners will be onsite to help out
- Plus an Unplug-a-thon in Lethbridge, community painting in Stettler, a street clean-up in Winnipeg, ball hockey in Hamilton, a 50th anniversary celebration in Fredericton, a family picnic in Charlottetown, a popcorn carnival in Gander, a parade with RCMP in Wabana, and more …
Why Unplug to Connect?
We all know that the internet and smartphones are changing the way that people connect with the world around them. Technological devices are designed to connect us with others, but they are also causing us to feel isolated and alone.
The percentage of teens with smartphones has jumped to 89%, while studies show that their psychological well-being decreases dramatically the more time they spend on screens. As a result, anxiety is on the rise, especially among kids and teens, as they feel the need to be "plugged in" at all times.
At Boys and Girls Clubs, we know that building relationships is an important life skill. And at our Clubs, kids spend time away from smartphones and computers every single day—playing together, learning together, and being mentored by caring adults.
Visit unplugtoconnect.ca to learn more and find all the resources you need to help us spread the word. And when you plug back in? Follow all the action on social media at #UnplugToConnect.
On June 1, pledge to Unplug to Connect and let's prove that when you put down your phones, anything can happen!
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Community-based services. Positive relationships. Life-changing programs. As Canada's largest child- and youth-serving organization, Boys and Girls Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in 700 communities across Canada. Learn more at bgccan.com and follow us on social media @BGCCAN.
Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against Diabetes™ platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible™ program. We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Read more about Sun Life Financial in the community.
SOURCE Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Jared Morrow, Media Relations Manager, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, [email protected], P: 905.477.7272 x202, C: 647.928.5801
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