Move for Mentoring

Tuesday, 26 May 2020 16:41

BBBS Oxford is really hoping more people will sign up and participate in their virtual fundraiser Move for Mentoring.

OXFORD COUNTY - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County is looking for more people to take part in Move for Mentoring.

They have had to change the way they fundraise during these unprecedented times, however BBBS Oxford is still providing all kinds of services for their little's.

Move for Mentoring is a virtual fundraiser that allows you to create your own challenge. Simply choose a challenge that meets your needs and complete between now and May 31st.

Here are some examples of things you could do:

- Complete 1 jumping jack for every $1 you receive

- Complete 1 burpee for every $5 you receive

- Complete a 1km bike ride for every $10 you receive

- Walk/run 1 km for every $20 you receive

For those who may have some mobility issues:

- Plant a flower for every $5 you receive

- Knit a dish cloth for every $10 you receive

- Write a chapter of the book you've always been wanting to write for every $20 you receive

- Play one song on the piano (or instrument of choice) for every $10 you receive

You can join this virtual event as an individual or build a team of friends, family members or coworkers.

Ideas are really endless and you create the challenge and the dollar figure, which creates incredible fundraising potential. Take a photo/video when you're completing the challenges (i.e. shoes hitting the pavement) and post to social media and encourage others to donate to challenge you further, or join themselves.

All of the money raised locally from this event stays local. Children and families we serve in Oxford County are heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness and social isolation can be difficult for all of us, but vulnerable families and children will suffer the most. In fact, many children and young people are now facing increased adversities in their homes as:

- 44% of Canadian households have suffered job loss or reduced hours with over 1.3 million Canadians applying for EI benefits in the last two weeks.

- Domestic abuse shelters are seeing a dramatic increase in reports of family violence.

- Children’s helplines are reporting a 350% increase in calls from kids experiencing anxiety and mental health concerns.

This situation is a catalyst for toxic stress. The term “toxic stress” is used to describe the dangerous and life-long impacts of stressful environments on children. We know that when children experience toxic stress over an extended period of time without intervention, this toxic stress can negatively affect a child’s developing brain, their immune system, mental health and physical wellbeing

You can find more information and sign up or donate today online here.