The Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a physical activity initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement. This challenge encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active and participate in a variety of recreation health and wellness physical activities. Through partnerships with local organizations, community groups, and volunteers, we aim to create an inclusive and accessible program that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of community spirit.

Did You Know?

$10,000 prize entry for $1.00!!!    Hey donate a minimum of $3.00 to the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. in June, 2024, through this page enters our charity,  Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge and our charity will have a chance to win $10,000! 

Did you know? You can receive as much as 53% back through charity tax deductions.

Any size donation large or small helps enormously!

“Every penny counts!”

To make a large impact, and transform the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas donations of any size make a huge difference.

“With open hearts and open hands, we gave what we could, and a little became a lot.” –from Give a Little

The forest's call: move, thrive, repeat

Dr. George Genereux, Olympian, athlete and namesake of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park afforestation green space, inspired participation in the Participaction Challenge. Dr. Donald Bailey, his childhood friend turned esteemed professor, spent over twenty-five years on ParticipACTION's national board. Bailey dedicated himself to academia, teaching at the University of Saskatchewan for over five decades. His contributions include research on physical education, kinesthesiology, Saskatchewan Growth and Development Study and childhood physical fitness. Donald's storytelling abilities were passionate inspiration for childhood physical activity.

Among the trees, the heart of activity beats strong.

II. Objectives

The primary objective of the Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge is to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices among Canadians. Our specific goals for this year's challenge include:

1. Encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in regular physical activity throughout June.

2. Promote the importance of environmental sustainability and the benefits of afforestation.

3. Raise awareness of the challenges faced by equity-deserving populations and promote inclusivity and accessibility.

4. Foster a sense of community spirit and teamwork through collective participation in the challenge. In the forest's embrace, we're active and alive

III. Activities and Events

The Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge offers a wide range of activities and events to encourage participation and engagement. Some of the key activities planned for this year include but are not limited to:

1. Yoga in the Park: connecting with nature and mindfulness.

2. Cultural Dances: exploring dance, rhythm, and origins from varying cultures.

3. Nature Walks and Hikes: Organizing guided nature walks and hikes to promote outdoor physical activity with geo-caching, Artwork installations, photography sessions, wayfinding, scavenger hunts.

4. Sensory walk: exploring the forest through touch, smell, sound and tactile experiences

5. Pedal for the Planet, Run for Joy, Run for Life: experiencing the forest from another perspective.

6. Traditional ethnobotany: Exploring ethnobotany from around the world raising awareness.

In the forest of life, move and thrive.

IV. Program Impact and Evaluation

To measure the impact of the Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge, through the technology of the ParticipACTION app we will collect data on various metrics, including:Total Community Move Minutes, Average Community Move Minutes, Total Number of Individuals, Average Number of Individuals by Population, Total Number of Organizations, Average Number of Organizations by Population. These metrics will help us assess the overall impact of the challenge and identify areas for improvement in future years. Among the trees, we're building a healthier world.

V. Inclusivity and Accessibility

The Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility. We recognize that equity-deserving populations, such as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, persons with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada, may face unique barriers to physical activity. To address these barriers, we will:

• Co-develop Programs: Collaborate with community members and organizations to co-develop programs that meet the specific needs of equity-deserving populations. • Partner with Local Service Agencies: Partner with local service agencies and advocacy groups to provide targeted outreach and support.

• Specific Outreach: Conduct specific outreach efforts to engage and involve equity-deserving populations in program planning, outreach, and delivery.

• Diverse Range of Programs: Offer a diverse range of activity, health, and wellness programs that cater to the needs and interests of all participants.

• Prioritize Inclusion: Prioritize inclusion and cultural awareness in all aspects of program planning, delivery, and evaluation. A forest of activity, a canopy of health

VI. Conclusion

The Afforestation ParticipACTION Community Challenge is our Afforestation initiative that promotes physical activity, environmental sustainability, and community engagement! Through partnerships with local organizations, community groups, and volunteers, we aim to create an inclusive and accessible program that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of community spirit. By prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, we hope to inspire everyone of all ages and abilities to lead healthier, more active lives and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Branch out, get moving: ParticipACTION for a more active you!