YMCA of Eastern Ontario

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Love Yourself, Actually Challenge News Release

News Release

Love Yourself, Actually Challenge

Brockville & Kingston, ON – As we self-isolate in our second lockdown while heading into February, it can be difficult to stay positive and stress levels may be on the rise. That’s why it’s time for you to give yourself a big hug by doing something you love with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s Love Yourself, Actually Challenge!

The YMCA is challenging individuals and groups to do something that makes you happy and submit photos or videos of these activities to create a community hub of fun.

The Y is known for fitness, but activities needn’t be. What do you do that makes you feel good? Curl up with a good book? Sweat to the oldies? Gab with friends? Learn something new?

“We are hoping to encourage people to do something they enjoy to lift everyone’s spirits during a difficult time,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Social connection helps improve mental wellness and our challenge is focused on creating a place where people can feel like they are part of something positive.”

Whether you are doing something on your own, are creating a virtual group or doing something with those in your household, be good to yourself by doing your favourite thing or learning a new favourite thing. Help the Y create a virtual community of exercisers, readers, crafters, knitters, writers, whatever-ers and share by sharing what you’re up to during February.

“Feeling connected is so important and it’s so easy to lose that feeling when we’re not socializing. That’s why we wanted to create something that would reduce barriers for participation,” said Adams. “There is no cost to join in and we aren’t trying to raise money. Participants don’t have to be members of the Y. This is something that we hope everyone will enjoy.”

Register to let the Y know what you will be doing to #loveyourselfsactually in February, then share photos or videos (using #loveyourselfactually and tagging the YMCA of Eastern Ontario) through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The Y will create photo albums and share activities with others so everyone can be part of a great beehive of positivity.

There will also be draws for prizes so be sure to use #loveyourselfactually and tag the YMCA of Eastern Ontario in all social posts. The event runs from February 8 to 28, inclusive. There is no cost to participate.

For more information, please visit: https://eo.ymca.ca/love-yourself.

About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula, and offers fitness and other programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care.

 

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For information or to arrange an interview:

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing & Communications
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca