Month: June 2021

June 25, 2021

Fun Ways to Move for Mentoring During COVID Reopening Phase

Fun Activities to do in Toronto, GTA and York Regions

We’re emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and that means more things to do, more ways to start to enjoy summer, and most importantly – more ways to move for mentoring.

We rounded up some ideas for things you can do to get outside and move as part of our YAY Move-a-thon. Any way you choose to move will help over 400 kids on our waitlist to be matched with a mentor.

1) Go Floating

Ontario has a ton of slow-flowing rivers that are safe & surrounded by some of our province’s best nature. This list rounds up the best tubing spots. Or at least 9 of them! 

2) Night SUP Adventure

SUP as in stand up paddle board. Mix up your usual weekend night out and head to the water instead on a stand-up paddleboard through the waterways surrounding the Toronto Island.

3) Explore Nature Parks & Areas

  • Toronto outdoor hikesVisit the Toronto Islands. Spending time on the Toronto Islands is one of the best ways to spend a summer day!
  • Hike the trails at the Scarborough Bluffs for a fantastic view of Lake Ontario!
  • Tommy Thompson Park This hidden gem park is a perfect for nature lovers. What used to be a man-made trash site has now become known as Toronto’s urban wilderness!
  • Getting a taste of nature or the wilderness is no problem in one of the biggest
  • Visit Greater Toronto area parks and conservation areas. There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore and enjoy nature in the GTA area.
  • Provincial parks and conservation reserves are open for various activities. Discover the unique attributes of each park.
  • Get a taste of the good old outdoors and walk, run, or bike the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that goes all around the province!
  • metropolises in the world. Toronto is filled with hidden trails that wind through parks and wooded areas, past rivers and lakes, and that are home to many flora and fauna to keep you engaged and excited throughout your journey on one of many nature trails on this list.

4) Enjoy Golf

Outdoor recreational amenities like golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, splash pads, outdoor pools and skate parks are now open, Outdoor limits for social gatherings now up to ten people.

5) Visit the Zoo

Yes! As of  June 19th The Toronto Zoo  is open to the public. Visit the zoo and walk around to check out the baby animals born over the last few months. Escape the concrete jungle of the city and go to the Toronto Zoo instead. With animals from all over the world from gorillas and beavers, to giraffes and tigers, it’s fun for the whole family!

6) Walk and Smell the Flowers

  • How’d you like to get a bouquet of flowers…cut by yourself? Then visit some u-pick flower gardens near you.
  • Lavender Farms is now open. So hit the road to enjoy a calming, meditative walk amongst these purple flowers. You can visit from Late June to Early August, with July being the best! 
  • Visit the Toronto Botanical Gardens for a little escape into nature and spend the day amongst the flowers in the many gorgeous gardens.
Lavender Farms

7) Farmer’s Markets in York Region are some of the most popular

  • Newmarket Farmers’ Market 2021Newmarket |  09:00 AM
  • Village Market at WaldorfThornhill |  08:00 AM
  • Merlin’s Hollow open houseAurora |  12:00 AM
  • Stouffville Farmer’s MarketWhitchurch-Stouffville |  09:30 AM
  • Main Street Markham Farmers’ Market 2021Markham |  09:00 AM
  • More details here

We’re moving with you virtually. No matter how you move – get out there and enjoy outside!  

June 12, 2021

Tools & Tips: How to Show Support for YAY Move-A-Thon 2021

Whether you're a Mover, Donor or a (cheerleader) Supporter. We've made it easier for you.

We rounded up some tools to help you get the word out for YAY Move-a-Thon 2021.

Download social media banners from our library (we made them in two sizes for you), crafted tweets and post messages packed with hashtags, there are tips on how to film videos for social, and we even drafted a message for fundraising pages.

  • Banner Library
  • Social Messages
  • Video Tips. and More!

We need your help to make sure everyone knows they can have fun and fundraise with us all-summer long!  As lockdown is loosening up lets invite them all to get out there and move for mentoring! 

Why? Because every $1 you help raise helps move 400 kids off our waitlist. 

Checkout the nifty collection we made for you. 

YAY Moveathon Tools and Banners
June 2, 2021

Video Filming Tips for Social Media

Ready to share with the world that you’re moving for mentoring? Here’s some video tips to help you do that.

For most Social Media – Videos should be filmed LANDSCAPE: sideways/horizontal (not vertical) on your smart phone. Make sure the quality is clear with no background noise.

The exception is Instagram Stories, which should be filmed VERTICAL: the way you normally hold your phone.

Publish your video on your social channels and tag #400YAYChallenge to be featured on ours, and you can also email it to us directly at moveathon@yay.org

Tip:  if you post on Facebook publish as “public” so we can share it too!

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