2021 VON Activity Challenge

In previous years our annual event has been known as the VON Great Community Run, Walk 'N' Roll Event. However, 2020 has taught us how to grow and adapt in an ever changing and challenging time. With the world learning to live in a digital world as we all cope with the pandemic of Covid-19, we have decided to move forward to a fully digital landscape this year. Changing the landscape allows you, our supporters, to make it more personal, customize it to your lifestyle, yet still be involved and come together as a community to help our community in a new way. With these changes the timing also felt right to update the name and logo to the VON Activity Challenge.

We have been embracing technology by using step trackers, smartphone apps, and other fitness-friendly devices to count how many steps we take each day. We thought it would be a great way to incorporate our Activity Challenge’s new digital landscape, through a virtual map travelling to our furthest locations of Thunder Bay, ON to Cape Breton, NS. This trip is approximately 3,000 km or 4,000,000 steps (depending on your stride).

No matter your ability, WE CHALLENGE YOU to get moving, get creative & have fun to raise funds for our community! Make every activity count to support your families, friends, colleagues, neighbours in our community that needs our services to help them to live their best lives possible, every day, regardless of their circumstances.

Having the event virtually allows you to participate virtually your way in one day, one week, or all month, on your own, as a family or as a team. Choose the activities you love to help us on our journey. Whether it be running, walking the dog, swimming, canoeing, jumping on the trampoline, weight lifting, dancing, gardening, or taking SMART® Exercise classes just to list a few, however, your options are endless.

Track your steps by using a step tracking device or app. You can even track your steps manually; we have an easy-to use tracking form along with activity to step conversion chart found in our Toolkit. Upload your progress to your VON Activity Challenge Page to show your results on our virtual map.

Virtual Medals are waiting for you as you reach specific milestones! How many will you collect?

Individual fundraising looks a bit different these days and since you're able to participate your way, why not fund-raise your way! There is no limit to your creative fundraising ideas to support your VON Activity Challenge. Engage your resources and encourage your team to think BIG.

We encourage online pledges; however, you can still get in person donations. Our Toolkit has everything you need from pledge form to helpful ideas to get you on your way.

Virtual Badges are waiting for you as you reach specific goals! How many will you collect?
Raise over $100 in pledges and we will send you a VON Activity Challenge T-shirt!

Sponsor an individual, team or the event, whichever you like. Have your donation recognized with your name and amount on the donor wall or you have the choice to stay anonymous.

Please join us in recognizing all of our corporate sponsors for this event.

It's simple! If you’ve got a story, special memory or fantastic person you’re participating in the VON Activity Challenge for, share it! It will motivate people to support your efforts. Share your stories and support on your social media and use the hashtag #CheerforVON in your post. Send an email, or text message to all of the people you care about and ask them to join you. Pick up the phone, call your loved ones, and tell them how much the VON means to you.

Using the hashtag #CheerforVON will allow you to connect with others that are passionate about the cause, hear their stories, how we are all working together to better our community, to feel connected, to live every day!

Download our VON Activity Challenge Toolkit today to help you navigate through this new digital landscape, it has everything you need to get started - all at your fingertips. Including simple how-to videos, pledge form, activity tracker and conversion, handy tips and tools to meet your fundraising goals. We have also included media graphics to help share your story.