ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?

The 2023 VON Activity Challenge is all new this year with some exciting ways to join in and get active in support of local VON programs and services.

Join us and be part of VON's largest outdoor SMART® Exercise class or enjoy the accessible trails in Lions Park, Mt. Brydges with a fun scavenger hunt.

We will wrap up the morning with a delicious Community BBQ, supported by the Mt. Brydges Lions Club.

Any Activity, Any Ability, Any Age, WE CHALLENGE YOU to get moving, get creative & have fun to raise funds for Community Health and Well-Being! 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.

IN PERSON

We are hoping to celebrate better days ahead as we invite our participants to a community BBQ along with some fun activities, including VON's largest outdoor SMART® Exercise class, trail walk and scavenger hunt.

VIRTUAL

Having a virtual component allows you to participate virtually your way in one day, one week, or all month, at your pace. Choose the activities you love 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 activities by using a step tracking device or app. You can even track your activities manually; we have an easy-to use tracking form along with activity to km conversion chart found in our Toolkit.

REGISTRATION

We encourage everyone to register online beginning May 15, 2023

Follow our simple how-to videos found in our Toolkit.

DONNA PATTERSON COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR AWARD

The VON Middlesex-Elgin Activity Challenge Committee created the award to honour the memory and contributions of committee member Donna Patterson. Donna began volunteering in May 1992 with VON Middlesex-Elgin and held many different roles up until her passing 2021. She was a very passionate, active and dedicated volunteer that brought people and community together which inspired volunteers, clients and staff at VON.

The Donna Patterson Community Contributor Award may be bestowed upon any individual or individuals either VON Staff or volunteer(s) who through their efforts is a piece of the puzzle that brings people and community together to help make the world a better place. This award recognizes and celebrates the behind the scenes quiet hero that always has a positive attitude and makes a real difference in the lives of others.

The Community Support Services are funded in part by the Provincial Government and program fees. VON Middlesex-Elgin relies on community support to fund program subsidies, equipment and staff education. Your continued support means so much to us and we are so grateful! It allows us to address the unique needs of our residents to maintain essential programs and services such as Adult Day Program, Bereavement Services, Home at Last, Meals on Wheels, SMART® Exercise & Falls Prevention Program and Accessible Transportation Services, just to name a few.

Individual fundraising looks a bit different these days and since you're able to participate your way, why not fund-raise your way! Engage your creative resources and encourage your team to think BIG, there is no limit to creativity!

Our Toolkit has everything you need from pledge form to helpful ideas to get you on your way.

Raise or donate $25 or more and receive a FREE VON Activity T-shirt as a token of our appreciation for your fundraising efforts!

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

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

DIAMOND:	GOLD:

SILVER:

Reasons why to #CheerForVON

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.

@VONactivitychallenge	#CheerforVON

• Be sure to upload your photos to your personal results page when you add your activities
• Share your stories and support on your social media
• Use the hashtag #CheerforVON

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.

We are all working together to better our community, to feel connected, to live every day to the fullest!

Download the #CheerForVON photo frame found in our Toolkit, to add to your photos.

Download the VON Activity Challenge Toolkit today! It has everything you need to get your started - all at your fingertips. Including simple step by step instructions, 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.