Hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. Corporations and local businesses. Young and old alike. On June 1, BGC are inviting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join us to Unplug to Connect!
For one hour (or more), unplug from your devices and connect face-to-face with friends, family, coworkers, and peers—and watch the magic happen.
To help bring this initiative to Canadians across the country, BGC Canada is proud to team up with Sun Life Financial as presenting sponsor of Unplug to Connect, building upon the successful partnership already established with the Sun Life Dunk for Diabetes program at BGC across Canada. Encouraging youth to put down their phones and get outside, play a game, or take part in an activity that fosters connections with each other is a natural fit with Sun Life’s commitment to proactive and preventive health and wellness programs that help build stronger, healthier communities.
Unplug to Connect events will be hosted at BGC across the country, including:
- Toronto—Canadian R&B sensation Jully Black will visit our BGC Jane and Finch Club to connect with kids and members of the community … and give an “unplugged” performance. And the CN Tower will be lit up in BGC green!
- Ottawa—MPs and staffers will team up with kids from our Ottawa Club for basketball fun on the front lawn of Parliament Hill
- Calgary—Local politicians and community partners have been invited to a “choose your own adventure” event, including crafts, games, reading, and outdoor play. And the Calgary Tower will be lit up in BGC green!
- Halifax—Kids, their families, and staff at the Greater Halifax Club’s Dartmouth North location will enjoy a pancake breakfast, and then have a chance to shoot some hoops in the gym!
- Vancouver—MPs and local politicians have been invited to unplug and connect with Club youth and staff, and local partners will be onsite to help out
- Plus an Unplug-a-thon in Lethbridge, community painting in Stettler, a street clean-up in Winnipeg, ball hockey in Hamilton, a 50th anniversary celebration in Fredericton, a family picnic in Charlottetown, a popcorn carnival in Gander, a parade with RCMP in Wabana, and more …
See all the events at Clubs across Canada!
Why Unplug to Connect?
We all know that the internet and smartphones are changing the way that people connect with the world around them. Technological devices are designed to connect us with others, but they are also causing us to feel isolated and alone.
The percentage of teens with smartphones has jumped to 89%, while studies show that their psychological well-being decreases dramatically the more time they spend on screens. As a result, anxiety is on the rise, especially among kids and teens, as they feel the need to be “plugged in” at all times.
At BGC, we know that building relationships is an important life skill. And at our Clubs, kids spend time away from smartphones and computers every single day—playing together, learning together, and being mentored by caring adults.
Visit unplugtoconnect.ca to learn more and find all the resources you need to help us spread the word. And when you plug back in? Follow all the action on social media at #UnplugToConnect.
On June 1, pledge to Unplug to Connect and let’s prove that when you put down your phones, anything can happen!
