Impact
A free activity challenge with a moving mission
Move for Youth was created to bring the community together and show up for kids when they need us most.
When COVID-19 started, local kids needed extra support.
In 2020, National Bank recognized that kids were struggling. Their team approached United Way East Ontario and Centraide Outaouais about how they could partner to make a difference.
The result: Move for Youth. A free, two-week fitness challenge where every step raises awareness and support for vulnerable kids.
Now, in its fourth year, Move for Youth has the same mission to help every kid reach their full potential.
In 2023, we doubled our step goal. This year, we have an even more ambitious target to reach 100 million steps with 1,000 participants.
Coming out of the pandemic, growing up is harder than ever before.
1 in 5 Canadians ages 12+ said they needed help with their mental health. But 45% of those struggling were unable to get the support they needed to feel better.
Reports show more young people are experiencing mental health challenges.
On top of that, many kids are having a hard time keeping up in school. Youth from low-income or rural communities don’t have the same access to after-school activities or summer camps. Kids need these programs to learn outside the classroom, have fun, and make friends.
United Way works with our partners to make sure kids have safe spaces to just be kids.
Meet Sophie.
Sophie is 13 years old, and like many teenagers, she values her time with friends. In the town of Almonte, there are few options for places to go and things to do after school and on weekends, but Sophie found a special place in the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, a United Way partner.
Why should I join Move for Youth?
- It’s free to participate. Anyone can register!
- A great way to get active and work towards your personal fitness goals.
- Make an impact for local kids with every step you take.
- Join friends, co-workers, family, and hundreds of others all rallying together on a cause you care about.