UPDATE as of May 21: The Move for Youth 2025 challenge is now over. Thank you! Over just two weeks, you helped smash our goals! Together, with 1,017 participants, we moved more than 100 million steps and raised over $141,000 to support local youth.
Be the first to know about the challenge in 2026.
Continue supporting local youth where you live.
Participant Toolkit.
Use this toolkit to raise awareness and support.
So, you’ve already registered and want to help spread the word about Move for Youth? Need a hand getting more people to join your team? Interested in fundraising to support kids in your community? We’ve put together this toolkit for you!
Invite your friends and family to join Move for Youth and ask them to support this cause by using the templated emails and social media posts below.
Subject: Join our Move for Youth team and help local kids!
Hi [INSERT NAME],
I’m doing this fun challenge called Move for Youth with the United Way and thought you’d want to join! It would be great to have you as a part of our team!
The initiative is all about tallying up as many steps as possible to help youth succeed. It will be a whole 2 weeks of running, walking, dancing, and moving for a good cause.
Local kids need support. Many are struggling in school, mental health issues are increasing, and it’s becoming harder for parents to afford the fees for after-school programs. By participating, we’ll help United Way create opportunities for youth to play, learn, and grow.
Here’s the quick details:
- Track steps from May 1–15 using MoveSpring app
- Team with highest average steps wins $200 gift card
- We can even fundraise if we want
- Every step supports kids in our community
Interested? Learn more and download the app.
Hope you’ll join the team and help make a difference!
P.S – let me know if you have any team name ideas!
Thank you,
Subject: Help create opportunities for local youth
I’m participating in Move for Youth, a challenge supporting United Way’s critical work for local youth. I’m fundraising to make a real difference in our community.
From May 1-15, I’ll be tracking my steps and raising funds to support kids who need it most. Every dollar helps create safe spaces, homework help, and mental health resources for young people.
Here’s why this matters:
- 44% of Ottawa students now report fair or poor mental health
- After-school programs are becoming less accessible due to rising costs
- Youth need safe spaces to learn, grow, and be themselves
United Way is creating opportunities through:
- Homework clubs that provide academic support
- Mental health counselling for youth
- After-school drop-in and summer programs that help kids feel safe and supported
Would you consider making a donation to support this cause? Even a small contribution can help a local youth develop confidence, skills, and hope.
To donate, simply [insert your donation link and instructions here].
Thank you for considering supporting local youth. It means a lot to me!
[Your Name]
FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND LINKEDIN
*Post with an image of yourself being active to boost engagement*
Join me May 1–15 for the #MoveForYouth2025 challenge with National Bank in support of United Way East Ontario and Centraide Outaouais!
By participating in Move for Youth, you’ll help create opportunities for local youth, making sure they have safe spaces to play, learn, and grow. Getting your steps in has never been so rewarding.
It’s not too late to register! Sign up now and get active for a good cause: https://moveforyouth.ca
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I’m participating in #MoveForYouth2025 because I believe that every kid deserves the chance to reach their full potential. I know that a lot of kids are having a hard time keeping up in school, and not everyone has the same access to after-school activities or summer programs. United Way makes sure kids have the tools they need to succeed in school, and in life. That’s why I’m stepping up for the challenge. Your support means so much to me: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
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It’s a great day to get outside for #MoveForYouth2025 to support kids in our communities! I’m participating in this 2-week challenge to help ensure more kids have the tools they need to succeed. Our team has already hiked [INSERT NUMBER] steps and counting. We’d love your support. Will you help us raise funds for United Way East Ontario and Centraide Outaouais? Help us meet our goal to raise $[INSERT YOUR GOAL HERE]: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
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TWITTER / X
Lace up your 👟 & support local youth w/ @UnitedWayEO @CentraidOuais. Join #MoveForYouth2025 & get your steps in for a good cause! Help us reach 150 million steps from May 1–15. Sign up with me: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
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Ready…set…MOVE! From May 1–15, get ready for @nationalbank’s #MoveForYouth challenge in support of @UnitedWayEO @CentraidOuais!
Get your steps in and make a difference for vulnerable kids! Register for free today: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
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Support me as I participate in #MoveforYouth with @banquenationale. Funds raised will go towards @UnitedWayEO and @CentraidOuais and help local youth get on the path for success in school and in life. Donate now: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
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I’ve set a goal to walk [INSERT NUMBER] steps before May 15 & I’d love your support as I raise funds for @UnitedWayEO and @CentraideOuais as part of @banquenationale’s #MoveforYouth challenge. Help youth get on the path to success in school and in life. Give now: https://moveforyouth.ca/donate
SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES
Download this ZIP file full of images you can use to share on social media. Post with an image of yourself being active to boost engagement!
Fundraising tips to keep in mind.
If you want to go the extra mile and fundraise for Move for Youth, we’re here to help! Here are five tips to consider when you’re asking people to show their support with a donation.
- Share your goal. People will want to help you get there! It always helps to have a clear benchmark to work towards. And it feels great when you’ve brought a group together to achieve it.
- Fundraise over social media. Creating a non-profit fundraiser through Facebook and Instagram is often the easiest way to spread the word about what you are doing and to get people donating to your cause.
- A little goes a long way. Don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, or coworkers. If just five people in your network give $20, then you’ve reached $100 already.
- Take the conversation offline too. Sharing a fundraising ask on your personal Instagram or LinkedIn is great. But if you’re feeling stuck trying to achieve your goal, consider asking a friend out for coffee or bringing up your fundraising goal at a family dinner.
- Show the impact. Many kids are having a hard time keeping up in school. Those from low-income or rural communities don’t have the same access to after-school activities or summer programs that help them stay on track beyond the classroom. Learn more about how United Way helps kids succeed, no matter where they grow up.
- Let your personality shine through. Start by using the sample emails and social posts, but be sure to add a personal touch. When you ask someone to donate, let them know why this cause matters to you. You’ll also get more responses with a personal ask, rather than bcc’ing your whole address book.
It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to say thank you! It means a lot when someone chooses to donate, so make sure to let them know—whether it’s with a written note or a big hug—how grateful you are for their support.