There’s no doubt: Red Deer knows how to move.
But if you needed proof, look no further than the 2022 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, which crowned Red Deer Canada’s Most Active Community. The recognition came with $100,000 to go towards local physical activity and sport initiatives. This year, one of the many organizations participating in the Community Challenge is the Red Deer Public Library (RDPL), which has joined forces with Move Your Mood to bring more activities to Red Deer this June!
“Our vision as a public library is to create free, accessible and inclusive program opportunities that enrich lives. Our vision is to promote literacy, and we define that very broadly: financial literacy, digital literacy, physical literacy and more. So, the ParticipACTION Community Challenge fits in very well with our goals,” says Tatiana Tilly, Library and Community Strategic Initiatives Manager.
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is proudly supported by the Government of Canada, Saputo and Sun Life, and is committed to supporting opportunities for equity-deserving groups to be active.
Get moving, Red Deer! From a downtown walk with the mayor, to virtual yoga classes, there are so many amazing and free programming opportunities happening in Red Deer this June:
- The ParticipACTION Community Challenge Kick-off with Mayor Ken Johnston, June 2: Join Mayor Johnston for a lunchtime downtown walk-and-talk, starting at the RDPL downtown branch. “It was such a great kick-off to the Community Challenge last year, so we’ve decided to make it a tradition!” Tilly says, and Mayor Johnston is excited to get active with his neighbours. “The Community Challenge is Red Deer’s annual opportunity to showcase ourselves as an active, vibrant city that embraces physical activity and all its benefits. We also get to challenge all our national partners to compete and be the best they can be. Let’s go, everyone!” he says.
- Walk & Read with Katja the chocolate lab, Tuesdays: RDPL’s facility service dog in training is ready for exercise! Each week, the library will set up a new Storywalk, where pages from a popular children’s book are framed and set up along a path, to encourage movement and interactive reading. Choose the 30-minute timeslot that works for your family, and have Katja all to yourself!
- Dance party kick-off for the Summer Reading Club, June 24: The theme for the 2023 Kids’ Summer Reading Club is ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and to get Red Deer moving towards their reading and activity goals, the kick-off party is a massive dance party. “Move Your Mood has helped with funding, so we’re able to hire dancers representing many cultures from around the world. It’s going to be a thrilling event,” Tilly says.
Activity is for everyone
ParticipACTION believes everyone in Canada should have access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities that help them grow and thrive — physically, emotionally and socially. The Community Challenge helps level the playing field by reducing barriers to physical activity and sport, and building stronger and healthier communities.
“As a company deeply rooted in Canada, Saputo is dedicated to the well-being of our local communities. By joining forces with ParticipACTION and its Community Challenge, we are honoured to support initiatives that motivate people of all ages to get moving, creating a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate. We are delighted to witness Red Deer’s continued engagement with the Challenge,” says Stéphanie Roy, Manager, Corporate Responsibility – Community Engagement with Saputo Canada.
Get in on the movement at participaction.com/programs/community-challenge.