Family Day is a time to spend with family, or your closest friends. However, with all of the new apps that come out daily, people are finding it more difficult to sit down and spend quality time with their loved ones over a game of cards, or any kind of board game. The Family Day Unplugged event that happened on February 17th, however, fought that challenge by providing families a place to disconnect from technology and connect with one another.
Family Day Unplugged occurred from one o’clock until four in the afternoon, where people of all ages were provided with a range of activities for an alternative way to connect. To begin the event, a 1-5 km walk/run coordinated by Chestermere Walks was held in the North Soccer Field. The participants were extremely lucky to have the weather on their side; a bright blue-sky overhead and a slight warmth from the sun allowed families to thoroughly enjoy getting some fresh air while also being part of a wonderful cause. There was a suggested donation of five dollars per person, or ten dollars per family. Michelle Young made this possible with the LegUp program, which is an online fundraising company. Christmas with Dignity and Community Services also provided staff support for the run, who raised money for families in need year-round in Chestermere. Without eager volunteers, of course, the event would not be possible. In addition to the other support, Synergy’s YELL group and the Town of Chestermere provided youth volunteers a leadership opportunity by allowing them to run the walk/run on the soccer fields. Although the track was snowy, the participants were determined to help support the cause. With three laps being equivalent to one kilometer, families were able to spend time together outside before heading into the MPP Room at the Chestermere Rec Centre for more activities and fun.
Inside, families were warmed up by the help of the Chestermere Lions Club, who not only donated their time, but as well as free hot beverages, soup, chili, and buns. Families had the opportunity to bond over books that were donated by the Chestermere Library, along with LEGO, colouring pages, and a storyteller for story time and string games. While walking around the event, it was clear that kids were enjoying this type of interaction with their family and friends. Board games, lent by the House on the Rock Chapel, were sprawled out across tables and to many parents’ delight; most were from their own childhood.
Outside, people had the opportunity to have fun and try out snowshoeing. This was made possible by Stepping Stones to Mental Health, who was able to receive 60 pairs of snowshoes from the Rocky View School Division. The ability to hear the laughter of the snowshoe participants from inside was proof that the event was a success.
Around two in the afternoon, Zumba instructor LaRae Ellis turned up the music and perked interest in the people who wanted to take a break from games and chili. Zumba is an alternative aerobic fitness program that is primarily made up of Latin American dance moves. People of all ages danced around with their friends and family with larger-than-life smiles from ear to ear. Even the youngest that couldn’t perform the exact moves wiggled their hips with their hands high in the air. When asked why being able to unplug and connect with one another is so important, Vicki Klinger, Recreational Coordinator at the CRCA stated, “Although we know it is important, sometimes people forget why. There is physical and mental health, but there is also social health. It is an extremely important skill, and without making time for days such as today, we could be hurting that part of our health.”
This amazing event was put on in less than six weeks, and with the help of Chestermere Mental Health Services and Alberta Health Services, staff was provided to attend meetings in order to organize the entire event. “I’m excited to see what this can turn in to,” says Klinger in regards to this Unplugged event being Chestermere’s first, “and I am extremely happy with how much support it has gotten so far.”
As time moves away from this event, the citizens of Chestermere must take away the big idea. Remember what exists outside of technology, small things such as making the effort to eat as a family at the dinner table has been shown to increase the family bond. Take the time to connect and interact with one another, and you’ll be amazed at the benefits that will follow.
