[Toronto, ON – June 7, 2019] Hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. Corporations and local businesses. Young and old alike. On June 7, Boys and Girls Clubs 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.

Unplug to Connect events will be hosted at Boys and Girls Clubs across the country, including:

• Toronto—To celebrate Unplug to Connect, the Boys and Girls Clubs flag will be raised at Toronto City Hall! Canadian R&B sensation Jully Black will make a special appearance
• Montréal—Olympic Stadium will be lit up in Boys and Girls Club Green!
• Halifax—Club youth will be facing off against the mayor, city councillors, and several MPs in a street hockey game
• Edmonton—9 Club sites across the city will be hosting individual events including a family picnic, a nature walk, and a technology information session
• Calgary—Mini-chefs will participate in volunteer-led food stations to make yummy snacks like fruit kabobs and watermelon ladybugs
• Vancouver—Club kids will unleash their inner maker through arts and crafts projects at the local Michaels store
• Plus more flag raisings in Saint John, Strathcona County, and Brampton, an “Adventure Playground” in Red Deer, a sandcastle contest in Saskatoon, basketball in Kingston, a 60th anniversary celebration in Okanagan, a community clean up in Trois-Rivières, free community programming in Niagara, an overnight camping trip in Miramichi, and more …

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 smartphone access has jumped to 95%, 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 Boys and Girls Clubs, we know that building relationships is important. 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 use our browser-based app to track how long you unplug! And when you plug back in? Follow all the action on social media at #UnplugToConnect.

On June 7, pledge to Unplug to Connect and let’s prove that when you put down your phones, anything can happen!

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For further information:
Jared Morrow
Media Relations Manager
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
jmorrow@bgccan.com
P: 905.477.7272 x202
C: 647.928.5801

BGC Canada is proud to launch a new public service announcement that demonstrates the crucial work our Clubs do to better the lives of children and youth across the country.

Developed for web, TV, cinema, and print, the PSA takes a stand against the use of “underprivileged” to describe the communities we serve.

We know kids’ lives are tough. They face challenges across all spectrums—physical, mental, emotional—and many of these challenges can arise regardless of economic background.

Working with Toronto-based idea shop Mackie Biernacki, we chose the concept “Kid of Privilege” because at our Clubs, young people are provided opportunities that they might not be able to access outside our walls. With our core values—Belonging, Respect, Encouragement & Support, Working Together, and Speaking Out—BGC empower every kid to succeed.

“We no longer want to be Canada’s best kept secret,” says Mathieu Chantelois, VP of Marketing & Development, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “For over a century, we have offered everything a young person needs to be successful—safe places, caring adults, critical programs and services, and more. And the result? 69% of Club alumni say that the Boys and Girls Club saved their life.”

“The idea of privilege is often attributed to that of private school, or money,” says Steph Mackie of Mackie Biernacki. “But it’s really about creating environments that remove insecurities and build up confidence in kids. And that’s what Boys and Girls Clubs foster.”

Tailored to the needs of their communities, BGC offer safe spaces where kids are welcomed, inspired, and supported during critical out-of-school hours. And at our Clubs, every kid is a Kid of Privilege.

Available in English and French, we are thrilled that the PSA will be shown on Corus-owned stations across the country and in Cineplex theatres in the fall.

View the 90-second and 30-second versions of the PSA below: