Sit in nature. Change a child's life.
Nature connection is for everyone. Not only those who can afford it.
At the Pine Project, we believe that all children have a fundamental right to connect with nature. Hundreds of studies have shown that time outdoors is essential for children’s physical and mental health, personal growth, and academic success. Kids should have opportunities to play, learn, and grow in nature, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
That’s why, each year, we host the Sit-a-thon – an annual community challenge and peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, in support of Pine’s Bursary Fund. Each spring, amazing individuals like you take the ‘Sit Spot’ challenge. The challenge is simple – commit to sitting quietly in nature for a chosen period of time and inspire friends and family to donate to your sit. Sitters of all ages are welcome and can sit alone, with friends, or as a family! The official sit date for Sit-a-thon 2024 is June 23rd, but you’re welcome to sit any time in June.
Every dollar raised supports kids from lower-income families to attend our programs.
There are many ways to support:
- Become a Sitter to fundraise for the Bursary Fund while connecting to nature yourself!
- Donate to Sit-a-thon to help kids from lower-income families join Pine’s programs.
- Spread the word about Sit-a-thon by sharing this webpage.
- Help us connect with families who could benefit. If you know someone who would love Pine programs but cost is a barrier, tell them about the Bursary Fund!
- Get outside! Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature and your community is what it’s all about.
Interested in being a Sitter?
Click “More Info” below to learn about what’s involved
Become a Sitter! Here's how:
1. Pick a sit spot.
Decide on these key things:
- Where will I sit? It can be anywhere you want – deep in the woods, at a local park, or in your backyard!
- How long will I sit for? People have sat anywhere from 1- 24 hours. It’s totally up to you.
- When will I sit? The official sit date for Sit-a-thon 2024 is June 23rd. We’ll be providing lots of fundraising support and encouragement leading up to that date and it’s a fun way to feel part of a larger community. But you’re welcome to sit anytime in June.
- Who will be sitting? While a sit spot is typically a solitary and quiet experience, we still can get a lot out of sitting in nature and observing as a group. Families and groups are welcome to sit and support together!
2. Create your fundraising page.
Create your Sit-a-thon fundraising page on CanadaHelps.
Creating a Sit-a-thon fundraising page only takes a few minutes!
To set up a fundraiser FOLLOW THIS LINK and complete your registration with your email or by signing into your Canada Help account. Name your fundraising page, set a goal and you’re good to go!
Share why you’re Sitting. Perhaps you’ve been to camp and want to share this opportunity with others. Perhaps you want to challenge yourself to slow down and re-experience nature. Or, maybe you’re supporting a group of sit-a-thon participants. Make sure you include your ‘why’ when you’re fundraising.
Click here for some tips and templates!
If you’d prefer, click here to sign up and get instructions straight to your inbox.
3. Share, share, share!
Now it’s time to share your goal with friends, family, coworkers, and others, and ask them to support your Sit! It can be a great way to connect, share fun nature stories, and explain why nature connection is important to you.
You can share via social media, email, phone, in person, whatever feels right to you.
Regardless of how you connect, here are some suggestions:
- Make a donation yourself if you’re able. Donating to your own campaign sets the bar for others and shows that you are committed.
- Reach out to individuals directly. An email, text and social media are great ways to share your page! A call or meeting in person is a great way to talk more about Pine and gives you a chance to elaborate on why you’re participating in sit-a-thon!
- Make it easy to donate. Share a link directly to your fundraising page. If you collect cash you can add “offline donations” to your page.
- Create space for someone to comfortably say no. Lead with a ‘no hard feelings’ attitude. If they can’t donate, there are other ways they can support! They can follow your fundraising progress, share your message with others in their network or learn more about Pine Project. Maybe they even want to join the sit-a-thon themselves!
- Use these fun social media templates to share your story.
4. Say thanks.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
After the Sit-a-thon is over, remember to say thank you to those who donated to your sit. Gratitude is something we practice at Pine everyday. By giving thanks we share positivity, perspectives, and connection with each other.
Share a story from your sit spot! Where did you decide to sit, anything you noticed during your time in nature. Stories are a great way to build connection and inspire others to get outside.
Need some help setting up your fundraiser? Have questions? Email Cheyanne at cheyanne@pineproject.org.
Can’t be a Sitter but want to support?
Make a donation directly to the Sit-a-thon. Every dollar donated goes to Pine’s Bursary Fund, which helps children from lower-income families join transformative nature connection programs.
"We are deeply grateful for the financial support that has allowed our children to continue with the Pine Project this year. There is nothing quite like it in their lives! My children are more watchful, more observant, braver, and more open to otherness because of the Pine Project. The bursary makes attending possible - what this money allows is ultimately shaping my children, and their children, and our future."
— Parent of two participants supported by Pine's Bursary Fund
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
By becoming a sponsor for our 2024 Sit-a-thon, you’ll be helping kids access nature at Pine, and your company will be acknowledged as a community-minded organization that supports kids in nature.
Our Sponsorship Package outlines the marketing benefits of becoming a sponsor.
Some of our past sitters!
