All kids need nature.
A recent report from Children First Canada highlights poor mental health as the second most urgent threat to childhood in Canada.
Nature connection provides hope! Study after study shows that spending time outside supports children’s health, happiness, and personal development. It’s so critical that doctors are even prescribing time in nature.
But for many families, cost is a barrier to accessing outdoor programs.
Since COVID, demand for Pine bursaries has more than doubled, and economic pressures on families continue to rise. Each year, we see more families requesting support to ensure their children can participate in these life-changing experiences.
Pine is struggling to meet these growing needs. Without increased support, many children will miss out on the chance to connect with nature and experience its benefits.
Join us in making a difference.
Each spring, Pine staff, board, and community members take on the “Sit Spot Challenge”. The challenge is simple: commit to sitting in nature and ask friends, family and community members to donate to your sit.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Pine’s Bursary Fund, helping children from low-income families access life-changing nature connection programs.
We are deeply committed to making sure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers. Will you join us?
There are many ways to support:
- Donate to Pine’s Bursary Fund to support kids from low-income families.
- Become a Sitter to raise funds while connecting to nature! (Click “more info” below to learn more!)
- 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.
Your support gives children the chance to explore the outdoors, build confidence and resilience, and develop a lifelong connection with nature that will benefit them for years to come.
Donate today or click “More Info” below to learn more about becoming a Sitter.
Want to 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? You’re welcome to sit anytime in the spring, April-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! There are even pre-filled text and images available if helpful.
To set up a fundraiser FOLLOW THIS LINK sign in or create an account, and follow the prompts.
Click here for more details instructions, plus tips and templates!
If you’d prefer to get instructions straight to your inbox and individualized support, click here!
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.
4. Sit and connect with nature
Your sit spot is a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and take in the world around you.
Click here for some suggestions on how to prepare for a wonderful experience.
Enjoy your time outside! 🌿 ✨
5. 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 spread positivity and deepen connections.
Share a story from your sit spot! Where did you decide to sit? Anything you noticed during your time in nature? What did you take away from the experience? Stories are a great way to build connection and inspire others to get outside.
Need some help setting up your fundraiser? Have questions? Email Tatiana at tatiana@pineproject.org.
Connect more kids with nature.
Donate to the Sit-a-thon. Every dollar donated goes to Pine’s Bursary Fund, which helps children from low-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
Some of our past sitters!
