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 2023 is June 18th, 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 or CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TODAY!
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 2023 is June 18th. 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 fundraising page on CanadaHelps.
Creating a fundraising page only takes a few minutes!
To set up a fundraiser FOLLOW THIS LINK and click the “Create a Fundraiser” button (under the $ raised progress bar). Heads up – CanadaHelps only allows for 1,000 characters (~140 words)! 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 it with friends, family, coworkers, and others, asking 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:
- Reach out to individuals directly where possible. Remember, it’s also a chance to connect and catch up!
- Create space for someone to comfortably say no. Lead with a ‘no hard feelings’ attitude and if they say no, express your understanding and move along with your conversation. Making sure the focus of conversations is on shared connection rather than donations can take the pressure off everyone, including you!
- Make it easy to donate. If you’re connecting online, include a link to your fundraiser. If you’re connecting offline, be sure to send a followup email with the link.
- Have FUN and get creative! For example, offer little milestone events like sharing your
favourite nature song at $100 raised or run a mini nature competition on social media. - Make a donation yourself if you’re able. Donating to your own campaign sets the bar for others and shows that you are committed.
- Use these fun social media templates to share your story.
4. Say thanks.
After the fundraiser is over, remember to say thanks to those who donated to your sit. Try sharing a story from your sit spot with them! Stories are a great way to build connection and inspire others to get outside.
Need some help setting up your fundraiser? Sign up to receive instructions and one-on-one support today!
Have questions? Email us at giving@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
Some of our past sitters!
