January 15, 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce Body Movin’, our new province-wide fundraising challenge taking place all month long in February.
Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, Body Movin’ encourages Nova Scotians to engage in intentional daily movement and raise money for essential mental health and addictions initiatives in communities across the province.
“Body Movin’ is about more than just raising funds,” says Starr Cunningham, the Foundation’s President & CEO. “It’s a celebration of community and the positive impact that even simple, everyday movement can have on our mental health.”
It’s time to rally communities, get movin’, and make a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians who are struggling with their mental health or living with mental illness and addiction.
HOW IT WORKS
Sign Up: Register as an individual fundraiser or a fundraising team! Get started at www.bodymovin.ca to sign up, get fundraising goals, customize profiles, and begin FUN-draising!
Get Movin’: Participants choose any kind of physical activity they enjoy — walking, dancing, popping wheelies, or even making snow angels — and commit to doing it throughout the month of February.
Spread the Word: By taking part in the challenge and sharing fundraising goals with friends, family, and coworkers, individual and team participants can watch the support roll in while also raising awareness of the critical need for mental health and addiction support in Nova Scotia.
This challenge isn’t just about raising money — it’s about the power of community and taking care of your own mental wellbeing through daily movement. Being physically active is scientifically proven to improve mental health, no matter how you do it.
Why This Challenge Matters
Increasing Need: More than 1 in 4 Canadians say their mental health symptoms affect their day-to-day lives. Nova Scotia faces some of the highest rates of mental illness and substance use in Canada, making the need for community-based support more urgent than ever.
Community Impact: Funds raised will be granted to organizations and initiatives through the Foundation’s Grant Programs. Funded projects offer education, community connection, treatment, and hope for individuals across the province. This support can look like:
free mental health counselling
life skills & resilience building programs for youth
music therapy for seniors
culturally relevant support for Indigenous and African/Black Nova Scotian communities
safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to connect
peer support for people living with substance use disorders
suicide prevention training in vulnerable communities
culturally relevant support for Indigenous and Black African-Nova Scotian communities
Personal Benefits: Physical activity is scientifically proven to improve mental health, providing participants with a chance to nurture their own wellbeing while giving back to the community.
“Our goal is to inspire Nova Scotians to move their bodies every day in a way that feels good for them,” adds Cunningham. “Even small actions can make a tremendous difference — for both the participants and the many people in our province who need mental health and addiction support.”
Let’s Do This!
Get your Body Movin’ this February to raise money for mental health and join a community of compassionate Nova Scotians helping to sustain hundreds of essential mental health and addictions initiatives that offer hope and support across the province.
Questions?
Contact Kate Udle: events@mentalhealthns.ca
Media inquiries can be directed to Niecole Killawee: communications@mentalhealthns.ca