Disconnect to CONNECT - Family Day Unplugged
Seventeen municipalities in the Capital Region have joined together to encourage residents to unplug on Family Day, February 20.
A challenge goes out to participating municipalities to see which community will unplug from technology the most. Individuals and families from each participating municipality can record the hours spent unplugged from technology on February 20 at www.fcssaa.ab.ca , and share stories on what they did while unplugged.
Strathcona County residents can also submit their hours through drop-off boxes located at County recreation facilities, Parent Link, the Strathcona County Library and the Community Centre. Residents have until February 22 to submit the total number of hours they unplugged on Family Day.
“Technology continues to play a bigger role in everyday life,” says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. “But the line is blurring between using technology as a tool versus needing technology to make it through the day. Family Day Unplugged gives us a reminder to also take the time to connect socially, in person, rather than through social media or other technology.”
There is plenty to do while “unplugged” in Strathcona County on Family Day:
- Visit a local recreational facility. 100 percent of admission fees and trail passes on Family Day from Millennium Place, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Glen Allan Recreation Complex and Strathcona Wilderness Centre will be donated to support Everybody Gets to Play in Strathcona County. This program aims to reduce barriers to recreation for our residents.
- Play in the snow at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre during the Winter Playday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Take your dog for a walk at the Deermound Dog Off-Leash Park, located on Highway 21 and Highway 628.
- Toboggan and skate at Broadmoor Lake Park.
- Discover history through old landmarks located along Sherwood Park’s Heritage Mile. The Heritage Mile is located along Broadmoor Boulevard, from the traffic circle on Sherwood Drive north to Baseline Road.
Why Unplug?
- 73% of kids would rather play with their parents than watch TV or use the Internet. (Ikea: Play Report, 2010)
- Teens who have more than three family dinners per week are more likely to get better grades. (Casa, 2009)
- Residents in connected neighbourhoods have greater quality of life. (Shields, 2008)
In 2011, the first year for this challenge, the Town of Beaumont won the Family Day challenge by unplugging from technology for a community total of 13,495 hours. The collective unplugged total for all 10 communities participating last year was more than 15,000 hours. This year seven more communities are coming on board, making it more exciting than ever!
Family Day Unplugged is an initiative organized and promoted in cooperation with: Town of Beaumont, Brazeau County, Village of Breton, City of Edmonton, City of Fort Saskatchewan, Town of Devon, Town of Drayton Valley, Town of Gibbons, City of Leduc, Leduc County, Town of Morinville, Town of Redwater, City of Spruce Grove, City of St. Albert, Town of Stony Plain, Strathcona County and Sturgeon County.
More information about Family Day Unplugged is available by calling 780-464-4044 or online.
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Contact:
Jean Bell, Family and Community Services, Strathcona County 780-464-4044
Last updated: Friday, February 03, 2012
Page ID: 8836