HRM Parent Blog

Gandhi once said that you must “be the change you want to see in the world” and Winnipeg’s Colin Harris is doing just that.  He’s the co-founder of Take Me Outside , a non-profit organization that’s focused on getting kids outside and active. 

His latest project finds him running across Canada to encourage youth to get outside, be active and reconnect with nature. It’s an amazing initiative that’s only really just begun but is already making an impact.  

We were lucky enough to have just had him here in Halifax for a week, speaking with students at Eastern College, Westmount Elementary, Oxford School, Brookhouse, Southdale and Armbrae Academy – getting the students outside for anything from a game of tag or simply splashing in puddles to demonstrate how fun it can be to put down the video games and get active. 

His adventure continues on throughout the rest of Canada – running 5 days out of the week, visiting at least 35 schools (and counting), meeting with tens-of-thousands of student – inspiring youth, making a difference and promoting change!

Yoy may already know him, your kids may have met him when he visited their school, you may already be following him on facebook or reading his blog ….but are you up for taking on his challenge?  Don’t worry – he’s not asking you to run a marathon a day like he is…he simply wants you to commit to getting your family outside to get active and reconnect with nature.

It’s easy to get involved…simply choose one or more of his parent challenges make the commitment then get out and get active! Even though our daycare gets the kids out for a walk or play nearly every day, as a family we’ve committed to ½ hour 3 times a week.  We kicked it off tonight with a play in the back yard which was great considering I sat behind a desk for the majority of the day!! 

Thanks for stopping in Halifax Colin.  We’ll be following the rest of your Take Me Outside adventures and cheering you on the whole way - Good Luck!