Chatham-Kent Gets Re-Active
Chatham-Kent Re-Active Trailer
Brianne Foulon, C-K CHC Health Promoter, states that “The benefits of physical activity for both physical and mental health are countless. However, one of the most prominent barriers listed by individuals for impeding regular physical activity is lack of equipment, or funds for equipment.” Kristen Williams, C-K CHC CEO adds, “Many communities are working on plans to improve their health care services, however, improved health care services alone, will not significantly improve health outcomes. The health of a community is also determined by social factors such as poverty, income inequity, education, employment, housing and social inclusion. These social determinants of health have significant impact on chronic disease.”
The Re-Active program addresses many of these social determinants of health by offering coupons for refurbished physical activity equipment to C-K CHC clients, and to community members through the municipality’s A.L.L. for Kids Program. The program will involve individuals in the community donating any gently used physical activity equipment to Goodwill to be cleaned and refurbished via a Sani Sport Machine. The items are then stocked at the Goodwill store on Grand Avenue in Chatham, where they can be purchased by the public and made available to those who have been issued a coupon at no cost.
Williams said “The Re-Active program is a great example of community partners working together, engaging the residents of this community, to assist in the reduction of inequities across our community. Equitable access to sport provides the potential to achieve health goals through physical activity, opportunity for improved self- esteem and the benefits of social connections.”
The partnership for Re-Active between C-K CHC & Goodwill Industries seemed natural based on the services and values of both organizations. Kevin Neill, Director of Operations and Retail Goodwill Industries Essex Kent Lambton, expressed the importance of the partnership: “Goodwill is very pleased to partner with the C-K CHC on this very important program. Not only does this give people who may be limited by financial constraints to take part in physical activity, but it continues to provide re-use of items, which could potentially have ended up in landfill needlessly.”
Re-Active was supported in 2011 by the Chatham-Kent Community Partnership Fund. Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope said “Physical activity, sports and recreation are vital to maintaining and improving the health of children and adults in Chatham-Kent. Healthy citizens make a healthy community, one that is energetic, more successful and offers a great quality of life. For these reasons, Municipal Council was pleased to provide support from the Community Partnership Fund to the Re-Active program. Our thanks go to the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres and to Goodwill Industries for this very beneficial program.”
In the future, Chatham-Kent residents will likely see the Re-Active trailer out and about in the community more often. Foulon says “We are thrilled to be actively out in the community with Re-Active, whether it is at town wide yard sales, community events, sports registrations, or tournaments. We strongly encourage donating back to those who could use these items, and getting our community more active.”
Foulon adds: “As for donating items, any gently used physical activity items, from hockey skates and ball gloves, to running shoes and yoga mats, can be donated to any Goodwill Donation Centre in Chatham-Kent.”
For more information on the Re-Active program, or to have Re-Active at your next sport/physical activity event, please contact reactive@ckchc.ca, or call 519-397-5455.