Work Out and Help the One School One Day Fundraiser

Help build a school in Ethiopia while getting fit

By Curb Ivanic / August 12, 2011

Credit: Rob Tubajon

Work out on September 24, 2011 to raise funds for One School One Day

Schedule a workout benefiting One School One Day on September 24 at 1 p.m.

You’ll be joining thousands of your fellow B.C. fitness enthusiasts to raise $100,000 to build a school in Ethiopia and make it self-sufficient in three years.

My friend Rob Tubajon, the driving force behind One School One Day (1s1d), was inspired by events like Earth Day that unite people in different locations at the same time for a common cause.

Recognizing that many people on the West Coast live an active lifestyle, he wanted to harness that energy to help kids in Ethiopia have access to a brighter future.

The goal isn’t simply to build a school but to teach the community how to maintain and sustain it on their own. It’s about empowering Ethiopians as opposed to making them dependent on aid.

And we get to have fun while getting fit and helping children on another continent at the same time. That’s pretty cool!

How to Participate in One School One Day

It’s easy to get involved. Choose an activity you enjoy and sign up on the One School One Day website with an affiliate that’s leading a class in that activity. The cost is only $20 and all the proceeds go to One School One Day.

Hundreds of fitness businesses around B.C. are listed as affiliates in everything from yoga to cycling to running to group training and dancing.

I’m leading a Core Running group in a run around Kitsilano and Vancouver’s west side. If you’re a runner come out and join me. We’ll be leaving from the Natural Runner store in Kits at 1 p.m.