17th Annual Jingle Bell Run

What: More than 16,000 students and staff from 64 schools in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) will take part in the 17th annual Jingle Bell Run. KFL&A Public Health and local school boards in partnership with local food banks, are encouraging students to donate a food item for families in need. In exchange for a food item, students are given a bell to tie on their boot or jacket and will participate in a festive fit-break by running, walking, dancing or skipping around their school and community “with bells on”.

Where: Students and teachers from 64 schools in KFL&A will be participating. Media are welcome to go to J.R. Henderson Public School (361 Roosevelt Drive, Kingston) or École Catholique Cathédrale (301 Johnson Street, Kingston) for photos and interviews. Upon arrival and prior to photographing or speaking to any children, please check in with the principal.

When: Friday, December 1, 2017. The Jingle Bell Run will start at various times, depending on the school.
The start time at J.R. Henderson Public School is 2:45 p.m.
The start time at École Catholique Cathédrale is 9:00 a.m.

Why: Research shows that less time spent being sedentary and more time being physically active is better for health. According to the 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card, only nine percent of 5 to 17 year olds get the recommended 60 minutes of heart-pumping activity they need each day, and only 24 percent of children and youth in the same age group meet the Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommending no more than two hours of screen time per day. The Jingle Bell Run encourages children and youth to be active while helping those who are less fortunate.

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