What is Jump Rope for Heart?
The Jump Rope for heart program is a big part of our mission by promoting healthy lifestyles and physical literacy to students – these collective actions make such a difference in the province. Jump Rope for Heart is a great way for students to protect their heart and brain health, help save lives, and have more fun at school.
The Jump Rope for Heart program is simple. All it requires is for teachers to show the Virtual Kick-Off Assembly video to their students and supply them with fundraising envelopes to collect donations in-person and online at jumpropeforheart.ca. Schools typically fundraise for a couple of weeks or until they reach their goal. During this time, it is a great opportunity for Phys. Ed. instructors to highlight skipping skills and healthy habits with their students.
Each September, participating schools receive a "Kick-Back," which returns a percentage of what they fundraised back to their school.
Virtual Kick-Off Video
Last year, we decided to remove our in-person assembly for Jump Rope for Heart to accommodate restrictions and make things easier for teachers and staff. We transitioned to the "Virtual Kick-Off Assembly." The ~10 minute video discusses the fundraiser as well as a range of topics in a kid friendly way.
The Virtual Kick-Off highlights:
The 5-2-1-0 Healthy Habits
Signs of a Stroke
How to keep ourselves healthy
Physical Literacy
The Importance of taking care of our bodies
Meet, Jace!
Jace is a student at an elementary school in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This year Jace got featured in the Virtual Kick-Off video - and he did an excellent job! Jace's Grampy passed away from a stroke December, 2020. Last year, Jace fundraised in memory of his Grampy and with the help of his family, he raised more than $1,100.00.
When I had the chance to speak to Jace, he explained that he believes that it's very important to fundraise and help others. He believes that by eating well, playing outside, and avoiding video games, kids like him can live healthier lives. Sports are Jace's favorite way to stay active with his friends.
What Jace represents is the fact that heart disease and stroke is something that does not exclusively affect adults. Being vulnerable and supportive with our peers is so important because even though everybody may not talk about it, people are always going through their own experiences. Heart disease and stoke is something that effects more people than we may think - 24% of all deaths in New Brunswick are due to heart disease or stroke.
Get Involved
Our goal is to have all schools across New Brunswick participating in Jump Rope for Heart. The Virtual Kick-Off Assembly is offered in both French and English. If you wish to have your school participate, request for us to reach out to you student's school, or for more information, please contact us at 506.634.1620.