David Suzuki is ready to become a bhangra star to inspire the South Asian community and all Canadians to spend time in nature.
People who sign up between now and Oct. 14 for the Punjabi by Nature challenge, a joint effort of the David Suzuki Foundation and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), get to vote on the dance move he’ll learn.
The challenge is to spend 30 minutes outside every day for the next month. Suzuki will show off his dancing skills by demonstrating the move that gets the most votes at the end of the challenge.
“Spending time outdoors is good for our health, head and happiness. We want to raise awareness about the benefits of spending time in nature within cultural communities across Canada,” says Harpreet Johal, from the David Suzuki Foundation. “Punjabi by Nature helps get people outside and celebrates the Punjabi culture of bhangra.”
More Canadians live in cities than ever before in history. The average person is indoors more than 90 per cent of the time and spends more than six hours a day in front of screens.
Studies show that getting outside:
• Reduces anxiety, depression and stress
• Increases energy, immune function, concentration, weight loss and fitness
• Lowers the risk of diabetes, heart attack and colon cancer
“The South Asian population, like all Canadians, needs more awareness about the importance of getting in touch with nature,” says Jasleen Kaur, from PICS. “We hope this fun campaign focusing on the Punjabi community will help the message stick.”
Challenge participants will be entered into a contest to win two tickets to hear Suzuki speak at the PICS 25th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 2 in Surrey.
There will also be a nature walk and discussion on the health benefits of going outside every Sunday of the campaign (Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and 14) at 1 p.m. at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, 7050 120 St.
For more information about the campaign and to see a promo video starring David Suzuki, go to http://ow.ly/dOu75 .
To vote for bhangra move that David will learn visit here.
