Stay-Cation Games vs. the Olympics?

While less popular and possessing less fanfare, so far, than a certain upcoming international competition slated for Tokyo, Japan next month, the Hearts and Hands 2021 Stay-Cation Games are now well on their way. 

Participants have signed up and are undertaking challenges within the physical, spiritual and mental categories.  For any of you who are on the fence about how to participate, just remember – you decide what you want to do to gain sponsorship and potentially challenge others to match or top your goals.

Week #2 Stay-Cation Games Scavenger Hunt - our Theme of the week is “Homes”

We wanted to amp up the playfulness of this event, and hopefully get some cool photos from our participants. This week’s Scavenger Hunt challenges are:

• All photos and stories can be sent to: murdawg1353@gmail.com

• Tell us the roster of your team (even if it is just you)

• Find a mascot and send us a picture

• Find some sponsors or donors who will support you through the Fun-raiser

• Send in pictures of your adventure so we can include them in next week’s blog

  • Find a fun fact about where you live and share it with us

  • Find a place where you can safely cook over a fire

  • Find a statue or monument that honors veterans

  • Find a pay phone

In Canada, it would probably be an understatement to say that the Covid-19 Pandemic has been an inconvenience for most of us over the past 15 months. Nevertheless, in Guatemala, the situation has been much worse. According to official sources, Guatemala (population of 18.2 million) has had 263,836 cases including 8,337 deaths (as of June 8, 2021). Those official sources reveal no “wave effect” of infections but rather a steady and even increasing stream of cases. With respect to vaccinations, as of June 6, 2021, 595,590 doses of vaccine (2.71% having first doses) had been administered, ranking Guatemala at approximately 160 out of 209 countries worldwide (source: CTV news). In the remote regions of the country that Hearts and Hands Foundation serve, it is unlikely that anyone has received any doses of vaccine.

Due to the global pandemic, Hearts and Hands had to pivot its service offerings. For now, stove building trips are on hiatus. On the other hand, we continue to support a scholarship program, although, there too the details are not the same as pre-pandemic. We have also assisted in providing food aid when possible due to severe food shortages.

So, while we continue to walk and run, do yoga and other fun activities, let’s all spend a little time to remind ourselves about our real purpose.

Please take a minute to forward this message out to your friends and family, so that they might participate in this Fun-raiser!

There is still time to register for the Games HERE!