In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries around the world organize local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests, trees, and people.

Did you know?

• Around 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.
• Forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, with more that 60,000 tree species.

To celebrate International Day of Forests, we’re challenging you to run, walk, stroll, or cycle 5KM through your favourite forest — all while raising funds to protect and restore the forests of eastern Canada.

We challenge you to raise $50 for each 1km — which means if 20 sign up, we’ll meet our goal to raise $5,000 for the Wabanaki forest!

Unfortunately no. Once you signed up as an individual, you cannot be added to a team. However, you can create a new team or team-member account with a different email address by first signing out of the original account.

Step 1 – Decide one person to create your team account.
Step 2 – Send invitations to all team members.
Note, these invitations expire quickly, so let them know to sign up quick! 
Step 3 – Using the sign up link from the invitation email, each team member will then create their own profile!

Yes! When you sign up and create your fundraising page, you can use a fun pseudonym or nickname that only your friends and family will recognize.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing COVID safety measures, we are unable to host a group 5KM Challenge this year. Instead, we ask you to pick your own favourite forest, park, or other natural area for your personal 5KM Challenge!

Of course, you are welcome to sign up with a group and take the Challenge as a team!

All donations to the 5KM Challenge go directly towards our work to restore and protect the special Wabanaki forest across the Wabanakik-Maritime region. Your support helps Community Forests International to restore degraded forest through climate-smart forest management and securing additional forested lands for long-term protection.

Do you have 10 friends who could donate $25? Then you’re well on your way to helping us reach our goal!

We’re aiming to raise $5,000 this International Day of Forests — which means we need just 20 people to sign up to each raise $250!

However, there is no minimum to participate. No matter how much you raise or donate, your support is invaluable and goes a long way to restore and protect the special Wabanaki forest.

Not sure how to ask friends and family to pledge donations? We’re here to support you every step of the way. Sign up today and you’ll receive our fundraising package, plus email tips and updates up until the big day!