PORT COQUITLAM LAUNCHES WELLNESS WEDNESDAY AND ONLINE VIDEOS

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Apr. 1, 2020… Kids can learn how to make slime, improve their soccer skills, make paper hearts and more through Port Coquitlam’s new video series.

Available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation, the free series kicks off today with children’s activities, art projects and seniors’ fitness classes, with plans to add content in the days to come.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re looking at new ways to continue to serve the community and promote mental and physical wellness while we all stay safe at home,” Mayor Brad West said. “We’re hoping our first batch of videos will be a big help for parents looking to keep their kids entertained and active.”

The children’s videos are part of a Wellness Wednesdays series that was in development and fast-tracked to support families during the pandemic. The current selection includes:

  • Basketball skills
  • Slime making
  • Soccer skills
  • Making personalized colourful paper hearts to post on windows in support of Hearts for Healthcare

For older adults and seniors, videos for chair fitness and total fitness classes have also been posted.

City staff are working on additional ‘PoCo Talks’ how to videos that could cover topics such as arts and crafts, various fitness classes, gardening, waste-sorting, software and home office tips, volunteering tips and more.

“We have a lot of expertise and talent to draw from within our organization, and I’m excited to see what they come up with,” Mayor West said. “Keep an eye on our website and social media for videos on other topics coming soon.”        

In addition to the videos, other activities for children and youth include:

  • PoCo Youth activities for teens, promoted through daily social media posts and www.pocoyouth.com, and
  • Free online Scratch and micro: bit basics programming sessions for children and youth led by Kids Innovation in collaboration with artist-in-residence Meghan Jackson (12:30-1:30 p.m. on Apr. 15 for ages six to 12 and on Apr. 22 for ages 13-15; register at arts@portcoquitlam.ca or visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/air for details).

Tips for Wellness Wednesday

The city is also offering a reminder to residents to take care of their physical and mental well-being at this time, as well as that of neighbours, families and friends who may be at higher risk.

Tips include:

  • Be a good neighbour – Keeping physical distancing, check in with neighbours who may be vulnerable, including seniors, people with disabilities or those with compromised immune systems. Offer to assist with shopping or errands or provide emotional support to reduce feelings of social isolation.
  • Donate to the food bank – SHARE food bank is in need of non-perishable donations.Visit www.sharesociety.ca for more information.
  • Be kind to each other and stay socially connected – Reach out to others and let them know you are thinking of them through phone calls, texts or video calls.
  • Practice good citizenship – buy only what you need when grocery shopping and respect social distancing when out in public.
  • Support local businesses – Shop at Port Coquitlam businesses and help keep the local economy strong.

Stay Informed

Many city services continue to be available by phone, email and online. For information and updates, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 or follow the City of Port Coquitlam on social media.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line a: 1-833-784-4397, or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool, visit BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.ca.

For more information and updates please contact the following resources:

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca