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Virtual challenges: keep kids busy and build new school

Ruben’s Ruckus fundraiser goes online during COVID-19 to build a high school in the Dominican Republic
Reuben's Ruckus provides virtual fun, challenges
Reuben's Ruckus provides virtual fun, challenges for B.C. youth while also raising funds for a school in the Dominican Republic.

A fun event that will keep kids active and raise funds for a high school in the Dominican Republic has gone virtual.

Ruben’s Ruckus LIVE & Virtual 2020 will launch July 5 with eight weeks of home-based obstacles and challenges leading up to a virtual Race Day on Aug. 23.

And to kick things off, there will be an NHL20 online tournament presented by Alpha North Esports on PlayStation and Xbox.

Going virtual was a pivot made necessary by COVID-19, organizers said.

The first annual Ruben’s Ruckus took place May 12, 2018, and was a huge success with all time-slots completely sold out. This year was bound to be even bigger, with 250 kids pre-registered. And then COVID-19 took over and sideswiped the plans.

“Originally our goal for Ruben’s Ruckus was to create a really fun event to give back to all of our local kids who have helped us so much and been integral to our success; with everything that is happening, we knew we needed to find a way to leverage technology and continue to engage with our young stakeholders by offering the event virtually,” said Ruben’s Shoes Founder Kelly Strongitharm.

In the virtual event, kids can sign up to make pledges and do indoor and outdoor challenges, such as a sidewalk chalk obstacle challenge, ping pong ball challenge, make your own home fort, hallway maze obstacle course, along with a 3-km scavenger hunt race.

Every Sunday starting July 5 through Aug. 16 a new Home Obstacle Challenge will be presented. Registered participants will have the week to complete their obstacle for which they will win badges and points leading to exciting prizes and rewards.

Pledges are encouraged to help build a school in the Dominican Republic. For example, $50 in pledges will purchase a desk.

The Port Moody-based Ruben's Shoes Society has an elementary school in the Dominican Republic with over 240 students, and the next step is to build a high school.

Find out more about Ruben’s Ruckus here:
http://www.rubensshoes.com/ruckus