One of the main objectives of The Kirkwood’s Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees is encouraging people to get out and about and explore new places.
Walking from Snowdog to Snowdog is not only great exercise, it’s also proven that walking has therapeutic qualities, and is great for relieving stress. Plus, the fresh air makes you feel more awake, boosts your blood flow and helps to clear your mind. What’s not to love?
As part of their role as event partner, Locala has sponsored this week’s theme – Wellbeing Week – which is all about wellbeing and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Running from Monday September 19, Wellbeing Week is designed to promote some of the services that The Kirkwood offers, plus the many volunteering and fundraising opportunities available to those who want to donate some free time to charitable causes.
As part of Wellbeing Week, The Kirkwood will be hosting ‘Paint Your Own Snowdog’ workshops. On September 23, 24 and 25, trail go-ers will have the opportunity to get creative and design their very own miniature sculpture. A fantastic activity for boosting personal wellbeing – you can sign up to a workshop here.
The other themed weeks are as follows:
Creativity Week (September 26) is at the core of Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees. Every sculpture has been thoughtfully designed by local schools, colleges and organisations, as well as professional artists from across the country, each telling its own, unique story.
Support Life Week (October 3) will shine a light on the vital role The Kirkwood plays across Kirklees. The Kirkwood has been supporting local people living with a life-limiting illness for over 35 years, from diagnosis to end of life.
While lots of people know of The Kirkwood, not everyone knows how or who they can help. As the main end-of-life caregiver in the area, the charity provides compassionate care to patients and families affected by illnesses including cancer, MND, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure and chronic lung conditions.
Trail goers can unlock key information about The Kirkwood by visiting the sculptures, simply download the app and key in the unique code found on each Snowdog.
Fundraisers can set an ambitious target for Challenge Week (October 10). It could be to visit all 67 sculptures in a few days or perhaps to run the length of the trail – the more adventurous the better!
Businesses are encouraged to get involved in a paw-some day of competitive fun on Thursday October 13, with groups of colleagues from across the region coming together to see how many selfies they can snap with the Snowdogs in a limited time.
Whether you prefer sprawling rural walks or the hustle and bustle of the high street, Environment Week (October 17) is all about celebrating our beautiful borough. Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees aims to inspire local visitors to discover more of our community’s hidden gems, but also puts Kirklees on the map, drawing in new visitors from further afield.
While Environment Week will be largely focused on encouraging people to visit the trail using more sustainable methods of transport, be it the bus, train, bike or on foot, The Kirkwood will also be using it as an opportunity to drive donations to its charity shops
Pre-loved items of clothing or furniture can sit for a long time collecting dust, but by donating them to charity, the money from their sale can have a positive impact on the community, enabling The Kirkwood to continue supporting vulnerable people from across Kirklees.
Activity Week (October 24) is a fun-filled week will be sponsored by Kirklees Council and will help to keep little ones entertained over the half-term holidays. Activities are still to be confirmed but will be posted on the Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees website and social pages shortly.
Kathryn Box, event manager with The Kirkwood, said: “There are so many benefits of the art trail, so we thought that adding in some theme weeks would highlight all the areas it promotes.
“Far more than an installation, it really helps to join the dots and brings together our community – connecting people, businesses, organisations and charity in a new, exciting way.
“We hope the theme weeks will give our sponsors an opportunity to engage with the trail and tailor their involvement with many of our sponsors enjoying a natural connection to the themed weeks.”
Keep an eye on the Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees website and social channels to find out more about Wellbeing Week activities and events.
Here’s everything you need to know to take part in Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees
