Now, Through October 13, Planet Fitness to Donate 100% of All New Member Enrollment Fees to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Posted: October 2, 2017 in Chains
Planet Fitness
HAMPTON, N.H. – Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., aims to spread kindness and end bullying this October (National Bullying Prevention Month) by donating 100% of all new member enrollment fees now through October 13 to its nonprofit partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. New members will be able to join for just $5 down and then $10 a month with no commitment. Existing Planet Fitness members are also welcome to make a donation to the cause in-club during that timeframe.
The promotion, which last year raised more than $1 million, helps support programs to prevent bullying and promote a culture of kindness through Planet Fitness’ philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generation.
Bullying has become all-too-common in today’s society, with 1 in 4 youth reporting that they’ve been bullied and parents of school-aged children citing it as their number one concern. As the home of the Judgement Free Zone®, Planet Fitness is committed to addressing this issue and has funded trainings for more than 2,000 staff from 764 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country through a partnership with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
“Our gyms are safe, judgement free spaces for our members, and our goal is to extend that same culture of acceptance to youth and the communities we serve,” said Chris Rondeau, Planet Fitness CEO. “Together with our franchisees, staff and members, Planet Fitness has funded trainings and resources for Boys & Girls Clubs of America professionals and youth leaders on how to create kinder cultures, awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to youth who embody values of kindness and acceptance, and built Mini Judgement Free Zone fitness centers within local Boys & Girls Clubs so that kids have a welcoming, non-intimidating space to be active. We look forward to continuing to deepen our impact in the years to come.”
“Our partnership with Planet Fitness is not only helping to empower our Club professionals and youth to foster positive, emotionally safe climates in Boys & Girls Clubs, it’s helping them to thrive day-in and day-out,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark. “This effort is exemplary of our mission to offer Club youth a wide range of health and wellness-focused programs that extend beyond physical activity and proper nutrition to include social and emotional well-being.”
“Emotional intelligence must be at the center of all bullying-prevention efforts, which is why we’re are so thrilled to be a part of the Judgement Free Generation initiative and help extend our evidence-based trainings to afterschool settings,” said Marc Brackett, Ph.D., Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. “These trainings equip both staff and youth with the tools to recognize and understand their own emotions – and the emotions of others – to help build a world where kindness prevails over meanness.”
To further support its pro-kindness mission, this week Planet Fitness will unveil a mini Judgement Free Zone fitness center within the Lowell, Mass. Boys & Girls Club. Featuring Planet Fitness’ signature purple and yellow colors and branded equipment, the gym replicates the judgement free environment of Planet Fitness clubs, complete with inspirational messages written across the walls. The new facility will provide the more than 350 youth who come to the Club daily the ability to exercise in an inclusive and encouraging workout environment, without the risk of feeling judged or bullied.
