Calgary Corporate Challenge
Branch Out has been a proud partner of the Calgary Corporate Challenge for many years. We’re looking forward to getting to know your organization and staff, and talk about all things brain health!
Please review our opportunities below. If you have any questions, get in touch by emailing us at hello@branchoutfoundation.com
Give Awareness (1 point)
Book a Branch Out Brainwave. Organize a brainy Lunch ‘n’ Learn for you and your colleagues. Choose from a selection of exciting and relevant research topics in the field of neuroscience, learn from a budding neuroscientist or two, and leave just a bit smarter! Topics available to choose from:
Accelerating brain recovery with music
Music has a special place in our brain that neuroscientists are only just beginning to figure out. In this Brainwave, attendees will learn about Branch Out funded research on how music can be used to not just increase quality of life, but improve physical health.
Why giving is good for your brain
The companies in CCC are well aware that charity and volunteerism are important. What they might not know, is why those actions are great for brain health. In this Brainwave, attendees will learn about the neuroscience of how the act of giving protects against mental health conditions.
Validating ancient wisdom: indigenous neuroCAM
Indigenous people have been using ceremony and community as integral brain health support systems for thousands of years. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, this Brainwave is exploring an Indigenous perspective on brain health, featuring two Alberta-based research studies funded by Branch Out.
Your other brain: the neuroscience of nutraceuticals
While we have always known nutrition is important for brain health, the exact science of how it works has remained a mystery. In this Brainwave, attendees will learn about the gut-brain axis, the microbiome and the implications for your own health, featuring Branch Out funded research.
When therapy isn’t enough: neuroCAM solutions to treatment resistant depression
There have been amazing developments in mental health treatments that have alleviated a tremendous amount of pain globally. However, these treatments don’t work for everyone, so what happens to them? In this Brainwave, attendees will learn about a how two different NeuroCAM treatments Branch Out has funded are entering the mainstream Alberta health care system.
To book a Brainwave, email us at hello@branchoutfoundation.com
Please include which topic your company is interested in, and some dates & times that work for you.
- Minimum 10 employees, maximum 100.
- No cost.
- Available as a virtual or in-person event*
- We can accommodate most dates and times.
Give Back
(1 point)
Play the Branch Out Brain Health Challenge!
This opportunity is designed to promote team building while learning about brain health and giving back.
The rules are simple:
Gather your colleagues and form a team (of any size!)
Complete all four tasks (descriptions can be found below):
- Decode
- Gift card
- Uplift
- Warm-up
Email us (at hello@branchoutfoundation.com) when you’ve finished all four tasks, and receive one point!
For tasks with a social media component, you only need to post to one of the following platforms, and tag both Branch Out and Calgary Corporate Challenge:
Facebook: @BranchOutFoundation / @CalgaryCorporateChallenge
Instagram: @branchoutnf / @calgarycorporatechallenge
LinkedIn: @branchoutfoundation / @calgarycorporatechallenge
Twitter: @BranchOutNF / @Corp_Challenge
Here's how each task works
Decode
Branch Out provides funding to incredible scientists who are pushing the status quo and leading the way for innovation and alternative solutions to neurological disorders. Step into their shoes and watch as they describe their research – in entirely science-speak!
Watch a video (under 3 minutes) of one of our scientists explaining their research, and then work together as a team to translate their jargon into everyday English. No internet searches or dictionaries allowed! Email your team’s best guess to hello@branchoutfoundation.com
We’ll then send you a follow-up video with the same researcher using plain language, and you’ll be able to see if a career as a neuroscientist is for you!
Email hello@branchoutfoundation.com to get started.
Gift card
Pool together to purchase at least one gift card to donate to Branch Out. As a non-profit, Branch Out relies heavily on the kindness and support of volunteers. Gift cards are a small but impactful way for us to show our gratitude to them.
Gift cards should be for businesses in Calgary, and have a value between $20-50. Some examples: coffee shops, grocery stores, gas stations, or any small business based in Calgary (Luke’s Drug Mart, Silk Road Spice Merchant, Made by Marcus, etc.) Please ensure that your gift card does not have an expiry date.
E-gift cards can be sent to hello@branchoutfoundation.com.
For physical gift cards, they can be mailed or dropped off at our location. If dropping off, please arrange a time by contacting hello@branchoutfoundation.com.
Our mailing address is:
Branch Out Neurological Foundation | Care of Thin Air Labs Inc. | P.O. Box 13141 Calgary, AB T2R 1C6
Uplift
Many of our supporters choose to donate because someone close to them has struggled with a neurological disorder. Others are inspired by a courageous story they may have heard or read.
Find a resource or a story that touches on a neurological disorder, mental health, brain health, etc. (or write your own story) and share it on social media! Some examples might be:
- A news article highlighting new research, funding, etc. about a neurological disorder or mental health
- A memoir or self-help book that explores the struggle of living with neurological disorders or a mental health issue
- What actions do you take to stay mentally healthy? How does your workplace support mental well-being?
Be sure to tag Branch Out and Calgary Corporate Challenge in your post!
Warm Up
Research has shown how important physical activity is for brain health.
Upload a post on social media showing how your team incorporates some physical activity during the busy day. Some examples:
- Go for a team walk around the block during your lunch break (and take a group photo!)
- Find a stretching exercise video on YouTube, push aside some tables, and stretch together as a group!
- Does someone commute to work by bike or foot? Ask them to share their experience or a favourite part of their route.
- Avid hiker on your team? Get them to share their favourite trail.
In the caption, be sure to mention the benefits of physical activity for mental health, and tag Branch Out and Calgary Corporate Challenge in your post!
Give More (1 point)
Make a high impact donation. Branch Out fundraises to support a wide variety of research into neurological disorders. A high impact donation would allow us to provide a significant amount of funding to one research project.
Bronze ($500)
Have your company’s name and logo listed on our website as a supporter of Branch Out.
Silver ($1,000)
Choose a particular neurological disorder that is important to you, and we will try our best to allocate your donation to a research project that aligns with it (depending on the applications received this year). Plus, you’ll receive the bronze tier reward!
Gold ($2,000)
We will create a Branch Out Impact Grant in your company’s name. The Impact Grant helps get research outside of the lab, and into the community where it can make a real impact. These grants are awarded year-round and can have a value of up to $2,000. We’ll also write up a news feature on the Impact Grant, which will mention your company and include your logo. To learn more about Impact Grants, click here.
Donations can be made online or via cheque, money order, etc.
Please get in touch with us at hello@branchoutfoundation.com to get started.
Bonus point! (1 point)
Complete all three giving opportunities, and you’ll receive a bonus point! You can also feel good about the good you’ve done for healthy brains 😁
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