Santa Maria Sun / News

Run to prevent disaster

BY HENRY HOUSTON

The Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking the public for help in garnering funds by joining Plus3 Network, a social group that connects organizations and donors through personal fitness and donations.

Now the general public will have another reason to keep their gym membership valid since those that record their physical activity will give Red Cross access to $5,000 donated by Running Warehouse.

To join, visit plus3network.com and log physical activity and its duration. The Red Cross will be rewarded by how long and vigorously participants work out. For example, a day’s worth of snowboarding will amount to approximately $3.50, and a mile and a half will earn about 22 cents.

This program obviously benefits the Red Cross’ disaster preparedness but it also encourages a healthy habit for the community: exercise.

“We have been receiving a tremendous amount of support from the community,” said Kristiana Kocis, director of development for the Red Cross’ Santa Barbara County chapter. “Members of our community have been logging in bike rides, walks to the store, and even the time that they have been dancing.”

Plus3 Network is a networking site where nonprofit organizations connect with businesses looking to donate. The nonprofit then receives money from the donating business based on the “following” community’s physical activity.

“Plus3 is a win-win situation,” Kocis said. “The public exercises, non-profits are getting donations, and businesses are donating their money to worthy causes. The Red Cross will definitely continue to use Plus3.”

For more information, call the American Red Cross at either its Santa Maria office at 938-0778 or the Santa Barbara office at 687-1331.

Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.