Fitbit unveils FitForGood, to donate $1M to three charities

This post was originally published on the Fitbit press site. It has been adapted from its original format.

Fitbit, the leader in the connected health and fitness market, today unveiled FitForGood, a charitable platform inviting Fitbit fans to get fit for a good cause. Fitbit’s FitForGood challenge encourages anyone with a Fitbit account to sign up and get moving, with their steps counting towards a challenge across three national non-profit organizations: The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association and National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Actress, dancer, singer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer and Fitbit Ambassador, Julianne Hough will provide motivation to inspire people across the nation to get fit for good. At the end of the challenge, Fitbit will donate a total of $1 million across the three organizations.

“The work that each of these three organizations do is so important to our country and closely aligns with our mission as a company, which is to give people the tools to help them live healthier, more active lives,” said James Park, Fitbit Co-Founder and CEO. “By helping people see how small changes can add up to big results, Fitbit makes the path toward health and fitness fun, engaging and sustainable. Like we did with FitForFood earlier this year, we’re encouraging all of our users to get active and do something good for themselves while providing an opportunity to give back at the same time.”

Here’s How it Works: $1 Million – 2 Weeks – 3 Charities

• Starting today, Nov. 4, anyone with a Fitbit account can sign up and opt-in to compete in the FitForGood challenge
• The challenge will run from Nov. 9-20, during which time participant steps count toward the non-profit organization’s team total
• Users select one of the three non-profit organizations to walk in support of: The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association, or National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• At the end of the campaign, Fitbit will make a $1 million donation in total to the three non-profit organizations with the organization accumulating the highest amount of steps receiving $500,000, the second-most receiving $350,000 and the third-most receiving $150,000

Motivation from New Fitbit Ambassador – Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough is known to audiences around the world for her success in film, television and music. She was a two-time professional champion on ABC’s top-rated “Dancing with the Stars,” before making a seamless transition to award-winning recording artist. She is currently a judge on “Dancing With the Stars” and will be seen next in the big-screen comedy “Dirty Grandpa” with Robert De Niro and Zac Efron and stars in “Grease: Live,” which FOX will broadcast in January. In addition to her performing career, she is also active in a wide range of philanthropic endeavors, charities and humanitarian efforts.

“FitForGood struck me as such an engaging, unique way to get people up and moving in support of three incredible causes,” said Julianne Hough. “Growing up as a dancer, health and fitness have always been at the core of my lifestyle and I’m excited to be sharing that passion with Fitbit’s fans, encouraging them to move more for good this month.”

Good for Me = Good for We

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that most adults complete 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days of the week to maintain their weight and reduce risk of illness. While most people are aware of the benefits of being more active, exercising more, eating smarter, sleeping better and managing their weight, historically they have viewed those activities as time consuming and difficult to achieve. Fitbit believes that tracking activity level, sleep and nutrition can have a positive impact on health and well-being, which may also benefit those living with chronic diseases. By combining the power of technology with insights, Fitbit offers a wide variety of connected health and fitness devices that help people at the everyday, active and performance fitness levels pursue their health goals.

Anyone in the U.S. with a Fitbit account can sign up and opt-in. Americans who do not have a Fitbit device are invited to participate by using MobileTrack on the free Fitbit app for their Android, iOs or Windows device. In addition, anyone without a Fitbit device will be given the option to purchase one during the sign-up process.