Blue Nose Charity Challenge
The Symphony Striders are racing to support the NSYO!
RACE DAYS: MAY 15-17, 2026
The Symphony Striders are going to run, walk, and dance their way to the finish line in support of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra! We’ve been named the largest fundraising team in the Blue Nose Marathon numerous times, and have raised over $100,000 for education and outreach programming. Help us keep the momentum going as we raise support for the NSYO Wellness Program. Join the team or donate today!
THE NSYO WELLNESS PROGRAM
The Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra is an education and outreach program that delivers unique, life-enriching experiences for young musicians. With mentorship from professional musicians and the support of a community of peers, youth can explore their musical talents, establish a network of friends, and grow in a positive environment. The NSYO is the only program of its kind in Nova Scotia and the opportunities it offers are essential to supporting our youth.
The NSYO Wellness Program provides resources for mental, physical, and musical health that support our youth musicians’ development in a positive and healthy environment. Programming kicks off with the NSYO Connect: Orchestra Retreat Weekend where musicians meet our team of wellness experts and are introduced to the many components of healthy music making. Throughout the season, musicians have access to the Beyond the Notes weekly workshop series, which provides practical tools and encourages thoughtful conversations about wellness. Nutritional breaks are integrated into each rehearsal and musical programming is structured to support joyful music making. To learn more about this program, please click here.
Foster well-being through joyful music making. Join the team or donate today!
HOW TO SIGN UP
- Sign In to Race Roster – Input your name and email or login through Facebook.
- Select Event – Our team event is the Purple Cow 5km race (free for NSYO musicians) but you can choose any one you like. Then fill in the form!
- Join the Team – In the “Team” section of the form, ensure that you have been added to the Symphony Striders team.
- Agree to Terms & Conditions – Make sure you select all of the boxes!
- Donate – Make a donation to kickstart your fundraising, OR click continue to move ahead without donating.
- Pay – Insert your billing information (Symphony/NSYO musicians add promo code) and pay!
If you run into trouble, please contact Mimisu Lee at [email protected]. If you’re a Symphony Nova Scotia or Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra musician, you can also get your special promo code from Mimisu.
FUNDRAISING PERKS
Our top three Symphony Striders fundraisers will receive:
First Place:
- A one-night stay at Westin Hotels & Resorts: Westin Nova Scotian (for two [2] people) including Valet-Parking and breakfast in the Seaport Social at Westin Nova Scotian.
- Discovery Centre Family Pass (for four [4] people)
- Two (2) U-Pick 4 ticket packages to Symphony Nova Scotia’s 2026/27 Season
Second Place:
- A one-night stay at Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
- Discovery Centre Family Pass (for four [4] people)
- Two (2) U-Pick 4 ticket packages to Symphony Nova Scotia’s 2026/27 Season
Third Place:
- Discovery Centre Family Pass (for four [4] people)
- Two (2) U-Pick 4 ticket packages to Symphony Nova Scotia’s 2026/27 Season
*Register with Symphony Striders before January 31, 2026 to receive 2 tickets to the NSYO and SNS Side-By-Side concert 2:00pm February 22, 2026!
**And that’s not all! Every Symphony Strider who raises over $500 for the team will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to The Nutcracker with Symphony Nova Scotia during the 2026/27 Season!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We’re so grateful to everyone who has shown incredible support to our team over the years! You’ve made such a difference and have made the NSYO Wellness Program possible.