GeoPalz has donated more than 1,200 of its kids' pedometers to the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, which will distribute the units to participants in the Association’s youth Urban Core programs.
 
The Urban Core program reaches out to youth and families in underserved areas and gives youth positive alternative activities to keep them off the streets helping them to grow, mature, become more confident, become competent individuals and give a sense of belonging. GeoPalz pedometers and the active online gaming program will help support the Y’s focus on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.
 
“We are excited by GeoPalz’ generous donation and the opportunity to touch more lives in our community,” says YMCA Senior Vice President of Administrative Services, Cenia Bosman. This donation will help improve activity levels of our youth.”
 
“We are very happy we could make this donation to the YMCA,” says GeoPalz CEO Rich Schmelzer. “YMCA of Greater St. Louis and the Urban Core program are perfect avenues for GeoPalz in helping kids maintain an active, healthier lifestyle.”
 
Available in 26 kid-friendly designs specifically designed for children ages five and older, GeoPalz motivates families to be active by converting their steps into points for redemption of free activity-based products, sports equipment and outdoor toys at the GeoPalz website. GeoPalz new version 2 tracks 21 days of steps and vigorous activity points, and can be worn on the shoe or the hip. To get the whole family moving, families can register together on the site using GeoPalz and pedometers from 3rd party companies.
 
The YMCA of Greater St. Louis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Featuring 17 traditional Y branches and two Campus Y student leadership facilities on the Missouri side of the St. Louis Metro Area, our Y also includes YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri. The Carondelet Park Rec Complex is owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the Y. Through membership and programming based on our Core Values of caring, honesty respect, responsibility and faith, the Y strives to strengthen the foundations of community and provides financial assistance to those who qualify thanks to our Strong Community Campaign. Our Y is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, please visit http://www.ymcastlouis.org/ or call 314-436-1177.
 
GeoPalz is a family-owned business founded in 2008 by Rich and Sheri Schmelzer and Alexandra O'Leary, the creators of Jibbitz™. As parents, the creators of GeoPalz wanted their mission to align with current and developing national campaigns to fight childhood obesity by encouraging youth to lead active lifestyles. GeoPalz kid-friendly pedometers feature unique, fun designs and a safe online community that motivates children by converting physical activity and “vigorous activity points” which can be redeemed for free, gift cards, activity-based toys and awards. www.geopalz.comwww.facebook.com/GeoPalzwww.twitter.com/GeoPalz