National Family Dinner Night (with giveaway!)

September 13, 2011

Tenille

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, M&M Meat Shops is encouraging Canadians to turn off the TV, log off from their computers and power down cell phones and participate in the Seventh Annual National Family Dinner Night that celebrates what matters most – spending quality time with family and friends. The importance of family dinners reaches far beyond simply sharing a meal together. Research shows that gathering around the table presents a valuable opportunity to interact, strengthen relationships and affirm the value of every individual in the family and their role in their community.

Unplug and Tune In
A recent national study conducted by Canadian Omnibus reveals that as we become increasingly immersed in the digital age, the intrusion of electronic communication devices during traditional times, such as family meals, is spiralling. A shocking 80% of Canadians admit to having at least one type of electronic communication device turned on and in use during family meals. More than half of Canadians (51%) revealed that the TV stays on at mealtimes.

While research shows the propensity to have these devices turned on during family meals, more than 81% of Canadians say that they would enjoy dinner more without these distractions; an indication that Canadians still hold this traditional event sacred and meaningful.

“Sitting down for a meal together can have a lasting, positive effect on open communication between children and parents and re-establish a sense of family unity,” says Mac Voisin, Founder of M&M Meat Shops. “It’s time to unplug, at least during dinner, so that our electronic distractions don’t get in the way of this special time.”

Celebrate Togetherness
Launched in 2004, this phenomenal program has touched the hearts and minds of families, community leaders and dignitaries from coast-to-coast. Members of Parliament, premiers, mayors, city councils and even the Prime Minister and Governor General have proclaimed their support for this national at-home event.

National Family Dinner Night attracts tremendous public and charitable support every year and has contributed significantly to the more than $21.5 million M&M Meat Shops has raised for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). This year, M&M Meat Shops urges everyone in Canada to register their participation and demonstrate the importance of getting together with the people who matter most in their lives.

Register Your Participation
For everyone who registers their pledge to participate in National Family Dinner Night on the website: www.nationalfamilydinnernight.com, M&M Meat Shops will make a $1 donation to the CCFC, up to a maximum of $100,000.

“The memories created during these special times really do make a difference in the strength of the family unit and allow for a break in our otherwise hectic lives,” adds Voisin.

The Unplugged Dinner
The first step to spending quality time with loved ones is to free yourself from all distractions, electronic or otherwise, so you can enjoy the undivided attention of those at the dinner table. Next time you get together for a family meal, ask everyone to sit down to eat without being connected to a single electronic device.

“Research shows that when a parent unplugs, it makes a positive statement about how they truly care about connecting with their family,” says Voisin. “Having your device turned on during dinner only interferes with the close, personal connections you are hoping to nurture.”

Ultimately, family dinners are about reconnecting — they are like mini family reunions, and a time to share laughter, personal stories about your day and quality time with family and friends. So turn off your cell phone, log off from your computers and enjoy the evening of National Family Dinner Night: Thursday, September 15, 2011!

To celebrate family togetherness, I have a $50 gift card from M&M Meat Shops to give away to one of my Canadian readers! To enter, just leave me a comment here sharing your thoughts on National Family Dinner Night.

For additional entries:
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This giveaway will end on September 30th at 9PM CT . Giveaway is open to Canadian addresses only.