Dogs Trust

2000 Squats for Dogs Trust Challenge FAQ

Thank you for your interest in taking part in the Dogs Trust Ireland 2000 Squats in May challenge!

The 2,000 Squats in May is a squat challenge in aid of Dogs Trust! Dog lovers who sign up will to do 2,000 squats in May. Everyone who signs up will be sent a t-shirt and daily squat plan to follow as well as a tracker to keep count. We ask for those taking part to set up a Facebook fundraiser so they can ask their friends and family to sponsor their challenge and to also post updates on how many squats they are doing.

Everyone taking part can join the 2000 Squats in May for Dogs Trust Facebook group to share photos and updates of their progress.

The first step to signing up is to join the Facebook group. Then see the top pinned post from Katie O'Neil with the steps to get registered. If you are not on Facebook - please email [email protected]

See our FAQs below to learn more :)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dogs Trust Ireland 2,000 Squats in May challenge?

The 2000 squats in May for Dogs Trust is a home squat challenge in aid of Dogs Trust! Dog lovers who sign up will aim to do 2000 squats in May. Everyone who signs up will be sent a t-shirt which says ‘I’m doing 2000 squats for Dogs Trust'. We ask for dog lovers taking part to set up a Facebook fundraiser so they can ask their friends and family to sponsor their challenge. Everyone taking part can join the Facebook group to share photos and updates of their progress

Do I have to do the 2000 squats all in one session?

No, the great thing about this squat challenge is that you can spread the 2,000 squats throughout the month of May. We will send a recommended daily plan to work your strength up. For example, starting with 50 a day and working your way and strength up. We also include rest days in the plan.

Do I have to start and finish in May?

No, you can start early or finish late if you have other commitments or just need more time.

Can I get my dog involved and hold them while doing my squats?

In the interest of health and safety of you and your dog(s), we advise you do not involve your dog.

How do I do a squat?

Of course, everyone taking part will be at different levels of experience of squatting. We have teamed up with the wonderful guys at Umbrella Wellness to show  you how to squat, how to do it safely and how best to warm up :)

Laura & George From Umbrella Wellness, are an Irish Workplace Wellness Company that provide companies, schools and hospitals all over Ireland with an Online wellness programme for employees (Yoga, HIIT, meditation, Nutrition Financial Wellness, guest speakers. Check out https://www.instagram.com/umbrellawellness.ie  www.umbrellawellness.ie  

How do I make sure I do not injure myself?

Of course, everyone taking part will be at different levels of experience of squatting. We have teamed up with the wonderful guys at Umbrella Wellness to show  you how to squat, how to do it safely and how best to warm up :)
Laura & George From Umbrella Wellness, are an Irish Workplace Wellness Company that provide companies, schools and hospitals all over Ireland with an Online wellness programme for employees (Yoga, HIIT, meditation, Nutrition Financial Wellness, guest speakers. Check out https://www.instagram.com/umbrellawellness.ie  www.umbrellawellness.ie  

How do I keep track of how much my targeted 2000 squats?

We will send you a guide with a daily plan to follow – you can keep track of how far along you are on this by filling it out and taking a picture to share on your Facebook fundraising page. Or use the digital version below:

2000 squats tracker  

Do I have to record myself doing the squats or post pictures?

No, you do not need to provide video or picture evidence of you doing your 2,000 squats :) You can just update on your fundraiser with how many squats you have done. So for example you could say:
- I have reached 100/3000 squats today!
- Or share a picture of the below tracker with a sticker or mark to show how far along you are:

2000 squats tracker  

You'll find stickers to share your progress with your supporters HERE.

Do I have to prove I have done 2,000 squats?

Post pictures and updates on your Facebook Fundraising page with your daily or weekly squats so we can see you’ve completed the challenge. It is also a great way to show your friends and family who have sponsored you that you’re committed!  You do not need to post your videos or pictures of every single squat  - a note about the number of squats achieved is perfect! Or share a photo of your squat tracker.  

Everyone who completes the challenge will be sent a certificate of completion.   So, make sure to update your Facebook Fundraiser with your progress and so we can see you've completed the challenge.

2000 squats tracker  

Can I do more than 2000 squats in May?

 If you are very experienced (i.e. a fitness teacher etc) and think you have up the target of 2,000, that is fine. Just make sure to not push yourself too hard and end up injuring yourself.

When will I get my sponsorship pack?

Your t-shirt and pack will arrive within 10 working days after registering. We will make sure to have them to you by the 1st May, in time for the challenge.

What is in the sponsorship pack?

A Dogs Trust 2000 squats t-shirt. - A sponsorship card if you asked for one. - An information booklet with tips, FAQ’s and a daily squat tracker guide!

How do I set up a Facebook fundraiser?

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/fund/DogsTrustIrelandOnline/ and wait for the pop-up to set up a page. Be sure to add 2,000 squats in May to your Fundraising page title and set the end date to June 3rd. Sometimes this link doesn't work when outside of Facebook. If it doesn't, please pop back into the Facebook group and click the link in the pinned post to set a fundraiser up.

How do I find my Facebook fundraiser?

It is usually visible on your Facebook page. If you are on your mobile, open the Facebook app, click the bottom right hand corner and then 'fundraisers'. Or simply visit: https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/manage

How do I edit the end date of my fundraising page?

This is a quirk of Facebook Fundraising pages. They are automatically set to run for just 15 days! You need to manually change the date to June 3rd. Here’s how to do that: To edit your end date click: - https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/manage - Click on your fundraiser.- Click 'edit'- Click 'end date' and select June 3rd. - Then make sure to click 'save' on the top right hand corner.

My fundraiser ended before I finished the challenge. Can you re-start it?

This is a quirk of Facebook Fundraising pages. They are automatically set to run for just 15 days! Unless you edit the end date, it will automatically end. Unfortunately, the only way around this is to set up a new fundraising page so make sure to edit your end date as above.

I need help fundraising! How can I raise the maximum funds?

If you are fundraising via  Facebook fundraising page, please see our Facebook fundraising guide here. Thank you for your support!

How will the money I have raised help Dogs Trust?

Taking part in events such as the 2000 squats in May Challenge, raises vital funds which help stray and abandoned dogs across Ireland. Since opening our Rehoming Centre in 2009, dog lovers like you have rescued and rehomed over 20,000 dogs. We rely on public support to fund our work and we are entirely reliant on the generosity of amazing people like you to continue our life-saving work.

Every single donation raised provides each dog that comes into our care with nutritious food, veterinary treatment, a microchip, neutering, vaccinations and most importantly, love and cuddles from our Canine Carers and a Forever Home.

My friend doesn’t have Facebook and wants to take part in the challenge?

If you or if you have a friend or family member who wants to take part but is not on Facebook that is no problem at all. Fill out this registration form here.

They can request a sponsorship card on the form above, make a donation or set up an online fundraiser on Just Giving

A friend accidentally donated to my Facebook fundraiser. Can you issue them a refund?

Unfortunately Dogs Trust can’t issue refunds, Facebook must do this. People can request a refund themselves from Facebook by following the below steps: Send them this link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/162031714239823 Select - I donated to a fundraiser on Facebook Select - I want a refund for my donation(s) Select - I made a donation by accident. Find their donation in the dropdown and request the refund.

Can my child (under 18) take part?

For health and safety reasons, the squat challenge is just open for adults over the age of 18.

My friend isn’t on Facebook – can they donate to my fundraiser?

Unfortunately only people with a Facebook profile can make a donation on Facebook.

They can give you the cash or transfer you the funds (via Revolut, PayPalMe, Online Banking etc) and you can add the donation to your fundraiser yourself.

They can donate directly to Dogs Trust here: https://www.dogstrust.ie/whats-happening/latest-appeal/squat-challenge-donation

Got a question about the Squat challenge or need help? Pop us a message below and we will reply as soon as possible

How do to a Squat properly and safely!

Of course, everyone taking part will be at different levels of experience of squatting. We have teamed up with the wonderful guys at Umbrella Wellness to show  you how to squat, how to do it safely and how best to warm up :)
Laura & George From Umbrella Wellness, are an Irish Workplace Wellness Company that provide companies, schools and hospitals all over Ireland with an Online wellness programme for employees (Yoga, HIIT, meditation, Nutrition Financial Wellness, guest speakers. Check out https://www.instagram.com/umbrellawellness.ie and www.umbrellawellness.ie

 

How to return Sponsorship Card funds

If you have set up a Facebook fundraiser then you don’t need to do anything.  Your donations will automatically be sent to Dogs Trust.

If you have raised money via a sponsorship card then you can:

1. Donate raised funds online here  
2. Add them to your Facebook Fundraiser!
3. Phone in your donation by calling 01-879 1000 (option 3) and use your credit or debit card. 
4. Post in a bank draft, cheque or postal order to Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, Ashbourne Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 K003
5. Lodge the funds directly to our bank account. See details below:
Reference:  Squat challenge  & Your Name      
Bank Name:  AIB, Main Street, Finglas          
Account Name: Dogs Trust Limited                    
Account Number: 271 202 65                                 
Sort Code:  93-21-32                                     
IBAN: IE90 AIBK 9321 3227 120265    
BIC/SWIFT:  AIBKIE2D

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