Newmarket, ON – On Wednesday, local MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy had an opportunity to connect with representatives from EcoSpark Environmental Association to hear how a three-year, $151,400 Grow grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has helped it with an innovative school program in York Region. Since receiving the grant in 2020, EcoSpark has taken it’s Changing Currents program to nine schools throughout York Region.
“Our government is proud to support EcoSpark Environmental Association’s innovative Changing Currents program, empowering children across York Region,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “This program educates and instills in our youth a sense of responsibility and capability to lead in the preservation and enhancement of our natural biodiversity.”
The focus of the Changing Currents program is to empower more than 1,500 local youth to become citizen scientists and environmental stewards. Funds from the grant were used to help with a number of aspects to help the program expand into York Region from other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, including helping with staffing costs for three positions, purchasing field uniforms, creating teacher and youth information manuals and helping with marketing and website costs. In addition, the grant enabled the organization to host several workshops and it helped with key administrative costs as well.
EcoSpark’s Changing Currents program trains students and teachers to monitor water quality during spring and fall school sessions. Students learn about key indicators of stream health how they are impacted by pollution and climate change and the steps they can take to reduce those impacts. They develop a sense of agency when they see the positive things they can do to help reduce the impacts of the environmental problems they are witnessing today.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like EcoSpark Environmental Organization deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that EcoSpark remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Media Contact:
Paul Mero, Executive Director
EcoSpark
647-258-3280 x 2005
paul@ecospark.ca