Passionate about our Environment
I write this from a sun-filled office in Ancaster, Ontario, the window is cracked open, and the birds are busy filling the air with many melodies. As part of the Niagara Escarpment, we have over 110 waterfalls in the area, and a vast network of hiking trails and ecosystems which led to the designation in 1990 by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, making it one of twelve in Canada.
I am grateful to live in this beautiful area and remain committed to protecting it for the generations that follow. I know that we share in this commitment to conservation, as we eagerly embrace all that is possible through Rotary’s area of focus on the environment.
With Earth Day fast approaching, I’d like to highlight what we have accomplished since the relatively recent launch of this area of focus in 2021. Generous Rotarians have contributed over $5 Million to fund more than 90 Global Grants already! Some of these projects include a reforesting project of 125 acres in Madagascar, the installation of a hybrid solar/diesel power generator for a Haitian school that saves around US $4,000 per year in fuel costs and reduces air and noise pollution, and a water conservation project for the Ipswich River near Boston, Massachusetts.I hope you saw a recent Rotary Magazine article about a “adopt a body of water” partner initiative between Rotary and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called “Community Action for Fresh Water”, which was announced at the Rotary International Assembly this January.
Rotary’s ability to empower communities to conserve and protect natural resources, promote environmental behaviors, and advance ecological sustainability is made possible by donors who believe that these issues are vital to our future. Donors like you.
Almost ten years ago I decided to designate a portion of my life insurance policy to the Rotary Foundation for US $25,000, which will establish a family-named endowed fund when realized. Inspired by the work of members in this new area of focus, I recently made a change of designation to support the Environment, a decision enthusiastically embraced by my family. My family will have the option to continue donations, building on the good that will come from our named endowment. It is a personal legacy I am proud to have planned for, knowing that I can be a small part of continuing our work to conserve and protect our beautiful world.
April 20th, I will be joining my husband, a member of the Rotary Club of Ancaster, ON. District 7090, and my mom, to participate with his club to collect garbage in
our community, a part of a greater clean-up effort for the Great Lakes Watershed. Please let me know what you are doing to support our work. I love to hear your stories. If you have questions or would like to learn more about supporting Rotary’s work in Protecting the Environment today or as part of your estate plans, please contact me.
our community, a part of a greater clean-up effort for the Great Lakes Watershed. Please let me know what you are doing to support our work. I love to hear your stories. If you have questions or would like to learn more about supporting Rotary’s work in Protecting the Environment today or as part of your estate plans, please contact me.Your actions as a Rotary member create hope in the world every day. Thank you for all you do!
Carolyn Ferguson, CFRE
Senior Major Gifts Officer-Zone 28 | Canada & parts of USA-WA, NY, MI, ME
The Rotary Foundation | Regionally based in Ontario, Canada
Primary 1.289.239.7190 carolyn.ferguson@rotary.org