TORONTO – What do Purple Martin nesting box installations, electric car conversions, wetland rehabilitations, and bee-keeping have in common? They’re all projects funded by the sixth round of WWF’s Green CommUnity School Grants Program.
WWF and Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) are proud to announce 28 new grant recipients from across Canada. This round of funding provides $100,000 in grants to elementary and secondary schools across Canada, supporting student engagement in green initiatives.
The grants are made possible through partial proceeds from Loblaw’s charge-for-plastic shopping bag program in its stores. The grants are designed to encourage students’ interest in environmental stewardship, as well as to provide a hands-on learning experience in sustainability and greening communities.
This round of grants will provide funding a range of projects, including:
– Creating an outdoor classroom to encourage student awareness of the importance of local, organic produce at Robert Bateman High School in Burlington, Prince Edward Island
– Designing, building and installing nesting boxes for Purple Martins, a local bird population in decline near Bell High School in Nepean, Ontario
– Building an electric car at The Valleys Senior Public School in Mississauga, Ontario
– Exploring solar power and sustainable energy at East Three Elementary School in Inuvik, Northwest Territories
– Rebuilding a school greenhouse at Netsilik School in Taloyoak, Nunavut
– Rehabilitating the marsh near École Des Jolis Prés in Laterrière, Quebec
– Establishing and maintaining a honeybee habitat at Fraser heights Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia
– Introducing Red Wiggler vermicompost bins at West Wood High School in Fort McMurray, Alberta
Quotes
“We’re very excited about the projects in this round of Green CommUnity School Grants – they show enormous interest in the environment and creativity. The grants provide a great opportunity for students across Canada to become passionate environmental stewards, which we hope will lead to an even better future for our living planet.”
– Christina Topp, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, WWF Canada
“Loblaw is proud to support the Green CommUnity School Grants program for the fourth consecutive year. The support is made possible through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in our stores. These grants are important to schools because they help to educate students about our environment and inspire them to make a positive difference for our planet.”
– Bob Chant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited
About WWF’s Green CommUnity School Grants Program
The Green CommUnity School Grants Program will award grants totalling $600,000 to Canadian schools over the course of three years. Any private, public, or independent Canadian elementary or secondary school that is working on a green initiative is eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000. Find out more at www.wwf.ca/greencommunitygrants.
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca
About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca
Source: Loblaw Companies Limited
