In a groundbreaking initiative, EcoSchools Canada and Canada's Forest Trust Corporation (CFT) have joined forces to launch the Smart Forest Fundraising Contest, a unique green fundraising challenge for schools across Canada.
The contest, running from November 20, 2023, to January 30, 2024, aims to involve students in actionable climate change solutions.
This national contest is more than just a competition; it's a call to action for youth, amid growing concerns about climate change. Research shows that a significant portion of Canadian youth are anxious about the environmental crisis.
This initiative seeks to provide a constructive outlet for this concern by engaging students in environmental preservation activities.
Participants will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including environmental education bursaries and premium luggage, by participating in activities that contribute to forest preservation and environmental improvement.
These efforts include planting trees, enhancing wildlife habitats, and improving air and soil quality, thereby actively contributing to a more sustainable Canada.
The Smart Forest Fundraising Contest is a first-of-its-kind platform, where trees sold will be planted across Canada.
CFT ensures these trees will be preserved and protected indefinitely, reinforcing the contest's long-term environmental impact.
Ryan Dyment, Co-Executive Director of EcoSchools Canada, highlights the contest's role in initiating a movement towards eco-friendly projects in schools and communities. “This contest is more than a competition; it's intended to start a movement,” said Dyment. “By championing eco-friendly projects in schools and communities and enabling students to take a front-line role in environmental action, this contest is poised to foster hope and active engagement among our future climate leaders.”
Gary Zed, Founder and CEO of CFT, also underscores the multi-faceted impact of the contest. It's not just about planting trees; it's about cultivating environmental literacy and leadership skills among students, with an assurance of long-term ecological impact.
This contest is a call to action for schools and students who wish to make a difference and vie for fantastic prizes. Interested participants can register and start their fundraising campaigns at the official contest website.
EcoSchools Canada, since 2005, has been providing environmental certification for schools, reaching approximately 1 million students annually. Together with CFT's commitment to building Smart Forests™, this initiative represents a significant step towards engaging youth in Canada's fight against climate change.