Young conservationists making a big impact for wildlife
At the Alpenglow School in the mountain town of Canmore, Alberta just east of Banff National Park, students from kindergarten to grade six organized an Earth Day ‘Fun Run’ fundraiser — and they chose Y2Y as the beneficiary.
The students got pledges for the Fun Run from friends and family. One six-year-old asked the guests at her birthday party to bring donations instead of gifts to “protect homes for animals.”
These generous kids raised a whopping $5,600 CAD (approximately $4,200 USD)! One kindergartener raised over $1,000 on his own.
Y2Y’s donor relations specialist, Robin, chatted with three grade sixers to find out what inspires them about our work. As a Y2Y supporter, you might relate to their responses:
Q: Why did you choose to give your hard earned money to Y2Y?
Student 1: “We thought it was really cool how you protected all the animals and made areas where they could cross safely. I think the crossing thingies are awesome!”
Student 2: “Because of what your goals are: to protect the animals and the land. It’s not only good for Canmore, but for a super humongous area of the world.”
Student 3: “Because it was really helping animals and reducing traffic incidents. It’s safer!”
Q: What do you think the role of science is in conservation?
Student 2: “Science helps because the science figures out what animals need to survive to be protected.”
Student 3: “It helps learn more about animals and what they need. Knowing more means we can help more.”
Student 1: “Sometimes you need to prove it for people to listen to you.”
Q: What is your hope for this area (Canmore, Banff and the Bow Valley) in 30 years?
Student 2: “I think if we take better actions in our community to protect the animals, give them the space they need so they are still here in 30 years, which is better for people too because we are all one Earth.”
Student 3: “I think it’s going to have less production of greenhouse gases and we are going to have a much greener Canmore. I’m pretty hopeful, but I hope good decisions are made until people my age are allowed to make them.”
Q: What can everyone do to help the environment, the Earth and conservation?
Student 3: “You could plant trees and give animals space. I don’t want a bear in my yard, but I want them here, on the Earth.”
Student 1: “You could fundraise for groups like Y2Y and ride your bike more often.”
If you agree “the crossing thingies are awesome” please join these kids by matching their giving. We’d love to report back to them that their generosity inspired other nature lovers around the world to support Y2Y. Thank you!
