Giving Back
It was very exciting when I sold my first piece of artwork. It was exciting that someone actually wanted some thing that I created and if you’ve ever painted anything, you understand the doubts that come with wondering if you art is even appealing to anyone. In the first year of selling my first pieces, I participated in three markets and was fortunate enough to have a few custom orders. It was all very exciting but I couldn’t help but feel that I was falling short of what I had set out to do, what I had wanted to achieve by painting on leaves. Since I was highlighting Species at Risk and issues occurring in nature as a result of human impact, I wanted to do more than just reduce my environmental impact and sell artwork, I wanted to really help.
I am not a vet, scientist, biologist nor do I have any prospects to run for a political party, but I wanted some way to help. I didn’t feel like there was a way I could help directly so I figured the next best thing would be to help those who do spend their time on the “front lines” of fighting for nature and wildlife. I decided to give back to organizations who do make a difference.
Since the beginning of 2018, we have been able to donate
$4,304.58
from the sales of artwork and donation pieces for auction.
Organizations
These organizations were chosen for their positive contributions to the environment and their direct impact on wildlife.
Pacific Wild
This organization is based out of British Columbia, Canada and they work to preserve habitat for wildlife as well as stop the mistreatment of wild animals (a.k.a wolf culling and trophy hunting). They have an amazing IMAX film called Great Bear Rainforest and I was lucky enough to be able to participate in their WildAuction2019 and donated a painting of a Spirit Bear.
Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature provides education and public engagement regarding Ontario’s lands and the ever changing legislation that impacts it. I find this organization especially important in a time that this province’s protected lands seem to be under constant threat of development. They take time to translate legislature for the general public to understand and take action. They also have a fantastic collection of free educational resources for download.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
This organization uses donations to purchase land across Canada in order to conserve it. It’s unfortunate but as my hometown is expanding, I’ve come to the realization that unless an area is protected, there is a good chance it will be developed. I think this is one of the most important organizations as it protects nature which in turn, protects wildlife.
Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program
NSOBP was founded in 2007 in response to the dire population of Northern Spotted Owls remaining in B.C. This species was greatly impacted by poor environmental legislation over the decades which caused the loss of their old-growth forest habitat to development and logging. In August of 2022, the program released 3 owls into protected habitat, the first release of its kind in the world.
Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre
Originally created for injured turtles, this centre now takes in all species of injured and orphaned wildlife. It has served as the only centre in Northeastern Ontario in 2020. Founded and run by a real life super woman, this centre works to not only to rehabilitate and release all wildlife back into the wild, they work with centres across Ontario to ensure each species is getting the care it requires. This is an extraordinary example of team work across the province.
I’ve had the amazing opportunity of volunteering here periodically throughout 2020. I am forever thankful and will continue to donate after being able to see first hand the care injured and orphaned wildlife requires.
Kawartha Wildlife Centre
This Wildlife Centre is located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region. They accept injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of rehabilitating them to release them back into the wild. They also provide wildlife education throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Serving Nova Scotia for over 20 years, this wildlife rehabilitation centre is fully permitted to care for birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. They are also the only continuous flight centre for rehabilitating large raptors in Canada (and 1 of 4 in North America). Their expertise in rehabilitating raptors has gained international recognition.
Inspiration
These are some of my favourite quotes that helped to change my outlook on a variety of things. I wanted to share them incase they may help you see something differently as well.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”
— unknown
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”
— Dr. Suess
“It seems to me, that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living”
— David Attenborough
“Rooted securely in the earth, trees reach towards the heavens. All across the planet, trees - in a wonderful profusion of form and function- literally hold the world together”
—David Suzuki & Wayne Grady