We started with this mission to create environmental awareness more than ten years ago, in 2011. Since then, we have helped communities and worked with many non-profit organizations that endorse the SDGs. We're passionate about making a difference. We are serious about our commitment to take action as we build the way to a more sustainable future that benefits us all. 

We hope that each year, our kids get to learn, draw, grow, and share with us via our drawing contest; together, we can make the changes the planet needs. With this in mind, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the many non-profit organizations we have worked with during these years. 
 

The Barbados Sea Turtle Project 

(University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus) Aims to recover marine turtle populations through scientifically-sound conservation measures and monitoring programs with a heavy focus on developing and implementing training. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 14: Life below water. 

How can you help? You can donate to help cover the cost of their nesting beach program, their in-water monitoring activities, or their rescue and rehabilitation program. Or, if you are local and over 21 years old, you can also volunteer. Visit the webpage 

The Biomimicry Institute 

Empowers people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Their main goal is to become a natural part of the design process, to create a new generation of innovators who support all life on this planet. They do this by supporting a series of innovative solutions, such as AskNature.org, a database with lesson plans, classroom exercises, and educator resources. They have also developed numerous educational resources, such as the Biomimicry Student Design Challenge, as an opportunity for university students studying biomimicry to apply their knowledge and skills to address critical sustainability issues with nature-inspired solutions. This program would later become the initial feeder for the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge, Biomimicry Launchpad, and Ray of Hope Prize.

Which SDG does it support? The Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge focuses on broad topics such as energy, transportation, water, and food, covering many of the United Nations Sustainable Goals. 

How can you help? You can make a financial donation to empower more students and educators to connect with nature in ways that address social and emotional learning. Visit the webpage

The Plastic Soup Foundation 

Focuses on the effects of single-use plastic and microplastic pollution and works toward finding solutions for a more sustainable future. 

Which SDG does it support? Goals 14, 11, and 12. Life Below Water, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. 

How can you help? You can take action! Do as much as you can to stop using unnecessary plastic at home. You can also become a Plastic Soup Angel and help spread the word and create awareness about plastic pollution. Lastly, you can donate or fundraise to help them continue their mission. Visit the webpage 
 

The Wildlife Conservation Network 

Focuses on protecting wildlife and endangered species across the world. 

Which SDG does it support? Goals 13, 14, and 15. Climate Action, Life on Land and Life Below Water. 

How can you help? You can donate. When you designate your donation to a specific species, 100% of your donation will go directly to the field to support this species. You can also help by spreading the word online and offline by talking to friends and family about each species's importance and habitat. Visit the webpage

WildAid 

WildAid's mission is to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. However, while most wildlife conservation groups focus on scientific studies and anti-poaching efforts, WildAid works to reduce the global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 12, 14, and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land and Life Below Water. 

How can you help? You can donate to help fund the many conservation programs they currently manage. You can also help by creating awareness. Talk to your friends and family about wildlife conservation and illegal wildlife use in the production of garments, food, and other consumer-driven products. Always research any product you consume to ensure no animals were harmed in the production process. Visit the webpage 

Save the Chimps 

Does exactly that! Save the Chimps is one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world, whose mission is to provide refuge and exemplary care to chimpanzees in need. Save the Chimps offers life-long care for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry.

Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 14. Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land. 

How can you help? You can donate. Your donation will help provide quality care to their chimpanzee sanctuary residents, including fresh and nutritious meals, veterinary care, innovative enrichment, and the social companionship necessary for the chimps to live happy lives. You can also "adopt a chimp" by supporting one of their sanctuary chimps exclusively - you can find out more about each chimp on the website. 

The Oceanic Society 

Whose mission is to improve ocean health by deepening the connections between people and nature to address the root cause of its decline: human behavior. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life Below Water. 

How can you help? You can become a member of the Oceanic Society to support sea turtle conservation programs worldwide and the production of our annual State of the World's Sea Turtles Report. Or you can choose to Adopt or Name an Ocean Animal, such as a sea turtle, whale, dolphin, or albatross, or lastly, you can host a fundraiser online! 

Heifer International 

Their mission is to end hunger. They focus on helping families overcome poverty by empowering them with the tools they need to succeed. They are heavily involved in supporting social enterprises, local farmers, and their communities. 

Which SDG does it support? Goals 1, 2, 8, and 10. No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities 

How can you help? You can help end poverty and hunger by donating. When you donate to Heifer, you help families settle and develop sustainable solutions to prevent poverty and end hunger. 

The Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank 

Helping the local community fight hunger and food poverty. They have been supporting the community through food assistance in a caring and non-judgmental way since 1990. 

Which SDG does it support? Goals 1, 2, 8, and 10. No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. 

How can you help? Due to Covid restrictions, the Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is asking for financial and gift card donations instead of cans and non-perishable foods this year. Otherwise, you can also donate online. Your donations keep many families fed. Learn more!

Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, Barbados 

Their mission is to protect and advocate stray, abandoned, and abused dogs and cats in Barbados: through rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, adoption, and spay/neuter. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 15 Life on Land. 

How can you help? You can donate, or if you are local, you can sponsor, foster or volunteer. You can also help create awareness about the importance of spaying, neutering, and caring for our pets as family members. Read more!

SWOT - the State of the World's Sea Turtles

 As its name implies, it focuses on the conservation and preservation of sea turtle populations around the world. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life Below Water. 

How can you help? You can donate to support the cause and help from home by spreading the dangers of plastic and sea pollution to the world and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. Find out more on the website!
 

The Defenders of Wild Life  

Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is the premier U.S.-based national conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring imperiled species and their habitats in North America. 

Which SDG does it support? Goal 15 Life on Land. 

How can you help? You can take immediate action by signing one of their current online petitions to the current US Administration to help save and protect many local endangered species. And you can also donate to support their cause. Visit the webpage.
 

You can get involved, help, and spread the word about the importance of sustainability, equality, inclusion, and prevention. Even by just being here reading this blog post, you are already taking action. We are eternally grateful to each of you who participates in our annual drawing contest. You are already working toward a better future.