TORONTO — Today, the David Suzuki Foundation announced the inaugural Future Ground Prize to recognize community initiatives in Ontario actively building a green and just future. The contest includes three award categories with a top prize of $5,000 and the opportunity to meet David Suzuki virtually.
The annual Future Ground Prize, presented by Desjardins Group and supported by Nature’s Way, celebrates and broadcasts community initiatives that have a significant impact on their communities and the environment. Ten finalists from Ontario will be selected and voted on by the public and a renowned jury of influential people, including visual environmental artist Benjamin Von Wong and climate activist Jayce Chiblow of Indigenous Climate Action.
“The climate and mass species extinction crises won’t only be addressed by governments and politicians,” said scientist, broadcaster, activist and elder David Suzuki. “It’s critical that people champion environmental action at the community level, inspiring each other to act every day. These little actions add up to big differences — and that’s what we’ll celebrate with the Future Ground Prize awards program.”
The Future Ground Prize is open to groups and organizations with pre-existing not-for-profit initiatives that improve the environment and bolster their communities. It is launching in Ontario for the first time after the Foundation’s long-running success with Prix Demain le Québec. Previous winners in Quebec include a zero waste festival and a community garden that provided 65 tonnes of vegetables to food banks.
“Now, more than ever, we need people to come together and spark action by creating a narrative of hope and change toward a better tomorrow for all,” David Suzuki Foundation engagement and mobilization senior manager Megan Hooft said. “This contest is our way of supporting community champions who are making the biggest impact and inspiring others to follow suit in whatever ways they can.”
“Our desire to contribute to improving the economic and social well-being of people and communities is reflected in our commitments and our contribution to the development of a sustainable and responsible economy. We’re proud to highlight and celebrate those who are taking concrete action for our transition efforts through the inaugural ‘Future Ground Prize’ in Ontario,” says Pauline D’Amboise, Vice-President, Governance, Sustainable Development and Secretary General of Desjardins Group.”
The Future Ground Prize will be accepting submissions until April 26. Jury deliberation and public voting on the 10 Grand Prize and five Youth Prize finalists will be open from June 1 to 15. The winners announcement will take place on June 16 at a virtual event with David Suzuki and other special guests.
– 30 –
To submit your green initiative, visit davidsuzuki.org/future-ground-prize/
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Lana Brandt, lbrandt@davidsuzuki.org, 778-833-2954
About:
The David Suzuki Foundation (DavidSuzuki.org) is a leading Canadian environmental non-profit organization, collaborating with all people in Canada, including government and business, to conserve the environment and find solutions that will create a sustainable Canada through evidence-based research, public engagement and policy work. The Foundation operates in English and French, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.