AWARE was awarded the ‘Sustainability in Action’ award at the Whistler Excellence Awards hosted by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce and partners. We were honoured to be recognised in this way, especially after the last few years where we have significantly increased our annual projects, programs and events that empower others to be more sustainable in their homes, businesses and lifestyles.
If you missed the event, here is what we said (roughly!). After starting by recognising our fellow nominees, Seeds Consulting and Raven’s Nest, we rolled into the following …
We would like to start by acknowledging that we would not be where we are today without the Community Foundation of Whistler taking a chance on us and providing the operational support which has been an absolute game changer for our organisation.
As Whistler’s environmental charity, this kinda feels like cheating! Building sustainable community is part of our mandate, along with Connecting People with Nature and Safeguarding Habitat, Biodiversity and Wilderness.
Whether working with businesses and events to reduce waste, working with conference groups on eco-projects, or creating the environmental ambassadors of tomorrow through our new nature kids camps launching this year – everything we do is focused on empowering others in creating a more sustainable future.
Many of you in this room have been a part of working to make Whistler a more sustainable community. Recognising that, whether through our businesses, the way we raise our kids, or the way choose to play. We all have the ability to make a difference and every step on the journey counts.
The under-served leg of the sustainability stool is often the environment – and it needs our continued attention here in Whistler. We are after all a nature-based tourism economy.
The natural world is inspiration for our arts, it’s where we go to be challenged and to overcome, it’s where we are struck with awe and wonder. Nature is a place we can go to restore our souls, to connect with ourselves, and with others, to learn about history, balance and cultures.
This is the place we call home and this community is facing some big decisions. If we don’t stand up for what we stand on, then we risk sacrificing: diversity in our ecosystems, unique ancient forests, glaciers, and iconic species – from the grizzly bear to the tiny toads of Lost Lake. We share this place. And nature needs a voice… and we can all be a part of that.
So many people in this community have been a part of AWARE’s journey. Many of you in this room have supported AWARE through your membership, volunteering, or donating prizing as part of your business – to everyone who has contributed over the past 28 year and all those still to get involved – on behalf of the AWARE board and staff – THANK YOU!
