Did you know that according to a recent 2021 study by the Government of Canada, 96% of Canadians recognize the profound impact of nature on their well-being? It is a staggering statistic that highlights just how intertwined our lives are with the health of our environment. From the air we breathe to the food we eat; every aspect of our daily existence is intimately connected to nature.
As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape, there is growing urgency to address environmental challenges and embrace sustainable practices. April, marked by the observance of Earth Day, a grassroots movement, serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations.
In celebration of this global movement, we are highlighting a selection of environmental initiatives right here in our community.
The Trash Tag Challenge is a movement that anyone can participate in, any time of the year, and as many times they want in a year! This viral movement gained widespread popularity on social media in 2019,encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in their community. Participants are encouraged to document the before and after of an outdoor space, showcasing the impact of their efforts to combat litter. Inspired by the initiative, our team embraced the challenge within our local area, making it an annual tradition for our company.
The Rainbow Community Garden, established in 2008 on the University of Manitoba campus, served as a collaborative space for several families from the Central Park area to grow their own food. Last year, our Q-Crew had the opportunity to volunteer at the garden during a Day of Caring campaign hosted by the United Way. This initiative facilitated connections between agency partners, such as Rainbow Community Garden, and volunteer groups, such as our Q-Crew, to tackle small-scale projects.
Our Q-Crew thoroughly enjoyed their time volunteering at the garden, where they helped with watering, weeding, cleaning, and more. It was a rewarding experience that not only contributed to the betterment of the green space but also strengthened our team's sense of community and commitment to sustainability.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) was established in 1962 and has made significant strides in land conservation, restoring over 15 million hectares of land coast to coast. In Manitoba, their efforts have preserved 33,700 hectares across nine crucial natural areas since 1977. Last year, a small group of our team immersed themselves in NCC’s Paddle for Nature campaign, enjoying a weekend of paddling while raising funds to support conservation efforts.
Lake Winnipeg Foundation (LWF) was established in 2005 and stands as the sole membership-based freshwater organization in Manitoba. Dedicated to the restoration and protection of Lake Winnipeg and its watershed, the foundation collaborates with various organizations, governing bodies, and the public to address environmental challenges facing the region. Representatives of LWF visited our company in 2022, conducting a presentation to educate our team on the lake's conditions and restoration efforts. Additionally, some members of our team independently participate in the Walk for Water, demonstrating their personal commitment to supporting LWF's initiatives.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) was established in 2008 as a non-profit organization entrusted with the stewardship of the historic park and zoo. Over the past decade, we have continued to support APC, appreciating their unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation. Most recently, we rented out the facility for our staff and their families to gain deeper insight into APC’s initiatives. The zoo offers a fun experience for families, but also serves as a refuge for animals unable to thrive in the wild.
As we celebrate this environmental month, let us remember the collective impact we can achieve and the dedicated organizations working tirelessly to preserve our planet for future generations. To stay informed about more environmental organizations or movements we support, feel free to follow us on our social platforms.
The right mat program allows you to withstand the big four S's: sun, shower, snow, and slush. When properly implemented, matting can be beneficial year-round, providing safety and cleanliness.
Hear from our COO, Janette, and HR Coordinator, Dana, about how our Q-Crew began in our first episode of, "The Loaded Laundry."
