Kids for Turtles on a roll
Posted By NATHAN TAYLOR, THE PACKET AND TIMES
Posted 2 months ago
Kids for Turtles Environmental Education picked up the pace in the past year, stepping out of its home shell and expanding into southwestern Ontario.
The opening of a chapter in Norfolk County was just one of the organization's success stories celebrated during its annual general meeting Saturday at the legion.
"By expanding chapters, we're able to expand the education and reach a new population," said program and outreach coordinator Patricia Davidson.
Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation was another boon, allowing the non-profit group to hire two full-time staff members -- an office manager and a program co-ordinator-- taking some of the load off volunteers.
"Up until now, it's been strictly volunteers," said Kids for Turtles founder Bob Bowles.
The organization also welcomed four more members to its board of directors, bringing the number of directors to 12.
Three major events were held in the past year: the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, Orillia Dragonfly Festival and the Wings Over Muskoka Nature and Arts Festival. When the organization didn't have its own events going on, it found somewhere else to get its message out. Staff delivered more than 60 educational programs during appearances at various events.
Being a non-profit group, Kids for Turtles is always looking for donations, volunteers and members. There's enough money in the bank to make it to spring, but it'll need some more cash at that time.
"Otherwise, we'll be in trouble," Bowles said. "We certainly would like to appeal for any financial support."
He even suggested people give memberships as a Christmas gift.
And don't let the group's name fool you.
"Kids for Turtles is not just for kids and it's not just for turtles," Bowles said, noting the diversity of both its membership and its educational programs.
After all, it's not often you see children at an annual general meeting, but they had activities to keep them busy and informed during the meeting on the weekend.
"We're trying to educate youth and families," Bowles said.
He thanked all those who have supported Kids for Turtles, especially the membership.
Davidson thanked the representatives from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Wildlife Centre, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and All Things Wild and Wonderful for giving presentations at the meeting.
For more information on Kids for Turtles, visit www.kidsforturtles.com.
ntaylor@orilliapacket.com
