The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) has secured a $25,000-grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund for its Project SSEED.
The grant provides the funding required to bring free environmental education and volunteer opportunities to the communities in the watershed region through the Severn Sound Engagement and Education project.
“Mental health concerns including climate anxiety and ‘ecological worrying’ are issues among young people," said Sustainability and Climate Action Coordinator at the Severn Sound Environmental Association Jon Main in a news release. "Education empowers people and communities. Empowering young people in our communities provides them with education and knowledge equipping them to make informed decisions and understand their role in and ability to protect their local environment. Thanks to The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Grant, we’re able to take the next steps to provide this education to our communities.
Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. program invested $350,000 in grants this year, scaling from previous years. Tim Shauf, President of The Commonwell, emphasizes the program's impact, stating, "We received over $2.7 million in funding requests this year, highlighting its crucial role in supporting communities." Shauf adds, "We believe in fostering strength and resilience within the communities we serve, and this year's projects are positioned to make a lasting positive impact."
L.E.A.F.'s mission is simple: cultivate community resilience and capacity through program development and facility/resource upgrades in places where residents learn, play, engage, and gather.
For more details about Severn Sound Environmental Association’s “Project SSEED – Severn Sound Engagement and Education” Project visit https://thecommonwell.ca/leaf/.
For over 100 years, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has provided insurance for Ontario’s farmers, families, and businesses. With a focus on the rural lifestyle, The Commonwell believes in giving back to the communities it serves through annual philanthropy efforts, including the L.E.A.F. program. Learn more at https://thecommonwell.ca/impact2023/.
