For immediate release
Alternatives Journal Sponsors Hometown Heroes Award
Waterloo, ON (February 27, 2009) — Canada’s national environmental magazine, Alternatives Journal, will be the official media sponsor of Earth Day Canada’s 2009 Hometown Heroes Award Program. The program was developed by Earth Day Canada to recognize and celebrate environmental leaders who have fostered meaningful, long–term awareness and action in communities across Canada, often by heroes who receive little to no recognition for their tremendous efforts.
“The truth is, real environmental change has to happen on a small scale by every citizen across the country,” says Nicola Ross, Executive Editor of Alternatives Journal. “The real heroes are the leaders who engage people in their own communities to stand up and make a difference. Alternatives Journal wants to recognize those efforts everywhere by supporting the Hometown Heroes Award Program.”
Earth Day Canada has long recognized that the most important environmental work happens at the community level. Whether people are involved in the community garden movement, the protection of natural spaces or have started their own environmental network or organization, these heroics need to be recognized and supported.
“We are looking for environmental leaders who have shown commitment and achieved results in their community,” says Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. “In partnering with Alternatives Journal, we have the opportunity to reach grassroots leaders at the frontlines of the environmental movement. With Alternatives, we will recognize the unsung heroes of the environmental movement in Canada. Equally important, we will inspire others to action.”
The winner of the 2009 Hometown Heroes Award receives $10 000 — $5 000 to keep and $5 000 to donate to the environmental cause of their choice — and bragging rights as Canada’s 2009 environmental hero. You can nominate an environmental leader in your community at www.earthday.ca/hometown or pick up the latest issue of Alternatives, “Biofuelling the Future” (on newsstands February 27) for more information. Applications are due by April 22, 2009.
About Alternatives Journal
With 37 years of award-winning environmental journalism, Alternatives Journal delivers thoughtful analysis and intelligent, peer-reviewed debate on environmental issues, the latest news and ideas, and profiles of Canadians who are making a difference.
Smart. Candid. Passionate.
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world's largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Non-profit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca
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Contact:
Keith Treffry
Director of Communications
Earth Day Canada
Tel: (416) 599-1991 ext. 107
Toll Free: 1-866-2832784 ext. 107
keith@earthday.ca
Leslie Cook
Development Manager
Alternatives Journal
Tel: (519) 888-4545
Toll Free: 1-866-437-2587
leslie@alternativesjournal.ca