For immediate release – December 5, 2013
MEC grant will help protect Ontario rivers
Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) has received nearly $35,000 from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) to help the organization become more effective in its efforts to protect the province’s rivers. The grant will allow ORA to undertake several initiatives, including strategic and fundraising planning, rebranding and website development, and outreach/membership development.
“We are so pleased that MEC has provided this important opportunity for ORA to take our organization to the next level,” ORA Chair Linda Heron says. “This grant will help us build a strong foundation for strategic growth and effectiveness. I see a very bright future for this organization.”
Ontario Rivers Alliance has formed a strong network of environmental, stewardship, and conservation organizations to share, communicate, collaborate, and join our voices, experience and strengths in a coordinated effort to address policy, risky or threatening developments, and unhealthy river ecosystems.
Since it was founded in 2011, ORA has operated almost entirely through the diligent efforts of volunteers. The MEC grant will make it possible to bring in human resources for some key functions, taking pressure off volunteers and helping the group become more effective.
Strategic planning will enable ORA to set priorities and goals based on the needs of member organizations. Fundraising planning will allow the group to work towards employing paid staff in the long-term. Rebranding, website redesign and other membership development activities will create a strong base of support for the future.
About MEC Contributions: This Capacity Building grant is part of MEC’s larger Community Contributions initiative. Through Capacity Building grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, MEC supports grassroots conservation organizations and activity-based organizations by providing funding that will help strengthen their effectiveness. MEC’s Community Contributions program helps keep space for adventure by conserving ecologically and recreationally important places, and by inspiring and enabling Canadians to be active outside. As a member of 1% For The Planet, MEC invests one percent of its annual revenue to environmental causes.
For more information:
Linda Heron
Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance
705-866-1677 LindaH@ontarioriversalliance.ca