Donate

Help us make Orillia a net-zero emissions community by 2050.

Why donate?

Thank you for considering a donation to Sustainable Orillia. Here's why your contribution is important.

We are already well into a world-wide climate crisis and the consequences of not acting now threaten not only the future quality of life on this planet, but potentially our very survival. Orillia and its citizens may escape the most damaging effects of climate change for a while, but sooner, rather than later, every corner of our beautiful planet will be impacted – the climate crisis is an existential threat for all of us, but in particular for our children and grandchildren.

Donate today and support Sustainable Orillia.  Thank you.

Net Zero by 2050

Sustainable Orillia was launched in spring 2019. Its mandate was to be a resource and rallying force for all Orillians to come together to make the decisions and changes necessary to bring Orillia’s carbon footprint down to zero by 2050.

To do so, we need the support and donations of citizens like you to build and implement programs and events that will increase the climate literacy of the community, while encouraging every citizen to support—and take—the necessary steps to overcome the climate crisis.

During the pandemic, Sustainable Orillia leveraged its communication platforms and programs to remain relevant and in the public eye. Now, with in-person venues available for workshops, events and meetings;  face-to-face opportunities to motivate and inform a broader audience are emerging. We have an ambitious strategy in place to help Orillia reach their goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, but to do so we need financial support.

Join Us - group of hands together in circle
This can't wait til I'm bigger sign
Advocating for change

Until recently, Sustainable Orillia has been an entirely volunteer-led and volunteer-run operation. Recently, thanks to a short-term grant from ECO Canada, we have been able to fund a part-time resource person who helps with coordination and administration. Along with more volunteers, a dedicated, paid resource is one of our greatest needs – a full-time person to coordinate our growing number of projects. 

Your donations will help ensure that we have the resources to advocate, educate, communicate and participate in programs that will reduce our overall emissions and protect our wonderful community’s future. Please give generously.

Your donation will help support these initiatives

  • Orillia’s Climate Future – the city’s community climate-change action plan with a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.   Sustainable Orillia plays an ongoing role in communicating and reinforcing this critical pathway to future sustainability across our community. 
  • Sustainable Orillia Month– supported by the City of Orillia, this is a month-long campaign of sustainable events and communications, intended to inform and engage citizens in sustainable practices and emission reduction.  
  • Orillia’s Annual Electric Vehicle Show – a two-day exhibition of electric vehicles; providing hands-on experience and information for prospective buyers.
  • Waterfront Re-development – Sustainable Orillia believes strongly that this transformational project must be a net-zero development. We have already provided a deputation to City Council and will continue to monitor, consult and promote net zero guidelines for this project.
  • Youth Council’s Simcoe County Youth Summit (2024) – following upon the success of the 2022 Simcoe County Youth Summit, plans are being built to host another day-long workshop – focused on the climate emergency for over 200 hundred local secondary and post-secondary students. Featuring guest speakers, workshops and networking opportunities
  • An Alternative  Energy Strategy for Orillia – Sustainable Orillia is producing a comprehensive paper on hydrogen, along with other available and alternate energy sources for Council to consider – in support of ‘Big Move #1’ Alternate Energy and closing the gap on our emissions reduction.  
  • Annual Sustainable Orillia Calendar and Art Contest – a program the engages students from all levels to apply their creativity, bringing their vision of sustainability to life in artwork – much of which is featured in the annual Sustainable Orillia Calendar, as well as exhibits during Sustainable Orillia Month. 
  • Webinars and Educational Programs – an ongoing program, that is particularly relevant during Sustainable Orillia Month. Often presented in partnership with other like-minded organizations
  • Ongoing activities such as Urban Walks and activities in support of Orillia becoming both a ‘Bird City’ and a ‘Bee City’.   TIPs and  media articles,  profiles of people who have joined the fight for sustainability are also ongoing. 
  • Sustainable Orillia Youth Council Scholarships – three $500 scholarships are awarded annually to graduating students who, based on their contributions to the Sustainable Orillia Youth Council are selected. Su

Support Sustainable Orillia by becoming a Sponsor

Sponsor an event, activity, workshop or other program and invest in our collective future.

money growing a seedling