Who’s behind the curtain? Introducing our 2024 Summer Staff
Summer is in full swing at Swim Drink Fish, and we’re only getting busier as we roll into July. Whether it be analyzing water samples or connecting with the community at our water literacy events, our staff are always busy making the most of these fleetingly short Canadian summers.
Each year, we bring on a dedicated team of summer staff to make the most of the warm weather and help make what we do possible. Let’s take a moment to meet the newest additions to our team, and learn what led them to their passion for swimmable, drinkable and fishable water.
Kingston Hub
Swim Drink Fish operates out of several locations across Canada. Kingston is the first of three hubs welcoming some new staff this season.
Meet Taylor V.
Tell us a bit about your Watermark?
Abbey R. in Portugal off the Atlantic coast.
My watermark is the Black River in Washago, Ontario, as it is the river that I grew up on and have made the most memories from. The Black River is home to countless forms of wildlife, such as bass and otters, which make the river such a vibrant and rich place that inspired me to get into environmental and biodiversity research.
Give us one interesting fact about yourself.
I own and have raised several types of freshwater fish, such as bettas, snails, and guppies!
Meet Abbey R.
What are you most excited about working for SDF this summer?
I am most excited to learn and work with other SDF members on some exciting new projects and help people further connect with water!
What is your favourite aquatic animal?
Beluga whales! I love their friendly and curious demeanor.
Vancouver Hub
Our Vancouver Hub is the driving force behind our West Coast programs.
Meet Evie O.
Tell us a bit about your Watermark?
One of my watermarks is the Farrar River in Glen Straffarra in Scotland. Just as we came out of lockdown in the UK, my friends met up for the first time and took a trip up the Glen. We stopped at a widening with little pools and small waterfalls in the Farrar River. We swam, played, and basked in the sun! We slowed down for those few hours and just appreciated our surroundings, our health, our company and how water brings us life.
What are you most excited about working for SDF this summer?
Working with different partners in the local community, including Simon Fraser University and The Surfrider Foundation.
Toronto Hub
Last but not least, our Toronto Hub sits right on the shoreline of Lake Ontario. Many of our staff are from other areas of the GTA, but we all feel a responsibility to help reconnect Toronto to the waterfront.
Meet Abbey S.
What are you most excited about working for SDF this summer?
I’m excited about the creative freedom I’ve been given this summer. I am really looking forward to developing new ideas for content for SDF.
What is your favourite aquatic animal?
I really love any type of duck! I know waterfowl often get a bad rap, but ducks are some of the most beautiful birds and waterfowl migration season is my favourite time of year!
Abbey S. at Ward’s Island in Toronto, ON.
Meet Henry C.
Tell us a bit about your Watermark.
My watermark is Webster’s Falls and Spencer Creek in Dundas, Ontario. Peaceful, beautiful and changes with the seasons!
What are you most excited about working for SDF this summer?
Learning about environmental law, getting outdoors, and making connections in the city.
Meet Grace VA.
Tell us a bit about your Watermark.
Tadoussac on the St.Lawrence River is where I spent my summers growing up. It is located where the Saguenay and St.Lawrence river meet. There are vast populations of whales (Belugas, Minkes, Humpbacks etc.). This is the place where I first connected with water and why I have decided to pursue a career in nature conservation - to protect beautiful places like Tadoussac.
What is your favourite aquatic animal?
Snapping turtles! They look like dinosaurs and have the personality to match.
Grace VA. at Heart Lake in Brampton, ON.
Meet Teke R.
Give us one interesting fact about yourself.
I have a collection of “Live Laugh Love” art pieces (eight so far and always looking for more).
What is your favourite aquatic animal?
My favourite aquatic animal is lobsters. I’ve been working on a campaign to protect lobsters from live boiling for the past year, so I’ve become a bit obsessed with them. Plus, one of my favourite movies is called The Lobster.
Meet Guilia M.
Tell us a bit about your Watermark.
My Watermark is the Scarborough Bluffs, specifically the Scarborough Heights waterfront. This is my Watermark because as a child my mother would take me down to the lake to collect clay which I would use to make hand stamps.
Unfortunately, at another area near the beach there used to be sewer pipes and due to a heavy rainfall the sewer systems overflowed and impacted the water quality preventing us from going down the trail again.
What is your favourite aquatic animal?
My favorite semi aquatic animal is a frog because I used to have pet frogs.
Want to join the movement? Check out our events page to find out ways to get involved with Swim Drink Fish this summer!
