Being a Waterkeeper is hard. Artists make it easier.
Feist performing at the 2014 Waterkeeper Gala in Toronto. (Photo: Lake Ontario Waterkeeper)
Rightly or wrongly, every Waterkeeper is challenged by the nagging sense that too few care about the difficult work we do as water leaders. We worry that the money is too tough to raise. We wonder why the press ignores our concerns (unless we lace them with sensationalism). We shrink a little when governments belittle our efforts to protect Canadian communities.
It isn’t easy to be a water leader, but the many people who share our vision make it possible. They validate the importance of our work to every Canadian.
Artists are often the most active and visionary validators. For that, we salute them.
From the inception of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, no group stepped up more than the writers, musicians, actors, poets, painters, photographers. Many had the least to give, but always gave the most. All of them offered their curiosity and their passion. They immersed themselves in the issues and communicate eloquently about the need for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water.
The Waterkeeper Galas coming this April proves this yet again. As Waterkeepers across Canada join forces to introduce The Watermark Project to all water lovers across the country, the artists have been first to help.
The Art offered for auction at this year’s Waterkeeper Gala Toronto marks a new high. For the past 4 years, Canada's art community has come up with incredible works to offer our donors that ensure we have the resources to continue our important efforts. And this year’s art is incredible and exciting. Please take a look.
And the musicians, writers and actors continue to participate and attend the Waterkeeper Galas in Toronto or Vancouver, and the Riverkeeper Gala in Ottawa. Their participation make our Galas can't-miss evenings. Their willingness to step up inspires other would-be water leaders from business, media and government. As a community, we all improve Canada’s chances for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future.
