4th Annual Waterkeeper Gala and Art Auction to Feature Wade Davis, April 23 in Toronto (Press Release)
Wade Davis to anchor star-studded charity gala at the CBC building, RBC returns as presenting sponsor of fundraiser for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water
March 23, 2015 — Toronto, Ontario — Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
Waterkeeper Mark Mattson and gala co-chairs Jennifer Baichwal (filmmaker), Philippe Savoy (RBC) have announced that the 4th Annual Waterkeeper Gala Toronto will take place Thursday, April 23, 2015.
Past Waterkeeper Gala hosts and attendees include Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip, photographer Edward Burtynsky, environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., writers Joseph Boyden and Margaret Atwood, and entertainers Leslie Feist, Sarah Harmer, Scott Thompson. Past contributors to the art auction include notable artists such as Edward Burtynsky and Peter Doig.
Wade Davis is the featured presenter this year. Wade is a renowned National Geographic explorer-in-residence, anthropologist, and writer. He holds the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Wade has been collaborating with Waterkeeper through its National Water Centre to examine the changing role of water in Canadian culture.
The gala raises funds to protect swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. This year’s event moves to the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) at 250 Front Street West in Toronto.
Quotes
“This is the biggest night of the year for water in Toronto. Leaders from different backgrounds support the Waterkeeper cause, because they know that swimmable, drinkable, fishable water is an essential part of Canadian life.” - Mark Mattson, Waterkeeper.
“I have followed Wade’s work for many years and had the privilege of knowing him for several. He is a walking ethnographic encyclopedia, a passionate environmental advocate and a brilliant, engaging thinker. We are deeply honoured he will join us this year.” - Jennifer Baichwal, Gala co-chair and filmmaker.
“RBC has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and supporting of the protection of freshwater through the RBC Blue Water Project. This event helps raise awareness of the importance of water and the many water protection projects in Canada and we are proud to be part of such a special evening.” - Shari Austin, Vice President, RBC Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director, RBC Foundation.
Gala Facts
- Tickets are $500 and available online: www.waterkeepergala.ca
- Sponsorships start at $5,000. Details online: www.waterkeepergala.ca/sponsorship
- The Waterkeeper Gala Toronto has raised $1.3-million since 2012.
- There are 25 works of art in the auction: http://www.waterkeepergala.ca/art-2015
- More presenters and special guests will be announced in April.
- Proceeds from the gala support Swim Guide (the world’s most popular beach information app), the new Watermark Project (a digital archive and storytelling initiative that chronicles Canadians’ relationship with water), the National Water Centre (the country’s first facility dedicated to supporting water and Canadian culture), and local watershed protection activities.
- The success of the Toronto gala has inspired a new sister event, the Waterkeeper Gala Vancouver. It takes place at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on April 18.
Water Facts
- 20% of the world’s freshwater is in Canada.
- With 46 kilometres of waterfront, 5 rivers, and 15 creeks, Toronto is the freshwater capital
- An estimated 3.5-million people in Canada and the USA become ill after being exposed to pollution in the water each year.
- There are 1,012 monitored beaches on the Great Lakes. Lake Erie, followed by Lake Ontario are most affected by water quality problems and swimming advisories.
- Up to 70% of coastal wetlands on Lake Ontario have been filled in, eliminating habitat throughout the watershed.
- The Great Lakes fishery continues to decline, with harvests expected to drop by 25% over the next 25 years.
- There are more than 1,000 drinking water advisories in Canada on any given day.
Social Media Summary
The Waterkeeper Gala Toronto is headed to the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Renowned explorer and anthropologist Wade Davis will be one of the special presenters at this year’s event. The evening also features a fine art auction curated by Nicholas Metivier and Edward Burtynsky and inspiring “Watermark” stories. The Waterkeeper Gala is the biggest night of the year for water in Toronto, raising $1.3-million since 2012. All proceeds support swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. Tickets are on sale now at www.waterkeepergala.ca.
Shareable Images:
- Gord Downie performs with The Sadies at the 2014 Waterkeeper Gala: http://bit.ly/Gord2014Gala
- Photographer Edward Burtynsky (left) and Waterkeeper Mark Mattson at the 2013 Waterkeeper Gala: http://bit.ly/EdMark2013Gala
- Waterkeeper Gala Toronto Logo: http://bit.ly/GalaTorontoLogo
Links
- Waterkeeper Gala Toronto: www.waterkeepergala.ca
- 2014 Gala Photos: http://bit.ly/2014GalaPhotos
- 2013 Gala Photos: http://bit.ly/2013WaterkeeperGala
- Lake Ontario Waterkeeper: www.waterkeeper.ca
- Swim Guide: www.theswimguide.org
- National Water Centre: www.swimdrinkfish.ca
Social Media
- Hashtag for Twitter & Instagram: #waterkeepergala
- Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @LOWaterkeeper
About Waterkeeper
Founded in 2001, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is a registered Canadian charity that uses law, science, culture, and digital media to protect a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future.
Contact
Krystyn Tully
Vice President
(416) 861-1237
krystyn@waterkeeper.ca