Press Release
On Friday May 3, more than 200 concerned citizens of all ages united together at Memorial Park to call for local climate action.
Organized by a group of local families who have formed the community action group Port Hope For Future, the event mobilized diverse members of the community who share concern about the global climate emergency and recognize the need for local climate action.
The event was one of 98 recorded events across Canada as part of a national day of action in solidarity with the global #FridaysForFuture movement.
The first of a series of actions planned in 2019, this event has built momentum for action in Port Hope by demonstrating broad support – attendees represented 1.25% of the town’s population, a more significant showing than events in larger cities which garnered national media attention.
Says local mom and community organizer with Port Hope For Future, Emily Taylor, “Canada has the dishonor of being the worst Co2 emitter in the G20. It is crucial that we come together to call for climate action by our leaders and model climate action here in our local community. This is about the future of our planet, the future of humanity and the future of our town.”
Along with music and family-friendly art and play, attendees heard directly from children and youth who voiced their views at the mic including students as young as six from Ganaraska Trail Public School, grade eight students from Dr. Hawkins and high school students from Trinity College.
Organizers are grateful to the families, concerned citizens, musicians and local businesses that contributed to the event including Jeff Biggar, Ted Staunton, Hailiah, Racine Financial, The Art Barn, On Second Thought Upcycling, Suntree Natural Foods Marketplace, Circle Organics and Melissa Yvonne Photography.
Local politicians also attended the event including MP Kim Rudd, Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson and Port Hope Council Member Laurie Carr.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
