Neighbours and friends, young and old, those interested, intrigued or simply passing by, the 2022 Eco Fun Fair brought together our community under the bright sunny June skies to share our hopes and dreams for a more sustainable future.
We were grateful to have City Councillor Paula Fletcher, MPP Peter Tabuns and MP Julie Dabrusin on hand. They've all been big supporters of the Pocket Change Project and have been enthusiastic about pushing our ideas at different levels of government.
We were lucky to have CycleTO stop in with their mobile mechanics who performed free safety checks on our bikes, and engrossed by the small armada of electric cars our neighbours brought and allowed us to sit in and check out. We were happy to have the TTC on hand to talk about our shared green space and the exciting plans for the future of Greenwood Yard. We were honoured to have the welcome of the Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School.
Our kids' faces were decorated by the talented brushes of Amanda and Susan and thanks to Green Thumbelina, they learned about traditional uses for plants and listened to an indigenous creation story.
Our gardens were enriched by the pollinator seedling giveaway (as one particularly excited youngster exclaimed: "Free plants!!"). Our pantries were stocked up with treats from local vendors. Our bellies were filled with burgers and dogs (veggie and meat) from the BBQ.
And, of course, our hands were filled with fliers and information about reducing our carbon footprints.
A big thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up and run this event as well as those who took the time to speak under the big top: Councillor Paula Fletcher, MPP Peter Tabuns and MP Julie Dabrusin; Ariana Foyle, from the City of Toronto’s Environment and Energy Division, about the new Home Energy Loan Program; Trish Long, from Goldfinch Energy, on how homeowners can reduce their energy use and cut their carbon emissions; Tim Grant from the Harbord Village Residents Association on their bulk buy program for induction stoves and e-bike promotion; Marc Simmons from Toronto Hydro's Climate Action Team about the Electric Vehicle charging stations planned for the area.
Can't wait for next year.
