This Thanksgiving, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FOTMW) is giving the community another reason to celebrate. The local environmental charity is launching a special fundraising challenge in which donations will be doubled or even tripled to protect Muskoka’s watershed, our treasured lakes, rivers, wetlands and forests.
Thanks to a grant partner, every contribution made between Thursday, October 9 and Tuesday, October14 will be matched. That means a gift of $50 will become $100. And thanks to the generosity of board members who are matching funds, that $50 could become $150. Donations support our science-driven solutions for protecting Muskoka’s watersheds.
FOTMW’s ASHMuskoka project has studied the benefits of adding calcium-rich wood ash to forests and to restore hundreds of acres of Muskoka forest, replacing nutrients lost over decades of acid rain. Next is to study how more carbon is captured by these healthy trees.
Donations, up to $36,550 will be matched by the SALTYMuskoka project grant from the Canadian Water Agency. SALTY Muskoka’s goal is to reduce excessive road salt usage through monitoring and education.
“This is a special opportunity for people who care about Muskoka to maximize their impact,” says Doug Clark, treasurer of the FOTMW Board. “Our board members have stepped up to challenge the community, and now we’re asking everyone who loves Muskoka’s lakes and forests to join us. Together, we can work to protect Muskoka’s watershed for generations to come.”
The campaign will run over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, celebrating gratitude for the watershed and natural beauty of Muskoka while inspiring residents, seasonal visitors, and supporters across Ontario to give back. Recognizing that some families unplug during the holiday, the challenge runs until Tuesday, October 14 offering one last chance to take advantage of the matching funds on Giving Tuesday, Eh. (Elbows up lol).
“We all depend on healthy lakes, forests, and watersheds,” says FOTMW founder and director Dr. Norman Yan. “This Thanksgiving, we’re inviting people to turn their gratitude into action. Every dollar makes a difference and this weekend, every dollar goes further than ever before.”
To donate visit: canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-of-the-muskoka-watershed/
