MISSISSAUGA (March 13, 2013) – Lambton College and Ryerson University Enactus teams have been named 2013 Scotiabank EcoLiving Green Challenge Regional Champions in Central Canada by national charitable organization Enactus Canada and proud program supporter Scotiabank.
The Scotiabank EcoLiving Green Challenge empowers post-secondary students to develop and deliver projects that teach viable solutions to relevant environmental issues. Since 2010, 1,857 students have helped conserve 3,866,643 litres of water, diverted 1,928,733 pounds of waste and introduced 354 businesses to green business practices.
“We are proud to support this important educational initiative as part of our flagship environmental program, Scotiabank EcoLiving,” said Kaz Flinn, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Scotiabank. “Canadians are increasingly interested in reducing their impact on the environment and this challenge speaks to students’ eagerness to develop new and innovative ways to help them do just that. I would like to congratulate this year’s competitors for their efforts and their imaginative projects.”
The following Enactus student teams from Lambton College and Ryerson University stood out to the judges at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition – Central Canada on March 11th because of their dedication to tackling local environmental issues:
Lambton College’s One Seed project found environmentally friendly solutions to farming and electricity problems that were stifling a rural village in Zambia. The Enactus Lambton team provided six new computers, trained 25 local farmers and impacted 700 children through workshops and ongoing mentoring. One year into the project, crop yields have increased five-fold and revenue has multiplied by six. Most importantly, a financial foundation has been laid for school and community growth and the village has a new found sense of hope and optimism.
Meanwhile, Ryerson University’s Kenya Bee Project increased Dago, Kenya’s GDP, introduced a sustainable new food source and increased employment through crop and honey production. By educating 10 local farmers on the environmental benefits of bee keeping and honey production, 320,000 bees have been introduced to the area and 8,658 acres of farmland have been pollinated. This carbon neutral business has resulted in 10 new jobs, increased crop yields and an empowered community.
“These teams are making a real impact on the long term sustainability of communities through their environmental education projects,” says Nicole Almond, Enactus Canada president. “These are perfect examples of how our Enactus teams are transforming lives through innovative green initiatives.”
These teams will now move on to the national level of competition taking place May 6-8th at the 2013 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario.
-30-
ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada is a community of student, academic and business leaders enabling progress through entrepreneurial action. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,300 student leaders create and implement over 350 community empowerment projects and business ventures every year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 39 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.
Media Inquiries: Jody Lundrigan Director of Communications Enactus Canada E: jody@enactus.ca P: 416.304.1566 x 222 M: 416.346.0131