WWF recieves generous gift from Donald R. Sobey to further work on Canada’s oceans

(Toronto, ON: May 24, 2011) – Thanks to a generous and innovative gift by Donald R. Sobey, WWF has formed a unique partnership with the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University, “Canada’s Ocean University”, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The goal of this partnership is to inspire a new generation of ocean leadership and attract the best and brightest minds across multiple disciplines – from marine biology, law, oceanography, management, journalism and political science – to create new ways for ocean communities to flourish. This will enable WWF and Dalhousie to work together to address a range of issues from the threats facing endangered species, to the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems, and the future of fishing and our coastal economies.

The new Sobey Fund for Oceans will provide resources to support scholarships and work placements in order to help tomorrow’s leaders see “beneath the surface” of our oceans’ problems to find lasting solutions.

“Don Sobey’s gift is not just an important gift, it is a wise gift. It’s an investment in the future of a community – its young minds – and the future of an ocean. Nowhere in the world are those two fates more connected than in Atlantic Canada.”
Gerald Butts, President and CEO, WWF

“I have a long history with both Dalhousie and WWF. It became clear to me that collaboration between our brightest young minds and our leaders in conservation is the key to solving some of the great challenges in our oceans. And that’s a goal that I share with both Dalhousie and WWF.”
Donald Sobey, The Donald R. Sobey Foundation

“Don Sobey’s gift is a brilliant example of philanthropy that inspires. It will enable our students to take advantage of opportunities to participate in multi-disciplinary collaborations on campus that extends out to the global ocean community. I am grateful to Don for his support of Dalhousie’s vision.”
Tom Traves, President, Dalhousie University