Earth Hour in YOUR community
I am a HUGE Earth Hour fan.
From the time I clicked on the iconic Youtube video for the first time, to the long hours in the office I am now spending with the WWF-Canada staff team ready for the big day, my enthusiasm for it hasn’t faltered.
I will even admit that in 2009 when I was living in Halifax, the small Earth Hour celebration I had planned with friends was kyboshed by a particularly snowy and windy day and I stayed home (alone) , flicked off my lights and simply looked out the window and enjoyed the quiet.
In my darkened kitchen I can remember wondering if anyone else in the city was doing the same, or if it was just me left in the dark?
This year is very different. In my role at WWF, I have the happy job of hearing what all of YOU are doing to celebrate the hour!
Here are a handful of the awesome events that are happening and that have been sent my way:
—The city of Barrie is boasting the title of the largest attended Earth Hour celebration in Canada since its inception in 2009. This year their headliner is none other than Les Stroud of Survivorman fame. He is an accomplished outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, motivational speaker and accomplished musician. They will also feature a number of local artists including the “Coalition” which features the City of Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman on drums!
—Mindaamin Area, a proud member of Scouts Canada serving in Tri Shores Council in Southwestern Ontario, is inviting neighbours and friends to join with the Brotherhood of Scouts for Earth Hour. They will be shutting off their lights and appliances and observing the hour with anyone who would like to join.
—For the 5th year in a row, St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Halton is hosting an Earth Hour concert called Songs and Prayers for the Earth. The concert is non-denominational and will raise funds for the Halton Environmental Network. This year, there will be a performance by the Brian Hayman Jazz Ensemble and Masterworks Chorus of Oakville, at 8:15 and the lights go out to the sound of the church bells at 8:30 as the candles are lit.
—The City of Kelowna will be turning all of the lights off at City Hall, except those for safety and those that are hard-wired. They will also be turning off the illuminated bear at Stuart Park, across from City Hall. The City of Kelowna has participated in Earth Hour for the past couple of years, and they participate “because it is important to draw attention to an event that promotes sustainability on both a community and global level.”
—The town of Essex, ON is hosting the John R. Park Homestead’s Earth Hour Eve celebration where visitors can get inspired for interesting ways to experience life without electricity. Visitors will learn the history of lighting at the electricity-free 1850’s farm. Costumed guides will share some old fashioned tips for energy conservation, as guests participate in electricity-free activities that were popular in pioneer times. “There won’t be a dull moment in this after dark adventure,” promises Homestead Curator, Janet Cobban. “We’ll have the electric lights on in the gift shop and washrooms when you first arrive, then the switch is flipped and all activities will be conducted by candle lantern. Play old fashioned games, make taffy on snow, do some star gazing, and get inspired for your own Earth Hour celebrations.”
Want to get your family/friends/community together for Earth Hour but not sure what to do once you’re all sitting together in the dark? Check out some of these fun ideas in our Earth Hour playbook!
And remember – Earth Hour is THIS Saturday, March 31 at 8:30 pm in every time zone. Enjoy your celebrations, wherever you are!
