Thank you 'Liv Polar Bear' project for your fundraising!

By Lisa Charlton, Manager of Community Engagement, WWF-Canada
It all started with a pack of clay and a passionate young girl.  Olivia Clement, a nine year old from Ottawa, started the project by making and selling clay polar bears to friends and then passing on the materials to others so they could make the bears as well, a pay it forward scenario.

 
Olivia’s Girl Guide troop then got involved– making the clay figures and earning their “Endangered Species” badge. Her project then took on a life of its own with businesses, schools and other youth groups getting involved to help raise funds and awareness for the cause.

 
Olivia and Julie (Clement) participated in television media interviews about their personal story alongside the Director of WWF-Canada’s Arctic Program, Martin Von Mirbach and WWF-Canada’s communications expert Clive Tesar who showcased how other Canadians can get involved through the Arctic Home campaign.

 
Finally, they held a ‘Polar Party’ in Ottawa. The aim of the party was not only to raise funds for the plight of the polar bear but also to inspire other children to use their talents and get involved.  Crafts were donated to sell for a Polar Toonie made by children as young as 3 years of age and $1,500 was raised at this event alone. With a fantastic display of community and collaboration, the Mayor of Ottawa, local politicians, businesses, schools and more than 30 volunteers were there to lend a hand.

 
Olivia continues to raise awareness for the ‘Plight of the Polar Bear’ as a WWF Community Panda Ambassador –helping to encourage other children to get involved too.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if a whole bunch of children across Canada got involved? Imagine the difference we could make together! Help me to inspire them all,” said Olivia.
Thank you Olivia!
To make a donation to Olivia’s project, please visit livpolarbear.ca