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Montreal, September 16, 2024 – Today, in the presence of several environmental organizations, citizen groups, volunteers and political representatives, we announce the launch of VolonTerre Québec, the very first national network of environmental volunteers.
A two-way mobilization tool
VolonTerre is designed to facilitate volunteer action in the environmental sector, both for those wishing to give their time and lend their talents, as well as for organizations and citizens' groups working to protect the environment and who are looking for volunteers.
In the face of the challenges posed by the major environmental issues of our time (biodiversity, climate, pollution), VolonTerre can become a leading vector of citizen participation for people wishing to make a difference for our planet.
A gathering place for action
VolonTerre takes the form of an online platform connecting Quebec environmental organizations and volunteers, as well as a dynamic network driven by events and workshops to strengthen volunteers' sense of belonging.
VolonTerre will also organize recognition events to highlight the invaluable contribution of volunteers to the success of various conservation and ecological transition projects in Quebec.
Many organizations contributed to the implementation of this unifying project, including the Société pour la nature et les parcs (SNAP Québec), Climate Reality Canada, Nature Quebec, the David Suzuki Foundation, Équiterre, COPTICOM and Ciel et Terre.
The VolonTerre project was created thanks to the financial contribution of the Écho Foundation, the Rossy Foundation, the Government of Canada through the Canada Nature Fund and the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks
Let's act together for the Earth, and get in touch at www.volonterre.quebec
Quotes:
“VolonTerre Québec will make it possible to better meet the volunteer needs of environmental organizations, and above all to better engage a Quebec population eager to get involved and make a concrete contribution to environmental protection. VolonTerre has the potential to become a remedy for the feeling of powerlessness felt by many people who wish to put their talents to good use for the environmental cause.”
- Alain Branchaud, Executive DIrector, SNAP Québec
“We encourage people to take action for the environment on a daily basis, but we know that it's by collectivizing these actions that their impact will be greatest. Well, this new platform will do just that. VolonTerre will make it easier for many Quebecers to take action, help them forge links with like-minded people and organizations and, above all, enable them to get involved and take concrete action to protect life and our living environments. It's an exciting project.
- Colleen Thorpe, Executive Director, Équiterre
“What's interesting and innovative about the VolonTerre project is that the digital platform makes it possible to link volunteer interests with projects. A lot of people want to get involved, but they're either on their own or don't know much about the projects in their area. The VolonTerre platform solves these difficulties by sending notifications to volunteers when there are projects of interest to them in their area.”
- Catherine Vallée, volunteer and founder of the Coalition terrains de golf en transition
“The launch of VolonTerre Québec marks a crucial step in our fight to protect the environment. By facilitating the connection between passionate volunteers and environmental projects, this innovative platform strengthens our collective ability to address urgent environmental challenges. Together, we can make a tangible difference for our planet.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
To learn more and subscribe to VolonTerre Québec, visit: www.volonterre.quebec
For media requests
Charlène Daubenfeld, Communications Director, SNAP Québec
514 378-3880 ; communications@snapquebec.org
