The Brantford EcoHawks [1] is a student-run volunteer environmental committee at Wilfrid Laurier University [2]’s Brantford Campus [3]. On November 2, One Change [4] proudly teamed up with the group of dedicated students, helping to promote green living by distributing free digital tire gauges and engaging in conversations about fuel efficiency across the campus.

“The Brantford EcoHawks are committed to encouraging smart, sustainable choices,” says One Change Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Angela Libby. “It was a perfect fit for our fuel efficiency campaign, which is sponsored by Canadian Tire [4]. By teaming up with the EcoHawks, we were able to let hundreds of students and staff know that they can improve road safety, save money and gas, and protect the environment, all by maintaining correct tire pressure.”

Over the course of the day, One Change and the EcoHawks engaged more than 1,000 people while providing them with a free digital tire gauge. The volunteers’ efforts were led by EcoHawks co-ordinator Reuben DeBoer (pictured here, right, with fellow EcoHawk Carley Bender). “Reuben volunteered with One Change during our flagship campaign, Project Porchlight [5],” says Angela. “He really believes in the idea that simple actions matter, so he was more than willing to help out again when he heard about our fuel efficiency campaign.”

Carley went all out to help ensure that our volunteer blitz went smoothly. She created a Facebook event to promote the blitz, distributed posters, and organized the other volunteers into shifts. “Even after One Change was packing up to go, Reuben, Carley and the other EcoHawks were going strong,” says Outreach and Volunteer Assistant Michelle Gruda. “They were spreading the word about our campaign and the benefits of regularly checking tire pressure to anyone who would listen.”

The University’s students and staff felt better knowing they’d be safer on their daily commutes or road trips home, while helping to protect the environment. They were also pleased to learn about the cost savings of maintaining proper tire pressure—a fact that came as a very welcome surprise with the holidays just around the corner.

One Change owes a tremendous Thank You to the Brantford EcoHawks. Because of their efforts, the November 2 event was our most successful volunteer blitz yet!