Ottawa South EMC (Ottawa, ON): McGuinty brings One Change home at Ottawa blitz
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It all began in Ottawa. Ottawa South, to be precise. When former Alta Vista resident and founder and president Stuart Hickox had the idea for what would become an international non-profit organization, he found one of his staunchest supporters in Ottawa South MP David McGuinty.
When the politician and environmentalist wanted to join One Change for their Oct. 16 fuel efficiency campaign blitz in Ottawa's south end, One Change welcomed him with open arms.
"It was truly inspiring to hear about Mr. McGuinty's support and involvement in getting One Change started," said regional campaign manager Allison FitzGerald. "He genuinely believes in the idea that simple actions matter, and that motivates us to continue spreading the word and empowering others with the knowledge to make smart choices that protect the environment."
After a brief training session, the One Change team of staff and volunteers headed out in pairs to deliver free digital tire gauges door-to-door throughout Alta Vista. McGuinty was paired with field rep Kara Stonehouse, and the two had a wonderful time chatting with Ottawa residents about the benefits of maintaining proper tire pressure.
"Mr. McGuinty really won people over," says Stonehouse. "Everyone was thrilled to learn how easy it is to save gas and money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We had no trouble giving away all our digital tire gauges."
"These small campaigns are so important," said McGuinty. "They have such a huge impact in the kind of change citizens can make one by one for the world."
It turned out that Stonehouse and McGuinty weren't the only ones who were able to get through to people that day.
"All the volunteers reported excellent responses," said FitzGerald. "They realized they'd made an important contribution to their community and the environment. Everyone asked to be contacted again for future volunteer events."
One Change extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who gave their time and energy to the Ottawa South blitz .
They want to thank Canadian Tire for sponsoring the fuel efficiency campaign as well as the fabulous volunteers for helping make a sunny Saturday even brighter and warmer.
To volunteer for the One Change organization or for more information, please visit their website at www.onechange.org.
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