Trivia Night hosted a successful fundraising event last night, drawing a full house of supporters for an evening of entertainment and community spirit. The event raised approximately $6,330 in support of Eco East’s environmental initiatives.
“We are blown away by all the support last night from the Russell Trivia team, local businesses and trivia players! Thank you for believing in the work we do to create a more joyful and sustainable Prescott-Russell,” Eco East shared in a statement.
With freezing rain in the forecast, organizers also reminded everyone to stay safe on their journey home.
Proceeds from the evening will directly support two of Eco East’s cornerstone environmental programs: the Tree Planting Program and the Butterflyway Project.
Trees as legacy and infrastructure
Funds will help expand the Habitat Regeneration and Conservation working group’s annual tree giveaway and planting events.
“Trees are the souls of our region,” Eco East stated on its website. “They play such an important role as both habitat for wildlife and as infrastructure to prevent erosion, control flooding and cool our homes.”
Tree planting events bring together volunteers of all ages, creating hands-on opportunities to make a direct environmental impact. In 2021, volunteers planted more than 700 trees. In 2023, seven properties participated, adding 980 trees to the local landscape.
“It’s one of the things that seems to resonate with people, with our organization. They want to feel like they’re making that environmental impact. They want that hands-on experience of putting something into the ground—like a legacy—for the environment,” said Stephanie Marcil, a volunteer with Eco East.
Pollinator highways for bees and butterflies
Funds will also help support Eco East’s involvement in the Butterflyway Project, a citizen-led initiative launched by the David Suzuki Foundation in 2017 to build pollinator-friendly gardens across Canada. The project has seen more than 7,400 gardens established and 116,500 native wildflowers planted.
Local “Butterflyway Rangers” are trained to lead the movement, connecting with neighbours to grow patches of pollinator habitat in schoolyards, backyards and public green spaces.
When 12 or more patches are established in close proximity, a certified “Butterflyway” is created—contributing to the development of vital corridors for bees and butterflies. The project aims to “bring nature home, one garden at a time.”
In an unfortunate update, the trivia night originally scheduled for April has been cancelled. However, organizer Connie Johnston encourages supporters to mark their calendars for the next event on May 10, which will support Jessica’s Wing Cat Rescue in Embrun.
