This month, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium in Sidney is holding a fundraiser to aid them in their mission of environmental education and animal support.
From December 1st to the 20th, the second annual ‘Salish Sea Idol’ will be held at the aquarium to determine the community’s favourite of four iconic regional species.
The four contenders this year are the bald eagle, humpback whale, salmon, sea star.
The winner will be chosen based on who community members have voted for using their dollars.
A voter can choose one of the four, then donate what they can based on what they find most fascinating, endearing or what they feel best represents the Salish Sea region.
“We are excited to see what animal wins our 2nd annual Salish Sea Idol competition,” says Pauline Finn, Executive Director.
“Our four diverse finalists were chosen from our current feature exhibition, Drawing Connections: 40 Years of Art and Hope for the Salish Sea (on now until January 25). All of them have a moving conservation story.”
Supporters of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea can donate online or in person at the aquarium, and are encouraged to share the campaign with their friends and family.
Last year’s winner of the inaugural Salish Sea Idol fundraising competition was the giant Pacific octopus.
“Last year, the wit, creativity and (lighthearted) sparring of friends and family put the fun in fundraiser. We’re excited for round two,” said Allan Lane, Board President.
The goal of this campaign is $15,000, and thanks to a generous gift from two donors, donations will be matched up to $10,000, meaning the campaign total could swell to $25,000.
As of this publication, the Salish Sea Idol fundraiser has already garnered over $3,000.
Donations can be made online, here.
The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a charitable organization whose ultimate goal is to educate people about the ecosystem they occupy.
