The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney has once again launched their “Salish Sea Idol” fundraising campaign to decide the people’s favourite species in our ecosystem.
This year, the species going head-to-head in the competition are: bull kelp, bumble bee, camas, and Pacific herring.
People will have the opportunity to vote by donating money to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea between Thursday, November 13th and Tuesday, December 2nd, which also happens to be Giving Tuesday.
Those who wish to donate and vote are encouraged to consider which contestant they find most fascinating, most ecologically important, best represents the Salish Sea or by their own criteria.
“The addition of bumble bee and camas may be a surprise to some,” said Tina Kelly, Director of Learning and Communications.
“But it highlights that the Salish Sea isn’t just the salty bits, it’s a watershed that encompasses terrestrial and freshwater systems. It’s all connected.”
Supporters can donate online or in-person at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea and are encouraged to share the campaign with their communities.
“All of these species are humble yet integral to the bioregion,” said Kylee Pawluk, Vice President Board of Directors.
“They are the basis of our food chains, essential pollinators, or culturally significant species which support so many other species in our region. The Salish Sea wouldn’t be the same without them.”
The campaign’s goal is $16,000, and donations will be matched up to $10,000 due to the generosity of two major supporters of this one-of-a-kind aquarium.
