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LETTER: Kids for Turtles begins new chapter, seeks volunteers

Goal of grass-roots organization is 'to raise awareness in young and old of natural habitats and the world around us,' says official
2020-06-19 Orillia garbage cleanup 2
Helping out with the trash cleanup are, from left, Mikaela Mayhew, a Lakehead student who also works in the university's Department of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning, Abbie Kent, secretary with Kids for Turtles, Jacquie Kent, vice-chair of Kids for Turtles and external relations associate with Lakehead, Bob Bowles, who teaches Lakehead's master naturalist program and helps organize the annual garbage cleanup, and Linda Rodenburg, Lakehead's director of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning. Nathan Taylor/OrilliaMatters

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If you live in Orillia, if you used to go to the many summer festivals that make Orillia the wonderful destination it is when the temperature is on the high 20’s or more, if you frequent Tudhope Park, if you have young children, I’m going to guess you have heard of Kids for Turtles Environmental Education, or just KFT.

KFT is a small local not-for-profit organization with charitable status whose mission has been since its incorporation in 2007: “to raise awareness in young and old of natural habitats and the world around us.”

Over the years, KFT has accomplished its main goal in many different ways: from "brake for turtles" signs across Simcoe Muskoka, to cages protecting turtle nests on roads and trails, to events like city-wide garbage clean-ups and family snowshoeing, to initiatives such as the creation of pollinator gardens, and promotion of environmental education in schools, service clubs and community events, along with so much more.

The organization was initially founded and led by Bob Bowles, whom you probably know of, unless you’re new to town. But what you may not know, is that the KFT baton was carried by someone else for 14 years: Jacquie Kent.

For almost 14 years, Jacquie was the Chair of the KFT Board of Directors. Jacquie was, until recently, the torch of KFT.

All of KFT’s accomplishments have been under her leadership. Jacquie has trained dozens of young people that have worked for KFT, enhancing their skillsets and giving them a competitive edge to enter the job market.

She has mobilized hundreds of people to beautify our city, probably thousands if I count every year. She has done so much for KFT and for this community. And I personally want to take this opportunity to thank her, not just for doing it, but for her disposition, drive, and most of all, her time.

She has volunteered for 14 years to this cause. Jacquie, thanks! We are going to have a hard time filling your shoes!

Which brings me to the second reason why I’m writing this letter. COVID has changed a lot of the day-to-day for a lot of people and KFT has not been immune to it.

We are in the process of re-thinking our organization and are looking for people that may be interested in joining our Board of Directors. If you think you have what it takes and would like to know more about what we do, please send me an email at [email protected]. I’d be delighted to explain how you could be part of our organization.

In the meantime, we hope you keep stepping outside and appreciate the beautiful natural world around us.

Thamara Laredo
Chair KFT Board of Directors

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