Got a great idea? Want to support the things you care about? Check out the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi’s new campaign to provide funding to individuals and organizations that want to make positive change in their community.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Interested in supporting a cause/idea? Head HERE to vote for your favorite submission that you think should get the grant!

Have an idea of your own – OR want to get funding for the organization you support? With 6 different communities like “arts and culture”, “health” and ”education”there’s room for any kind of idea/organization! Put in your application NOW and do it fast, because the submissions deadline is August 31st.

Finalist will be announced the day after voted has been completed on September 1st. The top 4 fabulous individuals will receive $5,000 to help get an idea off the ground, 3 small groups will be awarded $10,000 to begin their organization/idea, 2 companies or grass-roots organizations will be given $25,000 to help their ideas come to light AND 1 $100,000 will be given to an organization that can dedicate lots of time and resources to their plans.

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By: Jinny Wong

An abused woman is beaten an average of 33 times before she makes her first attempt to leave her violent home.  When she finally escapes clutching her children, she is left with little more than the clothes on her back.

Even though social services will do all they can to help find this woman a new living environment and shelter, she is often left with no chairs to sit on, no bed to sleep in, and no dishes to eat with.

These are the people that the Furniture Bank has been helping for over 12 years.

Founders Sister Anne Schenck CSJ, Hugh Morris Q.C., and Ann Manuel have been striving to turn a house into a home for thousands of families.   They have been able to achieve this by providing used furniture donated by generous families and corporations.  Monetary donations are used to assist in on-going costs such as telephone lines, and heating bills.

Furniture Bank makes it possible for families leaving difficult situations re-establish a home.  The families in need are referred to them by community agencies such as shelters and refugee centres.

Find out how you can help out by visiting Furniture Banks.

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At Get Involved there are tons of volunteer opportunities that are constantly being posted. Here are some highlights of great opportunities posted this week:

The LACE Campaign is looking for volunteers to help spread the word at their events.

The Reel Asian Film Festival needs film festival volunteers.

Jazzpurr Society for Animal Protection is looking for cat care givers.

Check out over 1000 more opportunities!!

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Volunteer Canada is the national leader in volunteer advocacy, involvement and strategy. With over 30 volunteer centers across Canada, Volunteer Canada is devoted to finding the right volunteer opportunity for you. To find a volunteer opportunity in your area check out Volunteer Canada’s local volunteer centre: Toronto, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia, Yukon and the Territories.

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By: Jinny Wong

4,200 children die every day from water-related diseases.

Just $1 can provide a child with safe drinking water for 40 days.

UNICEF has improved the access of safe drinking water to 1.2 billion people, and educated another 1.2 billion on safe sanitation practices in over 100 countries.

But 900 million people worldwide continue to lack access to safe drinking water.

By 2015, UNICEF aims to cut that number in half.

In 2007 the “Tap Project” was officially launched.  New York city restaurant patrons were asked to pay $1 or more for tap water—an item typically offered to them for free.  The money was donated to UNICEF to support their effort in providing clean drinking water to countries in need.

The “Tap Project 2010” puts a new twist on the campaign by placing a Dirty Water vending machine in the middle of Manhattan.  Thirsty pedestrians are invited to purchase one of the eight “flavours” of bottled water that represent common diseases that affect the global poor:  Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, Dengue, Hepatitis, Dysentery, Salmonella, and Yellow Fever. Consumers are also encouraged to offer a one time $5 donation by texting “TAP” to UNICEF (864233).

Click here to view the embedded video.

All money raised through the 2010 UNICEF Tap Project will be allocated to the countries and areas UNICEF has identified as among the most in need. Those countries include Togo, Central African Republic, Vietnam, Guatemala and, of course, Haiti.

$1.5 million has been raised so far, but there is still plenty left to do.  Join the many celebrities, corporations, restaurants and local government supporters by donating to the cause, and providing millions of children with safe drinking water.  You can even donate by selling items on ebay!

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POV provides youth with three different programs to get involved in the biz; the Filmmaking Program, the Internship Program, and the Alumni Working Group. The Internship program provides students who have completed the Filmmaking Program with a 4 month PAID internship and the Alumni Workshop provides a youth-mentoring-youth experience for POV students who want to work on their own film projects.

In addition to learning business and technical skills, students also learn invaluable social skills: the teamwork required to be part of a crew, the importance of clear communication and reliability.

And POV has a brand new project in the works! Alongside Schools Without Borders and Manifesto Community Projects, this year’s students are creating a documentary on Manifesto’s live (and free!) hip-hop concert happening this September! Not only will this project support and help promote the POV’s program itself but it hopes to inspire youth culture and showcase urban living.

The heart of the film will celebrate the power of youth culture and the endless potential young people have when they collaborate. The doc will mix behind-the-scenes footage of Manifesto’s incredible undertaking of the festival, with footage of the festival itself – including its national breakdance competition, massive art exhibition, and free outdoor concert. The energy and the creativity of the arts events will be used to underscore these characteristics in the individuals who put this festival together and the youth movement at large.

But of course – doing all these amazing things could never be FREE – so the POV organization has enter into the Pepsi Refresh Project, in hopes of receiving a grant of $100,000 to help fund the project. They are currently in 24th place SO VOTE NOW and support the youth filmmaking movement!

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At Get Involved there are tons of volunteer opportunities that are constantly being posted. Here are some highlights of great opportunities posted this week:

Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits is looking for talented, committed and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer on their upcoming consulting projects!

The Humanity Exchange is looking for a community development intern to help out on the Ivory Coast!

Earthroots is consistently in need of volunteers who can assist with preparing and attending relevant actions, demonstrations and peaceful rallies.

Check out over 1000 more opportunities!!

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The rapid rise in terminal illnesses, and a 5.5 magnitude earthquake felt throughout Ontario are just some of the examples of why health and environmental issues have been the forefront of scientific research.

Organizations like The Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences (CFCAS) provide funding for university-based research projects that focus on climate, atmospheric and related oceanic work in Canada. This enables us to better predict the weather and provide scientific information for the government to enhance policymaking and service delivery.

Professor Greg Evans of the University of Toronto tells us that they are “using CFCAS funding to study the air we breathe, trying to figure out what causes poor air quality–what sources are contributing to it whether they be local, or regional, or trans-border, and how meteorology affects it as well.”

The research produced by these research projects is utilized by Dr. Frances Silverman at the Gage Occupational Environmental Heath Institute. “We…challenge people with specific substances in the air pollution mix.” The conclusion is that breathing pollution leads to many health risks, like high blood pressure.

The value of these discoveries is paramount to the future of our society. Professor George Agnes, Simon Fraser University tells us “for every dollar spent on pollution control strategy now, we can save five to seven dollars on healthcare costs in the future.”

Get Involved

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Written and Edited by Lisa Borden, idea girl + owner of Borden Communications + Design Inc.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Do you remember when you were a kid and you thought you could do anything? You still can. Despite your age, or where you fall on the eco-spectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world. Whether you’re the boss or the employee, whether you sit at a desk, stand in a store or stay at home, you can change the world while you work (which, consequently, is truly, impressive multitasking).

Your office might have already gone “green” or you may still be waiting to be given the “green” light – regardless, you have the power to be a catalyst for more change. Even though your days are cluttered and perhaps even overwhelming, if you focus on the below 8 tactics, you will change the world while you take care of business. As a bonus (which we all deserve), you will save time, save money and save your health.

1. Lighten your commute. We spend five to seven percent of our lives in transit. If you have to travel to work, make your commute easier – on you, your wallet and our environment. Don’t drive if you don’t have to. The cheapest litre of gas is the one you don’t buy and you’ll save on parking too.

2. Make your own + take your own. Whoa. Where to start? Perhaps it’s as simple as making your own coffee at home in a reusable travel mug. If you do choose to stop at your local café and get a snack, refuse the napkin (ok, now you really have to eat carefully and avoiding driving seems to make even more sense), don’t take the bag that becomes garbage immediately, or take your own reusable “baggie”. Stash reusable cutlery in your desk drawer, tote a high quality stainless steel water bottle around (refill with tap often), take your own lunch, and if you do takeout, skip the ketchup packet, straw and paper napkin. And, take your own containers. Really. People might stare, but I guarantee, you’ll start a trend pretty quickly. If you are saving money, saving time, eating healthier and helping the planet, how can you lose? Exactly.

Resources: TakeOut WithOut Campaign and Healthy Lunches Guide

3. Boycott something. Your consumer decisions matter. Every single one of them. Decide to ban something – perhaps disposable coffee cups or paper clips. Take a stand, stay strong, and leverage the power of people to spark a workplace revolution.

4. Smile at Someone. Do you believe that smiling makes you feel good, provides stress relief, and leads to good health? It sounds hokey, but it’s actually backed by some serious research. We spend so much time staring at our computer screens and handheld gizmos that we need to look at other people more and make them smile too.

5. Demand less supply. Why do you need an entire box of toxic pens? Try keeping 3 pens in your possession at a time. I have found that I keep track of them more and the mystery of the vanishing pen no longer is a daily occurrence. Encourage your office to order only what is required, and, purchase from responsible companies making responsible products. Paper made from post-consumer waste (although the more you do online the better), ink cartridges that are recycled, pvc-free pens and stapleless staplers among other supplies all make a big difference when we all choose to use (or not use) them.

6. Trash The Can. When you throw things away, where do you think “away” is? There is no such place. Reuse what you can and CUT BACK. If you looked at the overflowing city garbage cans you may have noted that it was mostly individual or fast food packaging, coffee cups, straws, paper bags and drink bottles – all of which we can use less of for ourselves and our world. Choose to use small trash cans in your office and encourage smart recycling and composting policies and procedures.

7. Turn it off. Sure, we all work hard, but why are all of those office building lights still on at 3 am? Your cell phone charger that is plugged in (that is warm even when not charging), the wireless printer that is always on (we see the glowing light) and that computer you never shut down are all offenders in the perpetual energy (and bank account) drain. Unplug, people! Get power strips with an on/off switch, and turn it off when you turn off.

8. Find a champion…or be one. Inspire your workplace to institute policies. Take action to reform the food served, and the way food is brought into the office or meetings. A passionate, informed, persuasive and committed champion can be an effective cheerleader and major force in creating healthier and happier workplaces.

Your “greener” workday will mean a healthier, more focused and more confident you. Your workplace will be a more pleasant and productive environment to spend your days, which will only be good for everyone around you and will likely, positively, affect the bottom line also. So, don’t hide under your desk. The world needs a raise, and likely you do too.

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc., is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways.

Want to learn more about Lisa Borden and Borden Communications? Check out our Get Involved episode!

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Zajac Ranch

-an amazing Ranch (think horses galore) program for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities, just outside the Vancouver area.

Camp Jubilee

- at a fantastic and stunning location that is accessed by boat only! (who needs a cottage anyways?!)

Easter Seals Camps Horizon

- beautfiul camp outside of Calgary

- campers are people of all ages with mental and physical disabilities

Camp Rotary

- camp for people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities in New Brunswick, with a large focus on outdoors activities.

So search out there and find a summer camp that YOU want to volunteer with – and you’ll spend your summer roasting marshmallows, swimming in the lake and making new friends – all for a GOOD cause!

**A Special thank you to Jane Reitsma at Stratosphere International who provided the fabulous list of camps in this article! Stratosphere International is an organzation that sets up international experiences for Canadian secondary school groups with a focus on global citizenship and community development (Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Uganda).

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