By Vivian Collings

The Haliburton – Muskoka – Kawartha Lakes Children’s Water Festival has gone mobile thanks to Ontario government grants.

Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning (FEEL)  has received two grants totaling $79,000 for the purchase of a covered trailer and to begin new strategic planning.

The first was a $13,000 Capital Ontario Trillium Foundation grant awarded over six months beginning last fall, and the second is a two- year $66,000 Resilient Communities Grant that began this spring.

Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock MPP Laurie Scott joined members of FEEL and Children’s Water Festival volunteers on Wednesday, July 10 in Head Lake Park in Haliburton to check out the new trailer and celebrate the beginning of going mobile.

“Our government is proud to help Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning extend these important water care experiences to even more regional families, schools, and communities in the years to come,” Scott said. “Together, we are building a future where children and communities understand, appreciate, and protect our precious water resources.”

The Children’s Water Festival has been running for the past 15 years as an event to encourage elementary school children from Trillium Lakelands District School Board to become water stewards.

The festival consists of hands-on activities to learn about water and the natural world around them.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”

It is held at Kinark Outdoor Centre every fall, but now, this event can be brought around the county.

“Initial trials of offering a few of their hands-on activities at public events and in partnerships with local libraries and the Kushog Lake Association went well. The trailer, additional staff time and fundraising plan involved in the OTF investment promise to carry important water care inspiring experiences to more regional families, schools, cottagers and regional communities in the seasons and years to come,” said a FEEL press release.

With the second grant, they plan to begin a strategic plan and update fundraising strategies.

“FEEL’s mission is to advance the public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of ecosystems through education. Their volunteers from within regional communities, secondary and post-secondary programs enjoy learning exchanges and connections in giving back to water that gives life.”

Visit www.ecoenvirolearn.org or contact info@waterheroes.ca to learn more.