But despite the challenges and in some cases because of them, the students have soldiered on, continuing their fight for a sustainable future.
It’s that perseverance that makes them so powerful.
After their long struggle with the school design, it would have been easy to fold up the blueprints and call it a day, but instead the students took their experiences on the road, speaking of their fight in Portland, Seattle and Jasper.
And with their spectacular presentations, Jasper’s passionate students have brought inspiration to the creator of the net-zero SEED classroom, to rooms full of leaders in sustainable design and to Dr. John Francis, the Planet Walker, who came all the way to Jasper just to see the students and speak to the community last week.
Francis, an environmental activist who didn’t drive or ride in cars for 22 years and who stopped speaking for 17, told a crowd of Jasperites June 29 that the story and journey of our sustainability students inspires him.
“You’re all making a difference right now in your lives, in the work that you’re doing. Right now you don’t see the amazing impact that you’re having, but you will and you’ll look back and go ‘Huh. We’ve come a long way.’”
Although the journey is far from over, the students have already come a long way.
The last time Francis saw them, there was no word of a net-zero SEED classroom coming to town and now the students are within arms reach of that dream.
Although, it is a little hazy right now, as the students were recently surprised by some unknown costs that have them frantically fundraising to come up with the remaining cash.
That’s why Francis came to town. He spoke at a fundraiser held at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. The event was organized by the club and Tony Bielec, general manager of the Sawridge, with all of the costs covered by the inn and all of the proceeds going directly toward the SEED.
At that event were more than 150 community members who paid $65 each to support the club. But even with the success of the event, the generosity of the Sawridge and the $10,000 donation from the Lion’s Club that was announced that evening, the students are still $30,000 away from bringing the SEED home to Jasper.
So, yet again, the students have hit an obstacle. But this time, Jasperites can help the students to succeed. If the town pulls together, as it’s known to do, the classroom could make it here in time for the 2013/14 school year.
So, let’s help bring the club’s dream to life and pool our resources. These students have had enough disappointment in the club’s short existence. Now it’s time the students’ tireless efforts are rewarded with something tangible.
To donate to the SEED project, visit theseedcollaborative.org/donate.html.
