$100 million has been given to the BC Park Foundation’s 25×25 campaign to protect 25% of BC’s land and waters. Chip Wilson, Founder of Lululemon Athletica has given a major boost to an environmental conservancy program that partners with Indigenous peoples.
Yvonne Chouinard of the US outdoor clothing company Patagonia Inc. also transferred the ownership of his company to environmentalists fighting climate change.
According to CTV News, Dr. Leanne Keddie, of Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business is hoping that more business people will follow their example:
“Particularly in light of the massive inequality we are seeing today, rising inflation, and the pressures everyday people are feeling, I think those with billions in wealth have to think seriously about the impact that wealth is going to have. I’m optimistic these won’t be the last big announcements we see.”
This is also not Chip Wilson’s first donation in Canada. He also gave $4 million towards coastal ecosystems in BC.
The $100 million donation is earmarked for three areas: the Falling Creek Sanctuary in Northeastern BC, Teit’s Sanctuary in the Nlaka’pamux First Nation territory, and Bourguiba Springs near the South Okanagan Valley.
Big Horn sheep, which are listed as an at risk species by the Canadian federal government are found in Teit’s Sanctuary and Bourguiba Springs; while the Falling Creek Sanctuary features old-growth forest with caribou, deer, and moose overwintering grounds. The first Wilson 5 Foundation’s coastal ecosystem donation was directed towards BC’s iconic Douglas Fir trees.
Fifteen BC areas are already being addressed since the BC Parks Foundation started its quest in 2018 to guard BC’s exceptionally stunning landscapes. Much of the 25×25 campaign funds have been raised through crowdfunding on the internet. The organization’s goal is to protect 25% of BC’s sea and land by the year 2025. The Wilson 5 Foundation environmental donation is the largest in Canadian history.
