2025 Green Hearts Awardee – Krissan Veerasingam

Experience I bring to the role

I have been a member of the Steering Committee of Green Neighbours 21 and a lead organizer of the annual EcoFair at the Barns, now known as EcoFair Toronto, since 2011. After retiring from my position as a research scientist at Mount Sinai Hospital in 2014, I began working with other like-minded volunteers on creating a Network of green groups across the City, with the goal of engaging more people in sustainability. I was founding co-Chair when Green Neighbours Network of Toronto unofficially launched in 2018.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I am most passionate about addressing the climate crisis and about preserving farmland and nature.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

I enjoy working with others to take action on the climate crisis and other urgent environmental problems of our time. I enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, being creative, and doing what I can do to turn things around. The best part about volunteering for GNN is the hope it inspires in me and the sense of community. We can do so much more working together – and it is more fun. This is our motto – and it is true!

Personal fun fact

I love to garden. The miracle of seeing seeds grow and flourish never grows old. And I love to canoe. Paddling Ontario’s beautiful lakes and rivers, experiencing nature, rejuvenates my soul.

Experience I bring to the role

Before retiring in 2011, I was a professor of Social Science at York University. I have served on the Steering Committee of Green Neighbours 21 since it began in 2007. Some years later I helped to organize the Toronto Climate Action Network and then served as its founding Chair from 2013 to 2016. More recently I joined with a few other volunteers trying to create a Network of green groups across the city. The result was Green Neighbours Network of Toronto. I became Chair when it was unofficially launched in 2018, finally stepping down when my term ended earlier this year.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

Most immediately, the climate crisis, but more broadly the need to find a way of living that in balance with the needs and capacities of our shared ecosystem.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

Meeting and learning from all kinds of new and interesting people. The excitement of working closely with a gang of these people to achieve something we all care about.

Personal fun fact

I love spending time out in the woods or in nature generally — camping, canoeing, hiking or biking.

Experience I bring to the role

I’ve spent most of my professional career in the public and not-for-profit sectors, where I’ve played a leading role in a wide range of provincial policies, programs and projects. I currently serve as a Team Lead in the Ontario Ministry of Health, where I provide policy leadership on a range of strategic initiatives designed to improve the health system.

I’m also proud to be a member of Canada Reduces, the highly successful GNN member group which helps businesses reduce waste and cut costs by encouraging their customers to use bring-your-own reusables. I also co-founded St. Lawrence Reduces, a waste reduction program in Toronto’s St. Lawrence area that is based on the Canada Reduces model.

I previously also served as a Board member for VegTO, a Toronto-based not-for-profit that inspires people to choose a healthier, greener, more compassionate lifestyle through plant-based eating.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I strongly believe that we as a society need to evolve to a more sustainable lifestyle, including by decreasing consumerism, reducing the environmental impacts of animal agriculture and ending our reliance on fossil fuels.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

We all have a part to play in stopping the climate crisis and living more sustainably. GNN offers the opportunity to do just that, connecting people with others who share their concerns and giving them the support they need to take meaningful action.

Personal fun fact

I’m a former amateur thrill seeker, and have gone skydiving, hang gliding and white water rafting, been canyoning in Ecuador, ziplining in Costa Rica and swimming with sharks in The Bahamas. Age and wisdom has led me to less risky pursuits, like enjoying live music and walks along the waterfront. 🙂

Experience I bring to the role

I am a CPA, CA accountant with over 5 years of public accounting experience in taxation, audit, and transaction advisory services.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I believe that the battle against climate change is the single greatest challenge that our generation has to face and the clock continues to tick. I am passionate about raising awareness of this issue and consistently look for ways to support however I can.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

As a professional accountant, I want to use my area of expertise to help support environmental initiatives and make Toronto a more environmentally friendly and sustainable city. My favourite part about volunteering with GNN is getting to work alongside such amazing like minded people!

Personal fun fact

I am a golfer and baseball player in the summer and an avid ski racer in the winter who’s always looking for an excuse to get outside and play!

Experience I bring to the role

Colin has been a leader in the environmental education field within the Toronto area for almost 20 years. He currently leads Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Community Learning team in Toronto, including the animation of Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit) and The Meadoway. Colin is the Executive Director of the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto, the Founder of Secondhand Sunday and a Partner with Brooks Love Farm.

Colin completed his MEd from York University with a research focus on ecological literacy, social media and teacher training. He earned his HBSc from the University of Toronto and his BEd from Queen’s University with a specialty in Outdoor and Experiential Education. Colin is a husband and father of two who, big surprise, loves to spend time outdoors with his family and friends.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I am most passionate about addressing the climate crisis and about preserving farmland and nature.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

I enjoy working with others to take action on the climate crisis and other urgent environmental problems of our time. I enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, being creative, and doing what I can do to turn things around. The best part about volunteering for GNN is the hope it inspires in me and the sense of community. We can do so much more working together – and it is more fun. This is our motto – and it is true!

Personal fun fact

I love to garden. The miracle of seeing seeds grow and flourish never grows old. And I love to canoe. Paddling Ontario’s beautiful lakes and rivers, experiencing nature, rejuvenates my soul.

In addition to being an eco-champion, my lovely partner Caroline Marie Brooks is in an amazing band called GOOD LOVELIES and she has recently released her first solo record called “EVERYTHING AT THE SAME TIME“.

Experience I bring to the role

I worked for 10 years as a videographer, photographer in marketing and communications. I specialized in small production, quick turnaround projects and have experience in live event, music videos, documentaries, small business promotion, short films and more. I am always happy to use my knowledge as a filmmaker to promote projects, so feel free to reach out to me if I can help.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

Growing up in Germany I was raised with a strong environmental mindset. I was also fortunate to have a family that truly cared about the environment and was able to expose me at a young age to the outdoors. I fell in love with being in nature, especially canoeing and back country camping. I feel a strong desire to preserve the beauty of this world. Recently I have found myself connected to home retrofits for its amazing ability to make a big difference in our GHG emissions. I am taking steps to pivoting my career into the sustainability industry.

Why volunteer?

I was looking to connect with like-minded people taking positive action to improve our environment on a local level.

Personal fun fact

I sailed across the Atlantic 🙂

Experience I bring to the role

With a background in environmental studies and geography, I have held various communications positions. I have had the pleasure of being GNN’s newsletter editor since 2019.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I am passionate about helping to tackle the climate crisis, and making cities and the places we live more sustainable.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

I want to use my writing and knowledge to inspire environmental change. If we all play a small part, we can make big difference. The best part about volunteering with GNN is getting the opportunity to meet really passionate and hard-working people.

Personal fun fact

I am a huge sports fan. Whether it’s catching a hockey game with friends or playing some ball, I am always down to talk sports.

Experience I bring to the role

Project management, volunteer recruitment and coordination, event planning and my passion to volunteer and connect with like minded people!

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

Most immediately, the climate crisis, but more broadly the need to find a way of living that in balance with the needs and capacities of our shared ecosystem.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

Meeting and learning from all kinds of new and interesting people. The excitement of working closely with a gang of these people to achieve something we all care about.

Personal fun fact

I love spending time out in the woods or in nature generally — camping, canoeing, hiking or biking.

Experience I bring to the role

I am a seasoned User Experience (UX) designer with over a decade of experience in creating user-centered digital solutions. My expertise includes UX research, information architecture, and designing visually engaging user interfaces. I have worked with software companies in London, UK, where I contributed to enhancing user experiences for a global audience. Currently, I bring my professional skills to support sustainability initiatives, including my work with Small Change Fund and the Green Neighbours Network (GNN) of Toronto on the Greener Toronto Fund project.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

I am passionate about fostering sustainability and promoting eco-conscious living. My connection to the outdoors has deepened my commitment to environmental conservation and climate action.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

Collaborating with like-minded individuals who are equally committed to sustainability is the most rewarding part of volunteering with GNN. I enjoy applying my skills to projects that make a tangible difference and being part of a community dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable Toronto.

Personal fun fact

I am an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, camping, and spending time in nature with family and friends. Being outdoors rejuvenates my soul and inspires my commitment to environmental advocacy.

My name is Natasha and I am currently studying ecology at the University of British Columbia. I have always loved nature, so I am excited to have the opportunity to learn more about biodiversity and educate others in my community about the importance of plants and insects to the environment. I am an avid hiker and I often volunteer with restoration groups in the areas I frequent, including Pacific Spirit Park and the Camosun Bog in Vancouver.

Moreover, I am an executive on the UBC Botany Enthusiast Club, where we work to help students reconnect with nature and promote growing native plants and pollinators. I love insects and have a large bug collection that I am continuing to expand, so I can often be found inspecting leaves and rocks for critters around Toronto. I am very glad to be working with Green Neighbours Network this summer and can’t wait to see what we find.

Hello! My name is Jessie, and I recently graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor degree in Biology. During my studies, I have completed and defended an Honours Thesis in animal physiology, specifically investigating how changes in water temperature affect the osmoregulatory strategies of freshwater fish. I am passionate about understanding the ways that organisms adapt to environmental stressors, and I will be continuing this research as a Master’s student in Biology this upcoming Fall semester.

Through this internship at Green Neighbours Network, I am excited to learn from my peers and mentors how to be an effective advocate for environmental sustainability. I am eager to gain practical experience in community engagement, develop skills in promoting biodiversity, and contribute to initiatives that protect and restore native habitats. I look forward to applying my academic knowledge to real-world challenges and collaborating with others who are equally passionate about making a positive impact on our environment.

I’m Jahreleaseya - I just finished my fourth year of Environmental Biology at TMU. As a child, I was lucky enough to travel with my grandparents up north to many famous provincial parks. This early exposure to the environment through playing in the dirt and connecting with wildlife and nature has allowed me to gain a great appreciation for nature and bring that passion back to the city.

Furthermore, I’m passionate about citizen science and making science and conservation accessible and digestible to all. I have experience working in native plant horticulture and environmental education - as well as communications for nonprofit organizations like GNN. I love helping others to learn about urban ecosystems and what we can do to keep them thriving for generations to come. I'm very much looking forward to promoting the many partners that the GNN is connected with to help create a greener and more sustainable city. In my free time, I love hiking, watercolour painting, and spending time with my tortoiseshell cat.

Our focus is to bringing back bees, birds and butterflies into gardens and landscapes by educating students and gardeners on the importance of planting native plants and on adapting new wildlife friendly garden practices and acting on it.

EcoSpark is an environmental charity whose mission is to empower communities to take an active role in protecting and sustaining their local environment. We do this by giving people the tools for education, monitoring and influencing positive change.

Since 1996, EcoSpark has connected people to their local environment through education, monitoring and stewardship. We have a strong reputation in the areas of community engagement, education, citizen science, facilitation and collaboration. To date, we have directly worked with over 80,000 people from across Southern Ontario in over 20 watersheds.

Globalization ensures that invasive species will continue to arrive, establish, and cause significant disruption in our ecosystems, leading to major global change. My research aims to increase our ability to manage such species through improved understanding of community interactions that affect the natural enemies regulating their populations. I explore questions related to population mortality, shifts in community diversity, and novel associations in forest insect communities, with focus on understanding interactions between native and non-native natural enemies and their food web associates. 

My research team conducts primary ecological studies proposed on insect-insect and insect-plant interactions here, work that elucidates key mechanisms driving changes in composition and diversity over time, as well as potential avenues for mitigating negative impacts in our forests. Species interactions underpin the invasion theories of enemy release and biotic resistance, which are a major thrust of my core research. There is a great need to understand such processes in invaded forests, and my research program represents one of the few academic groups in Canada actively working in this area of invasive species and biological control in forest ecosystems.

Small Change Fund acts as a catalyst for individuals and grassroots organizations. We work together with partners to improve the environment; reduce poverty; and promote reconciliation efforts across Canada including working with Indigenous Peoples to support the protection of their lands, waters and communities.

We are a capacity support engine and have helped more than 270 organizations across the country, raising over $15M for projects, the majority of which tackle environmental and climate-related issues.

The Ashbridges Bay Park Stewardship Team has a Blog Post on our site and the West Woodbine Beach, Dune and Meadow Habitat, Biodiversity and Damage report Summer 2022 that led to the protection of the beach from the establishment of a disc golf course.

Facebook AshbridgesBayNatureStewards

Glen Stewart Park Ravine is a beautiful and natural urban park that is one of a very few Red Oak woodland and natural creeks left in the City of Toronto. This group was created to act as a grassroots organization to further understand this wonderful resource. To help further our education of the issues facing the health of the ravine. Please post any relevant information, photos, stories or ideas you think may contribute to the sustainability of the Glen Stewart Park Ravine.

Our MISSION is to engage and educate the people of Toronto in the stewardship of our ravines and natural areas.

Our VISION is a Toronto with healthy biodiverse ecosystems where plants and animals thrive. We work together to restore and maintain healthy natural areas to improve the quality of life for all Toronto citizens.

For over 30 years, the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) has campaigned locally to find solutions to Toronto’s urban environmental problems. As a not-for-profit organization, TEA advocates on behalf of all Torontonians for a green, healthy and equitable city. TEA works with concerned individuals, community groups, professionals and workers, encouraging the participation of local people on local issues.

The U of T Trash Team is a science-based community outreach organization made up of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, researchers, local volunteers and staff all working together with a common goal to increase waste literacy in our community while reducing plastic pollution in our ecosystems. The U of T Trash team was founded in 2017 in collaboration with the Rochman Lab, part of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. Visit the UofT Trash Team website for useful restaurant resources, informative flyers, and tips to help Food Service Businesses make the switch from single-use disposable foodware to reusables.

The Enviromentum empowers environmental and social justice change leaders with evidence-based communications practices for cultivating transformation in their communities and growing the capacity for individual self-determination from micro to macro scale.  Discover their approach, where science and empathy intersect to inspire eco-friendly choices. Learn about Motivational Interviewing at Enviromentum.org.

Walking and rolling can be wonderful ways to get around the city – if streets and sidewalks are safe and accessible.

WalkRollMap.org is a crowdsourcing tool for mapping micro barriers to accessible walking and rolling. What is a micro barrier? Anything that makes it harder (or maybe even impossible!) to walk or roll safely or comfortably in your community. It might be a missing crosswalk, uneven payment, or unplowed snow. You can also report if you’ve been hit while walking or rolling, had a near miss, or a fall. Created with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

If you are a cyclist, there’s a mapping tool for you too – visit BikeMaps.org.

Hello! My name is Beatrix Maddocks and I have recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, where I majored in Marketing Management and minored in Sustainable Business. My degree allowed me to recognize the potential that marketing can have in influencing sustainable behaviour, educating the public on environmental issues, and essentially, driving environmental change throughout society. I have previously worked as an Enumerator for Statistics Canada collecting census data, so with this role, I am excited to connect my past experience with my passion for sustainability.

Learning about the impacts of climate change in high school ultimately drove my passion for sustainability and my desire to create change. While working as an Enumerator, I realized the impact communication can have on influencing behaviour. With this in mind, I believe that connecting with business owners regarding single-use plastics can go a long way in creating change in the industry.

Hi, I’m Hafeez. I’m currently a student at the University of Waterloo doing an undergrad in Planning. I have a big interest in safer and complete streets and making our cities better for everyone. 

You can find me riding my bike around the city or designing complete streets on X (trainguy89)!

My name is Konya. I am helping with the project on behalf of the Greener Toronto Fund of the Small Change Fund. I recently graduated from York University with a Honours Bilingual Bachelor Degree in International Studies. While studying I worked with Regenesis on campus as an environmental coordinator, as well volunteer with Black Environmental Initiative as a research lead. I still continue to volunteer with Black Environmental Initiative, alongside working as an intern at Green Neighbourhood Network of Toronto. I enjoy working in the environmental sector because I truly care and want to know how communities can have a sustainable as well as healthy environment in spite of their barriers.

My name is Millie and I am a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University where I received a Honours Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies. In my degree, I was able to take some great courses based around topics such as climate change, sustainability, GIS tools, and land resource management. Currently, I am completing a graduate certificate in Environmental Management from Fleming College, where I am deepening my knowledge on environmental auditing practices, laws and impact assessments. Outside of my studies, I love to hike, explore and observe Ontario's different flora and fauna. I am incredibly passionate about biodiversity and conservation, and hope to work in the field one day.

My name is Allison Silverwood and I have an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Queen’s University. I hold an Environmental Professional in Training Designation from ECO Canada. I also have a certificate in the Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics, from the Government of Canada. I have experience with Excel in a professional setting as well as having completed Excel: Advanced Formatting Techniques course. In August of 2021, I went on to work for an Environmental Consulting Firm in sales and marketing, which I have recently finished my contract for. My career goal is to work for Environment and Climate Change Canada as a policy analyst. I have always been interested in environmental education and action, in relation to finding ways to mitigate climate change. I have been creating and leading environmental committees since high school and throughout university. Some of my interests include exploring nature, hiking, and running. Through my time at Green Neighbours Network, I would like to have positive and uplifting conversations with residents about their transportation and home energy use and provide them with the resources to make impactful decisions. I am very excited to expand my skill set and take on various professional responsibilities through this opportunity.

Watch Video Introduction

My name is Alyson Doyle-Braithwaite, I am a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University (previously known as Ryerson University). I have a Bachelor's degree of honors in the Environment and Urban Sustainability and a minor in Geography. This degree uncovers the intersectionality of both the arts and sciences. In this degree, I have had the opportunity to uncover the connection between the environment and how it relates to equity. Along with, developing my own scientific studies to provide evidence to my hypothesis on equity in its relation to climate change, climate hazards, and accessibility. I have obtained a certificate in Can Study US policy and leadership certificate to further my expertise. While having experience working as an environmental intern for the following organizations: Canadian Coalition of Environmental and  Climate Justice, Climate Action NetWork, Public Service Alliance of Canada, and now Green Neighbors Network. I am eager to expand my knowledge in the environmental sector and grow in my career with the opportunity to work within my local community at Green Neighbors Network. 

Hi! I'm Biancka, and I'll be working with the Pocket Change Project. I'm currently returning to Toronto Metropolitan University (formally Ryerson) for Environmental and Urban Sustainability, and minoring in Law. I am passionate about social and environmental justice. More specifically, I am interested in making sustainability more affordable for everyone. Taking climate action seems out of reach for most people because of the costs but there are options. In my future I want to be an advocate for the environment politically. Right now I'm just trying to learn and experience as much as possible in reducing gas emissions. I am excited to work with the Pocket and the Green Neighbours Network this summer!

Watch Video Introduction

My name is Brandon Holmeshaw and I am a worker in the environmental field.

My ambitions for working in the environmental field come from the ambition to help protect this world from further harm. Throughout my life, I have observed the beauties that this world has and have developed a desire to help protect them for the sake of themselves and us know what the future holds without them. Because of this, I have made it my goal to help the environment by working in the field to help aid it. From entering this career field, I have the intention of helping bring forth awareness towards the public on what can be done to help reduce our impact on it as well as try to help protect it for future generations.

Along with my ambitions for the field, I am well educated to help work in the field as an environmental student from Fleming College and Trent University. Within my learning field, I have learned many skills that will help me in the future such as having a good understanding of the environmental field with the problems found with them, current policies for them, and the potential remediation methods that can be applied to them. I also have experience from my past career positions that help me be prepared for the workplace.

Overall, with these sets of ambitions and skills present for me, I hope I can do what I can to help become a good worker in the environmental field and help make a difference in it. 

I am a lifelong nature lover and sustainability advocate. I recently completed my final year at the University of Toronto, where I obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, as well as Physical and Environmental Geography. I hope to use my knowledge of biology and geography to help solve issues related to sustainability in my community. I am particularly interested in the stewardship of green spaces in an urban environment and would like to help connect communities with the nature that surrounds them. I am currently participating in the Young Urban Forest Leaders Program with LEAF, where I am working on educating my community on the importance of native plants and improving the tree canopy in the city of Toronto. In my spare time, I love vegetable gardening and hiking.

During my time with GNN this summer, I am excited to engage with the residents of Etobicoke Centre and learn about their attitudes towards reducing their carbon emissions through their home energy and transportation use. I believe that community outreach is an important piece of the solution to the climate crisis. I hope that the data collected will help bring forward the programs needed to transform communities like Etobicoke Centre into greener and healthier places to live. 

Watch Video Introduction

My name is Harrison and I am a student in the Environmental Technology program at Centennial College. I am passionate about biodiversity and protecting our natural spaces. My love for nature started out when I was a kid, with a keen interest in birds and plants. I am born and raised in Toronto and am excited to make a difference in our city. I’m an outgoing young professional eager to expand my network in the growing field of environmental technology. I have a diploma in Business – Marketing and have some experience in media/content creation. In my future, I am hoping to work in conservation, to preserve and protect our beautiful species of native plants and animals. I love interacting with others and learning new things. I am looking forward to using all of my skills, and to learning new ones here with the Pocket Change Project this summer.

Watch Video Introduction

I recently graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, majoring in global health and nutritional sciences, and minoring in equity studies. In the world around me, I constantly see the connections between the environment and health. I have a background in studying the health aspect of these connections, and through this job, I wish to dive deeper into understanding the environmental side. Further, I am eager to promote sustainability to the public and analyze data that we collect from our surveys. I understand the science regarding climate change and want to contribute to humanity’s efforts to combat this problem. On a related note, I wish to get an insider’s look at the public’s view on environmental topics.

As an environmental program coordinator, I am eager to gain more experience in cleaning and analyzing data, as well as talking with the public. From my research assistant position, I have plenty of experience working with real-world data and communicating with others. I interviewed many Polish speakers about their experiences in the GTA, and I was responsible for keeping track of and transcribing the files, following a precise file naming system. The organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills I gained there are especially sure to help me in this new job. I also have experience communicating with people of various demographics, including the elderly at a long-term care centre and young children at a summer camp. By going door-to-door, and by working within a team, I wish to build upon my communication skills in this job.

Watch Video Introduction

“Tēnā koutou katoa!  I’m Kim (they/them). I’ve recently returned to Turtle Island from Aotearoa New Zealand. I have many passions, from youth civics engagement, to arts, science, the outdoors and of course environmental campaigning and activism.

Last year, I was the President of the University of Canterbury Students Association, leading a team of 12 students to connect with our university and advocate for all students. One of my proudest moments of 2021 was initiating a campaign for discounted bus fares for students. We’ve been successful, and now many groups, including students, will enjoy $1 fares in Ōtautahi Christchurch. We also advocated for better student supports in the academic and pastoral areas, as well as for our diverse communities. 

I previously completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours), majoring in Chemistry, with my final year project focussing on a disease affecting native Kauri Trees in Aotearoa. This developed my understanding of wider ecosystem impacts of pathogens, as well as Indigenous Knowledge and how we as scientists can more gracefully navigate approaches that incorporate both Indigenous Knowledge and Science.

I believe that to address the climate crisis, we need to take radical action, whilst centring groups who are most affected by climate change. However, we also need to engage and empower many members of our community. This summer, I want to connect with the wider Tkaronto community and aid in making taking climate action accessible to everyone.

Watch Video Introduction

The HVRA Net Zero committee has partnered with Best Buy Canada to offer a wide variety of induction ranges and cooktops. Participants will be eligible for discounts of $300 – $900 on induction ranges and $100 on induction cooktops. You do not need to live in Harbord Village to participate. Once you have have signed up for the program, you will be connected with an in-house Best Buy advisor. The advisor will work with you over the phone, or come to your home, to help you select the right induction cooktop or range for you. Visit the website to sign up and for full details.

Get advice and share information with others while retrofitting your home for comfort, energy savings and lower carbon emissions. Be inspired and learn. Expanding your kitchen? Replacing your HVAC? Fixing your roof? Looking to reduce your carbon footprint? The Retrofit Coordination Service can help. This service is being developed by Pocket Change Project Retrofit volunteers. The goal of the service is to accelerate the rate of home energy retrofits in Toronto by making it quicker, easier, and more economical – and then to grow the service across the city! Find out more and get involved by emailing us: survey@gnntoronto.ca..

Jessica is a volunteer engagement thought leader who earned her Certified in Volunteer Administration credential in April 2023 and has facilitated Fleming College’s Volunteer Management: Spectrum of Engagement course since May 2022. 

She is the recipient of the 2021 Alison Caird Young Leader Award in recognition of her leadership and excellence in volunteer engagement and the recipient of the 2023 VMPC Exemplary Leader Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to the field as a mentor, leader, trainer, and advocate.

Jessica is incredibly passionate about the environment and is very pleased for the opportunity to work with Green Neighbours Network of Toronto through the Small Change Fund's support. She has the privilege to work on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. 

Experience I bring to the role

Project management, volunteer recruitment and coordination, event planning and my passion to volunteer and connect with like minded people!

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

Most immediately, the climate crisis, but more broadly the need to find a way of living that in balance with the needs and capacities of our shared ecosystem.

Best part of volunteering with GNN

Meeting and learning from all kinds of new and interesting people. The excitement of working closely with a gang of these people to achieve something we all care about.

Personal fun fact

I love spending time out in the woods or in nature generally — camping, canoeing, hiking or biking.

Experience I bring to the role

My work has brought me across various fields — from pharmaceutical chemistry, to environmental conservation, to social impact and youth engagement. Through my unconventional career path, I've built strong foundations in community engagement, impact measurement, process improvement and operations. I'm the type of person that loves to understand problems in order to drive collaborative solutions. Across sectors, my work has always been about improving systems, bringing people together, and integrating an inclusive, intersectional approach.

Environmental issues I’m passionate about

Food is one of the best ways to connect people, and I'm passionate about creating a more sustainable and just food system. Being an avid gardener allows me to observe the unique relationships between plants, animals, people and the soil. Exploring the ways we can work with these relationships instead of against them empowers us to push regenerative solutions towards a future of food sovereignty.

Why volunteer?

Tackling the climate crisis can feel incredibly intimidating and isolating, but with a community like GNN it's a lot less daunting and a lot more fun! Collective action is at the heart of what I do, and GNN offers an accessible way for people of varying backgrounds to actively shape the sustainable communities they want to see.

Personal fun fact

I love finding creative ways to reuse, repurpose and repair things! There's nothing I won't at least attempt to fix and give a second life, whether it's repairing one of my dog's well-loved toys or upcycling a damaged pair of pants into something new. Our belongings have so much potential when we move past viewing them as simply disposable.