Earth Rangers Rallies Behind 7-year-old Winter Slade’s Campaign to Protect Endangered Pine Martens After She was Told by Adults Her Idea to Protect Animals was "Stupid"

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Winter thought a birthday party to help protect pine martens was a great idea because she has enough toys already" said Michelle Slade, Winter’s mom. “I think it is an amazing idea and could not be more proud.

Woodbridge, Ontario (PRWEB) April 24, 2012

After being told by adults her idea to help animals was ‘stupid’, Winter's online campaign goes viral and raises thousands to protect pine martens and the wild spaces they need to survive.

Quick Facts:

•     Winter is fun loving 7-year-old who started this campaign because she loves animals and because she wants to help protect them.
•     Winter’s birthday is not until November but with her mother Michelle Slade’s support, Winter is already planning her Bring Back the Wild birthday party.
•     Winter is brought to tears after her mom shares her ‘animal saving’ birthday party idea with her friend’s parents, who claim Winter’s idea is ‘stupid’.
•     Winter’s mom Michelle posts call to action on Reddit, asking readers “to help restore Winter’s faith in humanity”.
•     Winter’s story gets picked up by Grist.org, the Huffington Post and spreads like wildfire on Facebook and Twitter.
•     To date Winter has raised over $4700 to help protect pine martens and their habitats.
•     Bring Back the Wild is Earth Rangers’ national kid-powered conservation program that works in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to help protect endangered animals and their habitats.
•     The funds Winter Slade raises do not support Earth Rangers administration costs. Half of the proceeds support the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s land conservation efforts in areas where Newfoundland pine martens are found. The other half supports Earth Rangers’ School Outreach program which educates and empowers kids just like Winter, to take action to protect endangered animals and their habitats.

Quotes:

"Winter thought a birthday party to help protect pine martens was a great idea because she has enough toys already" said Michelle Slade, Winter’s mom. “I think it is an amazing idea and could not be more proud”.

"One mother asked me, 'Why would you do that? That is so stupid’ and two other parents called the idea stupid while Winter was standing right next to me" says Michelle Slade. "On our walk home Winter cried and asked me why her friend’s moms thought she was stupid.”

"I love animals because they are so cute. They always want to play and they never say no," says Winter Slade.“ I have a dog but my favorite animal is a pine marten because you don't have to do as much work to take care of them".

“Winter is a Super Ranger; with her mom’s help Winter is raising funds to protect pine martens, she is raising awareness about the threats facing animals and their habitats and she is empowering kids just like her to take action” says Mark Northwood, President and co-CEO of Earth Rangers. “Winter’s incredible story raises awareness and captivates both children and adults around the world in a way that we cannot put a price tag on”.

“Earth Rangers’ mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental stewards,” says Mark Northwood, President and co-CEO of Earth Rangers. “When children like Winter are inspired to take action we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to advocate for and nurture their passion and commitment.”

Take Action & Learn More:

Help Winter; show this 7-year-old that saving animals isn’t stupid. Please donate and support her campaign.

About Earth Rangers:
Earth Rangers is an award-winning charitable organization dedicated to educating children about biodiversity loss and empowering them to Bring Back the Wild. Building on children's natural connection to wildlife, Earth Rangers' focus is to communicate to children a positive science - based message on the importance of protecting biodiversity and adopting more sustainable behaviors. Through programs including a children's website - earthrangers.com, a permanent studio at the Royal Ontario Museum and an Education Outreach Program featuring live Animal Ambassadors, Earth Rangers is able to reach, inspire and enable millions of children each year to take action to help ensure the lasting survival of species in Canada.

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