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Ed Smee Conserver Society Environmental Fund

"Transfer in Trust in Recognition of Effective Fund Management of Hamilton Community Foundation"

The Conserver Society of Hamilton and District Inc. (the "Society") was established in 1983 by individuals motivated to improve the quality of life of our community and advocates the following: frugality in the use of energy and other resources; sustainability; just distribution of resources over time; support of biological diversity; reduction of environmental contamination and participation in neighbourhood decision making.

Mr. Ed Smee was the founding Chairman of the Society and served not only as a leader and mentor in his work as a volunteer with the Society, but also by example through his personal life working on environmental issues. Ed Smee is credited by his friends at the Society with helping to create the first action plan for the Bay.

The Conserver Society's Environmental Trust Fund was initiated in 1986, chaired by Ed Smee, to support environmental research projects. The Board of Directors of the Society have now re-named it the Ed Smee Conserver Society Environmental Fund in Mr. Smee's honour.

In 1999, speaking of the Society's decision to transfer the fund to the Hamilton Community Foundation, Marilyn Baxter, Treasurer of the Society and also past Executive Director of the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) stated, "This is a good move for the fund. There was great enthusiasm for the fund initially, but our group now feels that it can be managed better at the Hamilton Community Foundation." Jim McDonald, a friend and member of the Society agrees, "We hope the fund can be used to help continue the work of citizens like Mr. Smee in our community. We need to find a way to have a strong economy without sacrificing the environment - we all have to breathe the air. If we don't find a balance we all lose".

The fund operates as a donor advised fund, with the Society recommending the recipient of the funds each year. Donations can be made to this fund to honour Mr. Smee's outstanding contribution to our community and to support the continuing work of the Society.

This fund supports environmental projects including education and advocacy. For information about the fund and applying for a grant, please click here to visit the Conserver Society of Hamilton & District.

Read more about Ed Smee on the Conserver Society website.