A Lake Ontario fundraiser created by a Clarington councillor is using a tongue-in-cheek clothing design to raise money for lake monitoring and restoration.
Ward 2 Councillor Lloyd Rang, who is also chief executive of Curious Public, partnered with the charity Swim Drink Fish on a collection of shirts, hoodies and hats. Ten dollars from each T-shirt sold is earmarked for the organization.
The design responds to U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Rang said the campaign was intended to turn a political joke into support for the lake’s environmental health.
Campaign supports lake protection
Swim Drink Fish works on water quality, public access and people’s relationship with waterways. Vice-president Greg Ford said the naming dispute creates an opportunity to discuss the Great Lakes’ history, shared governance and importance to communities on both sides of the border.
Lake Ontario supports drinking water, tourism, recreation, fishing and economic activity. The lake also faces continuing pressures from invasive species, sewer overflows and the challenge of coordinating decisions across municipal, provincial, state and national boundaries.
Rang said Clarington residents have a direct connection to the lake and take responsibility for it seriously. The apparel campaign is available through the seller named by the organizers, with buyers encouraged to confirm product and donation details before ordering.
