September 29, 2025
Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Rather than having a President’s Message this month, we echo the comments by Stephanie Scott to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“There are hard truths about our country’s colonial history that some people are still not prepared to hear and do not want to be told — but we all must learn the true history of residential schools, listen to Survivors and take a stand against deniers.”
– Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Drawing the Line
On September 20th, people across the country united to Draw The Line – For People. For Peace. For the Planet. At Small Change Fund, we stand with those organizing for climate action, self-determination for Indigenous Peoples and poverty reduction. And we’re proud to support our partners 350.org and Seniors for Climate who facilitated an inclusive, inspiring and impactful event from coast to coast to coast.
Jen Teixeira, Campaign Coordinator at Small Change Fund, attended the Toronto event: “It was great to see cross-movement solidarity. In a time when our governments are prioritizing profit over people, we can all win by standing together.”
A Note from Jacqueline (at front right)
This month, I traveled to St. John’s, NL to connect with our partners in the growing Just Transition movement. The trip focused on building relationships — sharing our stories, learning from each other and celebrating the diverse strengths each group brings to this work. One evening, we gathered at the Bannerman Brewery – a group of community organizers, labour, academic, environmental and social justice allies! The energy in the room was inspiring. I left St. John’s with a deep sense of connection to the people and places we’re trying to protect, and with renewed motivation that we all have a role to play in forging the path for a just energy transition in the province.
– Jacqueline Lee-Tam, Vice President of Projects
More Than a Ride
Training helps youth feel more comfortable with riding the bus – but who trains the trainers? That’s where our new guide comes in! Join us to celebrate the launch of our Get on the Bus “Ride Guide” on October 9 at 12pm ET, as well as pick up some training tips of your own. Whether you’re an avid transit advocate or just getting started, we will give you the tools and inspiration to take the next step to getting youth on the bus in your community. Register today!
Breaking Bread and Making Plans
As summer came to a close, our Small Change Fund core staff gathered in person – several of us meeting face-to-face for the first time! We spent two days strategizing and planning for the future – as well as sharing delicious homemade food (thank you, Kim!) and many laughs and hugs. Click here for a glimpse of our gathering; we can’t wait to put our new strategies in motion.
Spotted in Toronto!
On her travels through Toronto, team member Jacqueline spotted one of the cabins from our Tents to Cabins to Home project! Have you seen a Small Change Fund project “in the wild”? Perhaps you stumbled across a lawn sign in your community, or joined a local rally? Send us your pictures at communications@smallchangefund.ca and we’ll feature them in our upcoming newsletters!
New Project: Protecting Lanark Highlands
We have partnered with the Friends of Lanark Highlands to challenge a gravel pit bordering Barbers Lake. The developers intend to extract aggregate below the water table with only a minimum buffer of 30 metres in place for the lake and local creek and wetlands. The pit would threaten 22 at-risk species, as well as the local ecosystem and agritourism industries. Click here to learn more and donate to protect the Lanark Highlands.
Small News Bites
- Hey Toronto! Are you looking to turn your passion for the planet into action? Check out the Volunteer Matching System, created through our Greener Toronto Fund project!
- Thank you to Doreen Nicoll and rabble.ca for publishing a feature article on Small Change Fund. Check it out to learn more about who we are and what drives our work, as well as a selection of our projects.
- Do you run a business in Owen Sound? If so, please complete this employer survey to let us know what kind of housing your employees need. Alongside Glassworks Co-op, we are building a net-zero, affordable housing community and local insight is invaluable!
- “Don’t confuse generosity with corporate influence.” This is David Sylvester’s message in his powerful opinion piece as Chair of the Forks of the Credit Preservation – our partner in protecting the Forks of the Credit from a proposed mega-quarry.
- Join our partners on the Peel Climate Champions Program for a climate solutions discussion during Toronto Climate Week. Learn more here!
Happy Fall, Y’all!
Warmly,
The Small Change Fund team
P.S. Your donation directly to Small Change Fund allows us to keep improving services and supports to help more grassroots projects succeed nationwide. Thank you for helping make change!
