FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The bike ride will officially launch programming for SDG Cities, a collaborative initiative between 10C Shared Space and Pillar Nonprofit Network that supports localization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in mid-sized cities.
LONDON, ON, Sept 7th 2021 - On September 9th, Emily Hansen and Luis Patricio, SDG Cities Co-leads, will complete a 125km cycling route from London and Guelph to celebrate the launch of programming for SDG Cities, a collaborative project between 10C Shared Space (Guelph) and Pillar Nonprofit Network (London). The SDGs are a commitment from 193 countries as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
In April 2021, 10C Shared Space and Pillar Nonprofit Network received funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to collaboratively develop the SDG Cities project. Through events, cohort-based training and applied research, SDG Cities will increase the number of and strengthen organizations and purpose-driven businesses actively using and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lessons learned from SDG Cities can also be leveraged in other cities to make progress towards the SDGs across the country.
The bike ride from London to Guelph marks the official launch of the SDG Cities project, connecting the two communities as the hubs of SDG activity. A pre-bike ride event, hosted by Pillar, will be held in London on the morning of September 9th. The event will be transmitted live. Register at: https://pillarnonprofit.ca/event/sdg-cities-project-launch/pillar-nonprofit-network
SDG Cities co-leads and staff from 10C and Pillar will be joined by MP Peter Fragiskatos - London North Centre and representatives from organizations working on advancing the SDGs locally. At this first event, Inclusive Economy London, Green Economy London and Goodwill Industries will share their stories of SDG integration.
“We are one of seven Green Economy Hubs across Ontario supporting networks of businesses to set and achieve sustainability targets. Together, we are demonstrating how reducing emissions can improve the bottom line, mitigate business risks, help develop a credible brand, and improve the ability to attract and retain consumers, shareholders, and top tier employees.” - Green Economy London
10C will host a second event in Guelph on the morning of September 10th to mark the completion of the ride and celebrate SDG work being done in Guelph. We will hear SDG stories from Planet Bean Coffee, the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph, Our Food Future, Smart Cities circular food economy projects, and the Guelph Community Foundation.
"One of the values that informs our work is ensuring we are not only creating a better future, but that we are undoing the wrongs of the past in a reconstructive way. This reconstruction includes ecology, equality and our relationship with farmers in the Global South. Through Fairtrade, Co-operatives and support of organics we are successfully tackling 14 of the 17 SDGs.” - Bill Barrett, Founder, Planet Bean Coffee
“Food is fundamental to life. By linking the food system to all 17 SDGs, mid-sized cities have the power to transform their local economy, environment and community. Guelph-Wellington’s Our Food Future initiative is doing just that. We’re accelerating a circular food system through partnerships, community and innovation to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.” – Barb Swartzentruber, ED Smart Cities Office, City of Guelph
The 125km bike route also passes through communities in the “Innovation Corridor” that are advancing SDG initiatives including Waterloo and Oxford County. Stories from SDG innovators will be shared during both events.
“The localization of the SDGs will allow staff to identify gaps and areas for improvement through initiatives and policies. The identification of these gaps will enable the city to move towards a more sustainable future.” - City of Waterloo
“We need to shift our current trajectory in order to achieve the SDGs. That means we need to start to do things differently, in a way that honours people and planet. Launching the project with a bike ride is a reminder of that. It is also a reminder of the importance of local place-based innovation.” - Luis Patricio, SDG Cities Co-lead (London)
For Media Inquiries:
Emily Hansen, SDG Cities Co-lead (Guelph), 10C Shared Space
Luis Patricio, SDG Cities Co-Lead (London), Pillar Nonprofit Network
About 10C Shared Space: 10C is the hub for community changemakers in Guelph. We are a not for-profit social enterprise creating a platform for those working across sectors and engaging in collaborative purpose-driven work. 10C is passionate about community enterprise, social finance, food engagement and sustainable development as a whole. Our future matters. We inspire possibility and create change - now!
About Pillar Nonprofit Network: Pillar Nonprofit Network strengthens individuals, organizations and enterprises invested in positive community impact. We support nonprofits, social enterprises and social innovators by sharing resources, exchanging knowledge and creating meaningful connections across the three pillars of nonprofit, business and government.
We believe that a connected network sparks collaboration and a willingness to lean on each other to help build an engaged, inclusive and vibrant community.