Just o
ver two years old, Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) Canada celebrated a notable milestone on November 14, 2012. It received the keys to its own national office, located at 80 Elm St. in Sudbury, Ontario.
As Senator Grant Mitchell said to Cathy Orlando, CCL’s National Coordinator, in a congratulatory email, it really is remarkable how short a time it has been since CCL Canada got off the ground. Finally, Orlando has a physical location other than her living room from which to oversee CCL’s work.
The ceremony at the opening was brief but delightful. The theme was “We are not Stupid.”
After a bit of socializing, the attendees enjoyed a flash mob Bollywood Dance to Jai Ho by the Canadian Showcase Dancers in celebration of being smart about taking action on climate change.
Awards were given to Gerry Gavreau and the Canadian Showcase Dancers for dancing for a low-carbon future since 2009.
Mike Yawney received an award for his many contributions to the climate change fight, lobbying MPs and raising money for CCL Canada.
John and Catherine Fiorino were also awarded for their generosity and foresight. They have been strong supporters of Orlando’s work since the beginning, and generously offered a low-rent office space for CCL Canada to carry out its important work.
Congratulations to Cathy Orlando for being smart and persistent and for dreaming big. Next step: a Secretary! Better yet, a Salary!
By Laurel Thompson, CCL Montreal
Click to view our pictures and video from our grand opening.
