We had a wonderfully inspiring day at Quinte Mohawk School in Desoronto, as part of a collaborative project between the Saplings branch of One Thousand Trees, and The Benjamin Project.

As part of this project, we have partnered with 12 schools and humane societies (so far) to raise both funds and awareness about animal welfare. Most of the participating locations are in Ontario, but we have one in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, and plans are in the works for one in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

If you're interested in being a part of this project, or would like more information, email me at lisa@onethousandtrees.com

The Benjamin Project, in collaboration with the Toronto Humane Society, One Thousand Trees Publishing, and Soaring Prophets, are embarking on a journey that celebrates compassion, creativity, and community.

The Benjamin Project is a non-profit initiative educating children on responsible pet ownership and animal stewardship. Elementary classrooms across Canada will ignite their creativity with the Benjamin Project, bringing this vision to life by empowering students to craft heartfelt children's books that celebrate their adoration for dogs. These tales will soon find a home with One Thousand Trees Publishing, who has generously offered to publish them free of charge (and you know we love that).

Once the books are done: Every page will have purpose as all proceeds from their sale will directly benefit the Toronto Humane Society, supporting their noble mission to provide shelter, care, and love to animals in need. Through the power of storytelling, we're transforming the lives of our dogs and their people.

Join Us on April 14th: Soaring Prophets invites you behind the scenes of the Toronto Humane Society. Prepare to be pulled in as we interview the unsung heroes who keep the wheels turning, capture the absolute wildness it takes to run an organization like this, and perhaps even encounter some furry companions along the way.

“Together with our remarkable partners, we'll shine a spotlight on the unwavering support the Humane Society provides to keep animals safe and cherished within loving homes. From providing food to families for their pets, to ensuring the fur ones have what they need to live happily and healthily in homes.”

Project Summary

• Series of children’s books (one for each participating humane society), each containing one-page “stories”

(300 words max) and accompanying line drawings (enabling the finished books to be used as colouring

books, as well as storybooks) from elementary school children, about animals and the love and joy they

bring

• Each participating elementary school can purchase books at cost and sell at cover price as a fundraiser

or give as gifts to participating students, family members, or other students in the school

• Each participating student receives a Benjamin Booster certificate from The Benjamin Project

• Each participating humane society can purchase books at cost and sell at cover price as a fundraiser

• Launch event to be held at each participating humane society, sometime between June and September

2024

• Animals and Our Emotional Wellbeing (an anthology of full-length stories previously published by One

Thousand Trees) to be offered for sale at each launch event, with net proceeds from sales to be donated

to the participating humane society

• A presentation by Malcolm Bernstein (founder of The Benjamin Project) to be held at each launch event,

either in personal or virtually

Currently we are working on developing a new game that will help families get the conversation started about the responsibilities of getting a pet.

Each player chooses a pet card and then advances around the board following the cards that show how much money, love and time each decision takes. The board takes you through one year as pet guardian and to be successful, you need to have money, heart and time tokens left at the end.

There isn’t much strategy as the cards you pick are random and determine the movement of the money, heart and time tokens, but it can certainly open your eyes to the requirements a pet needs in those categories. This is an important conversation to have as a family so that everyone understands the importance of good pet care before a pet is brought home.

Stay tuned to learn more about the game, including the launch date!

We were honoured to be featured in the Youth Connections Cafe.

This session of Youth Connections Café, highlighted Wellness, Compassion and Stewardship.

with Guest Speakers :

1) Malcolm Bernstein who is the Founder of The Benjamin Project.

2) Lyse van Arragon who is representing the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in the roles of Events Coordinator, Boutique Manager & Acting Volunteer

HERE IS THE LINK https://youtu.be/YZt1jADSUM0?si=vPyjlEQLSEN3ZMTO

Youth Connections Café is exploring Community Resources with two amazing guests to talk about their endeavours in the community while offering insight into their work and outreach.