Tag: covid-19

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Press Release: ORK joins #GivingTuesdayNow efforts

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper April 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/21/20
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org 

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER® JOINS #GIVINGTUESDAYNOW EFFORTS 

Savannah, Ga. –  Ogeechee Riverkeeper® (ORK) is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to highlight generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. 

ORK has continued its work of monitoring waterways, advocating for legislative priorities and finding new ways to reach citizens of the Ogeechee River basin. However, ORK has had to postpone events like the popular paddle trips and educational classroom visits. 

“We need to continue our work in the field now and make sure we are ready to ramp up our outreach efforts in the future,” said Damon Mullis, riverkeeper and executive director. “Financial support means once the crisis subsides, we can get back that much quicker. We can accept major sponsors as well as individual donations.”

“We are keenly aware that some people are unable to donate money at this time so we have set up easy ways people can help ORK that don’t cost anything,” said Meaghan Gerard, communications and administrative director. “We have a social media ambassador program, simple ways for people to contact legislators, and more on our website. We also have ideas for volunteering even while we can’t get together for group clean-ups.” 

#GivingTuesdayNow emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practicing physical distancing. 

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities,” said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday.

Follow the hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow or visit bit.ly/ORKgivingtuesday.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper and Executive Director Damon Mullis is available for interviews and appearances. 

About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper® 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. At 245 miles long, the Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,000 square miles of land. More information, volunteer opportunities, live data, and blog are at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org. 

About GivingTuesday: GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. #GivingTuesdayNow is organized by GivingTuesday, in partnership with its global network of leaders, partners, communities and generous individuals. GivingTuesday is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

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How you can help ORK right now

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper March 19, 2020

It is a strange, unsettling time. Each day is filled with uncertainty and it can leave us feeling like we don’t know what to do. There are ways you can help Ogeechee Riverkeeper, the environment and yourself right now. Here’s how:

Take a walk

Bearing in mind all the guidelines for social distancing and other health limitations, getting outside is highly recommended. Find a place to walk and get moving. It could be a trail in a state park or simply around your neighborhood. Take notice of the trees and plants along your route. Listen. Take in the scents of spring. We know it anecdotally, and it’s been proven scientifically – being in nature is good for your health and mental wellbeing.

If you are able, take a bag with you and pick up any litter you may find. You’ll feel better knowing you made a difference.

Donate

We know there is a lot of uncertainty now. The same is true for all nonprofits.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper is still doing its important work of keeping water clean, even if we can’t be in the office right now. Giving to Ogeechee Riverkeeper ensures we can keep monitoring, keep testing, and keep fighting for months and years to come.

Make a monthly, recurring donation
Make a single donation
Become an annual member

Adopt-A-Drain

The City of Savannah has launched a coordinated effort to make sure storm drains a clear of leaves, debris, and litter. Anyone can adopt a drain to keep an eye on and it’s a great project to do with kids and helps them understand how storm water affects street flooding and water pollution. Plus, there’s an interactive app they can use to enter information and updates on the drain. The map even allows you to choose a location that drains into the Ogeechee River.

But even if your area doesn’t have a dedicated program, you can still take responsibility for a drain near your home. If you find it’s not clear or needs maintenance, contact your municipal authority.

Share

One of the great things about social media is the ability to stay connected, even if we have to stay apart. While you are out on your walk, anywhere in our watershed, take a photo of something inspiring that you see and use hashtag #ORKoutside. We will share as many as we can on our social media channels.

Be safe. Be well. Enjoy nature. Take care.