Team from Fredericton to travel to Sweden for Volvo Adventure program
Team from Fredericton to travel to Sweden for Volvo Adventure program
TORONTO (May 16, 2007) -- For the second time, a group of students from New Brunswick have been chosen to represent Canada at the Volvo Adventure International Final, in Göteborg, Sweden. May 25-30, the Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) - Eco Group will present their biodiversity project called "Saving a species at risk" that won them the finalist spot. Team leader Ralph Simpson, along with sons Patrick and Jack Simpson, Tyler Allison, Alex Vietinghoff and Ben Wallace make up the Eco Group team that will be competing with groups from 14 other countries in the global finals. The team participated in the 2005 Volvo Adventure program and is vying for the top spot this year among their international peers.
The project began with extensive research, wherein CISV - Eco Group became aware of the dwindling numbers of a particular species of tree in their area, the Bur Oak, recently recognized as at risk of extinction. In association with forestry scientists at the University of New Brunswick and the Canadian Forest Service, the group proposed and initiated efforts to create awareness of the tree's low numbers, ways of getting other groups involved, and most significantly, methods to help restore the tree's numbers.
"We have surpassed our goal of planting 300 trees and are now focusing our efforts on planting trees outside the city, out in the original natural range of the tree," said Ralph Simpson. "We are working with other groups in communities along the river to present our project and to get them interested and involved."
Volvo Adventure is an environmental program for adolescents created by Volvo Car Corporation in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme. This educational program encourages involvement of 13 to 16 year olds in their local environments and recognizes those who plan and execute their environmental protection efforts well. The projects are submitted online and one team from each participating country is awarded an all expenses paid trip to Sweden to present their project to a panel of judges. Prizes are awarded to the top three international groups; first prize is $10,000, second and third prizes are $6,000 and $4,000 respectively, all USD.
"I would like to wish the team the best of luck on their second visit to Sweden," said Steve Blyth, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. "I'm incredibly impressed with the results of their hard work and with their ability to capture the attention of the program organizers in Sweden for a second time."
"I commend Volvo for supporting the environment through this initiative," said Ralph Simpson. "The kids have learned all the skills they need to transfer their techniques to help re-establish other species at risk. It's a great way for the kids to develop their presentation and planning skills and offers them a chance to meet other youth from other countries with similar concerns for the environment."
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 44 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company's product range includes the elegant C70 hardtop convertible, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sport sedan, the compact and sporty S40 and V50, and an XC-line of vehicles that includes the rugged XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle. For 2007, the company is introducing two new models: the second-generation S80 luxury flagship sedan and the stylish and sporty C30.
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Erin Farquharson
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