2017 Environmental Defence Gala
The 2017 Environmental Defence Gala took place last night in the beautiful and intimate Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library. Guests included Premier Kathleen Wynne, Olivia Chow and MPP and Minister of the Environment & Climate Change Glen Murr.
Every aspect of the Gala, from power to printing to catering was carefully chosen to be as sustainable as possible.
Broadcaster & Journalist Laurie Brown was the emcee for the evening. Special guests Edward Burtynsky, Director & Producer Jennifer Baichwal and Director, Producer and Cinematographer Nick de Pencier lead a roundtable. They discussed the Anthropocene Project, a unique multidisciplinary investigation including a feature documentary from the trio, making a third in the trilogy following Manufactured Landscapes and Watermark.
The audience was treated to an exclusive clip from the documentary which has a release date next year. Burtynsky's images showed a a powerful look at the expanse of climate change. The images were large in scope but had a human element that reminded the audience that we are part of the pisture and it's time to take action.
One of our favourite moments of the evening was when Josette Brideau accepted the Green Champion Award on behalf of her late mother Heather Bastien. The award honoured Bastien's outstanding work and legacy. Josette received a standing ovation when she took the stage to accept the award.
It was a truly inspiring evening of change and Pure + Simple is proud to have helped make it possible. We look forward to continuing our commitment and support of Environmental Defence,
