Hello Willamette River Friends -
As we move toward the completion of another revolution around the sun, I’m optimistic about the year ahead. Certainly, we will mark Winter Solstice on December 21, the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, after which the days begin to get longer again! That is both a tangible and mental marker for all of us looking forward, as we gain a bit of light day by day.
Even with things being dark this month - and arguably different types of darkness have plagued all of us for many months on multiple fronts - the light is showing up here and there. Whether one looks at our work, or the hopeful diminishment of the Covid pandemic, I’m looking forward to good things ahead. As I’ve mentioned before, WR has continued to make good things happen for the river over the course of this challenging year, and the coming weeks will be no different!
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Recently I was walking along a supporter's property north of Salem, looking over a beautiful Greenway riverside area. I recalled that in the early 2000's some people in the conservation community didn't want to use the word "greenway" due to historic issues with some landowners. At that moment I realized how far we had come. With Willamette Riverkeeper's support and persistence, today the Greenway is embraced by the State of Oregon for both conservation and low impact recreation, with many more investments to occur in the coming years. |
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While some funding sources have realigned their giving during the past few months due to the demands of Covid, we are very thankful that many of you have continued to step up, and decided to prioritize WR in your giving. We are thankful for that as it has made a big difference to our small but dynamic nonprofit.
In my 20 years in this job I’ve seen your generosity help us make great gains for the Willamette River’s water quality and habitat, yet at no other time has your support been as important as it is NOW! You have helped us gain ground for Clean Water, Healthy Habitat, Reduction of Toxics, and River Education again and again.
Your one-time and monthly donations make a big difference to us. If you can increase your monthly amount, make a one-time additional gift, or engage in another way, we'd appreciate it!
From getting our hands dirty doing field reconnaissance and working to remove invasive species, to our work in the policy and legislative arenas - each and every day, we work for the river. As 2020 draws to a close, with your help, we will be on a solid course for 2021.
Thanks again, and here is to “Fun in 21!”
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Travis
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Today is a giving trifecta – Giving Tuesday, Big Give Day AND... THANKS to our friends at Wyld, Donate to Give!Guide and DONATIONS thru 12/31 will be
DOUBLED up to $10,000!
SUPPORT GIVING TUESDAY
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION
GIVE!GUIDE BIG GIVE DAY
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TODAY all donors who give just $10 or more to us through the Give!Guide will be entered to WIN one of 5 Nonprofit PDX Gives Back packages including a $100 gift card from New Seasons Market and $100 gift card to Paloma Clothing, plus a bundle of goodies from participating nonprofits! An additional package is reserved for one lucky donor under the age of 36! That means that there will be six winners in total today!
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EVERY DAY, when you support Willamette Riverkeeper through Give!Guide you can receive awesome incentives from our amazing partners!
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Find Inspiration THIS Thursday - 12/3 |
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Come find inspiration with us and connect with your community! You’re all invited to join us for our unique, live, virtual Wild & Scenic Film Festival program on Thursday, 12/3!
Wild & Scenic inspires environmental activism and a love for nature through film. Enjoy 10 INSPIRING films (over 2 hours), dinner-and-drinks-for-two ticket packages in partnership with Afuri Ramen in SE Portland, Tacovore in Corvallis and The Wheel Apizza Pub in Eugene. All ticket levels include raffle entry with amazing prize packages from Next Adventure, Patagonia Portland, REI, and more! Watch the fest with your quaranTEAM, connect virtually with friends, or make new ones, while watching the films and sharing your thoughts in the optional “chat” function. Best of all, your ticket will support clean water and healthy habitat on your Willamette river!
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When you donate $25 or more to Willamette Riverkeeper through the Give!Guide during our film fest event, you'll be entered into a
Special Bonus Raffle Drawing!
You could win a tasting and tour for two at Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, a winery specializing in limited edition production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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Virtual Happy Hour w/ the Riverkeeper - 12/9 |
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Please join Travis Williams, our Executive Director and Riverkeeper, on Wednesday, December 9th from 5:30 – 6:30, for a free Happy Hour Zoom video conference and phone call! During our time together, Travis will discuss the work Willamette Riverkeeper accomplished in 2020. He will also discuss our upcoming work in 2021 to protect and restore the Willamette River's water quality and habitat. Don't worry, there will be plenty of time at the end of the call for questions and discussion!
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