Science North raised over $75,000 at its Bluecoat Box virtual fundraising event earlier this month, surpassing its $50,000 fundraising goal.
The inaugural Bluecoat Box event, presented by Vale, was inspired by Science North’s latest special exhibition: Indigenous Ingenuity – Timeless Inventions, which celebrates the ever-evolving world of Indigenous innovation.
The event allowed participants to enjoy a package of carefully curated items from Canadian Indigenous-owned businesses, along with an immersive virtual experience with live entertainment, Indigenous knowledge features, prize draws, and more.
With these generous donations, Science North is launching a new Indigenous Programming Fund. Northern Ontario is home to 104 First Nation communities and 100,000 self-identified Indigenous people.
With this new programming, Science North will continue to increase its engagement with First Nations communities.
Science North will expand and deepen its relationship with Indigenous audiences by delivering science experiences in First Nation communities, engaging Indigenous students in science activities, and building relationships and partnerships to enhance science learning in First Nations communities.
“Being Northern Ontario’s science centre has been a priority of Science North’s since our inception. Our new Indigenous Programming Fund will allow us to reach more First Nation communities more than ever before,” said Science North CEO, Guy Labine, in a press release.
"Surpassing the fundraising goal of $50,000 is a testament to the tremendous generosity of our community of donors, and I would like to thank everyone for their generous support,” said Science North director of development, Ashley Larose.
“Congratulations to the entire Science North team on this amazing accomplishment,” said Dr. Stephen Kosar, Chair of Science North’s Board of Directors.
“As a result of the funds raised, more Indigenous communities will experience all that Science North offers and spark a life-long passion for science.”
“I am proud of the work that Science North does in all of Northern Ontario. A special thank you to our event sponsors for making this event a great success and for their generous support, including the additional pledge of support from Vale,” said Jo-Anne Palkovits, chair of Science North’s fundraising committee.
“Vale is proud to present the Bluecoat Box event, which will bring more Indigenous programming to Science North,” said Dino Otranto, Chief Operating Officer of Vale’s North Atlantic Operations and Asian Refineries.
“Last night we pledged $10,000 to the Bluecoat Box Indigenous Programming Fund and we look forward to presenting the newest exhibit at Science North, Indigenous Ingenuity – Timeless Inventions.”
