Ontario Government Encourages Conservation Among Kids
TORONTO - A Toronto teenager is the top prize winner in the Kids' Fish Art contest, which is held annually to encourage young people to be aware of nature and conservation, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.
April Moon, 18, drew the winning picture of a pumpkinseed fish in its natural habitat. Her artwork will be on young anglers' licences for 2005. Moon also receives a $1,500 Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for being the overall winner and a $500 RESP for placing first in the grade 10 to 12 category.
Winner April Moon and Mike Brown, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show exhibit.
"Children are the resource stewards of the future," said Ramsay. "The government's annual Kids' Fish Art contest helps our young people learn about the importance of natural resources and a healthy environment, and encourages them to protect those resources as they get older."
Sofia Hou, 13, of Ottawa, won first prize in the grade seven to nine category, and Maria Asunmaa, 12, of Kaministiquia, won in the grade four to six category. Each receives a $500 RESP. In addition to the RESP donation from Northwest Mutual Funds, the winners also received gifts from corporate sponsors such as Crayola, Yamaha, Lucky Strike Lures and the Canadian Sportfishing Show.
The Kids' Fish Art contest is open to students in grades four through 12 in Ontario. The public can view the winning artwork on the ministry's website.
Ramsay also announced the ministry will contribute $25,000 to kids fishing activities and events for the third consecutive year. This annual funding matches the $25,000 that the Toronto Sportsmen's Show organizers have pledged for Kids Fishing Days. There were more than 28 Kids Fishing Days events across Ontario during the summer of 2004, attracting over 3,000 kids. More than 33 events are planned for this summer.
"Fishing is a great way for young people to become healthy, active Ontarians while learning about and enjoying our province's great outdoors," said Ramsay.
To view the winning image in the Kids' Fish Art contest, please visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/artwork_contest2005.html.
Contact:
Steve Payne
Commmunications Services Branch
(416) 314-2103
