Jodi Joy
Director of Development and Communications

Like any world-class runner, Ruth knows that you need to have a strong, confident pace. And you also know when it’s time for an intense but deeply satisfying sprint. In many ways, the story of her life as a championship runner aligns with her amazing and generous support of Nature Canada.

Ruth has been a Guardian of Nature monthly donor for more than 10 years. As we do all of our Guardians of Nature, we value her ongoing, vital support because monthly donors provide a critical funding base that allows us to plan ahead and respond quickly to urgent priorities. Recently, she contacted us to make a special gift of $10,000 from the proceeds of the sale of her home. We invited her to share her story about her connection to nature and what inspired her to make this gift today.

Ruth grew up in Toronto the fifth of 11 children. She vividly remembers exploring the Don Valley and finding tiny wild strawberries. Now 80 years later, she can still recall her delicious discovery: “the flavor of them! It was fabulous. What strawberries are supposed to taste like!”

Born in 1930, Ruth and her family struggled through the Depression. “When you’re in a crowded, poor community in the heart of the city there are moments in nature every day that can bring you joy. A bird on a tree that sings to you. A leaf on a tree where just yesterday it was a curled up bud. It makes your whole day, doesn’t it?”

Ruth, Guardian of Nature

As a young woman, Ruth became a competitive runner, winning races in Canada and all over the world. Cross-country running and race walking allowed her to combine her passion for racing with her love for the outdoors, which became a lifelong adventure. And even in her 80s, she’s still competing…and winning!

We asked her why she chose to make this gift now, and how she hopes her gift will make a difference. She simply replied, “I know and trust that my gift will be used in the best possible way to protect nature. Nature Canada has been around for 75 years and they know what they are doing.”

Thank you, Ruth, for your incredible support of Nature Canada—and for your trust and confidence in our work. We cherish the support of our members and donors and are delighted to put your gifts into action to protect and preserve nature. And I absolutely love talking with our supporters about ways to give that suit their needs. If you ever wish to speak to me about your support of Nature Canada, please contact me anytime at jjoy@naturecanada.ca or 1-800-267-4088 extension 239.