Olive Tree Foundation funds environmental animation film at York University's CIFAL York Centre

The Olive Tree Foundation has announced the award of a generous grant to York University's CIFAL York Centre to fund the creation of an educational animated film titled 'Jonathan.' 

This groundbreaking project aims to raise awareness among children, teenagers, and adults about the profound and devastating impacts of climate change on avian and other wildlife species. The film tells the poignant story of an elderly seagull named Jonathan, who tragically loses his son and daughter-in-law to plastic pollution, highlighting the dire consequences of this environmental issue.  

Through masterful storytelling and captivating animation, this film will deliver a powerful message about the urgent need to address climate change and its effects on our natural world. 

Peyman Naeemi, the Project Lead for 'Jonathan,' expressed his gratitude to Olive Tree Foundation, stating, "I would like to thank Olive Tree Foundation very much for their support. This movie is a call to action that reminds us of the power we possess to make a difference through peaceful protest."

The film has been selected to be presented at the Canadian pavilion at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai from November 30 – December 12, 2023. 

Naeem Siddiqi, Vice-Chair of Olive Tree Foundation, expressed the Foundation’s enthusiasm for funding this critical project, saying, "Olive Tree Foundation is very pleased to fund this project and support the important work of CIFAL York. Climate action is a priority area for the Foundation. We are pleased that this project will engage and educate children and teenagers about the devastating effects of climate change and hopefully result in a better, more sustainable planet."

CIFAL York is part of UNITAR's global network of training centers for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for leaders, local authorities, and civil society. Established in 2020 as a partnership between UNITAR, York University and York Region, CIFAL York started its operation in June 2021 as the first CIFAL Centre in Canada.

Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.