MGCI EcoTeam Creates a Buzz for Pollinators
On 7 and 8 June 2018, MGCI EcoTeam hosted an event in honor of Pollinator Week to raise awareness about the importance of native pollinators. Pollinator Week, which starts on 18 June this year, is an internationally recognized celebration of pollinators and their value to human life.
The event was divided into different activities held over the course of two days. On 7 June, EcoTeam held a raw honey-tasting booth in the galleria and a pollinator garden tour at the main entrance. They also had members dressed in bee costumes touring the second and third floors. EcoTeam members talked to students about how food is affected by pollinators, the problems facing pollinator populations, and how people can help.
On 8 June, a Kahoot! and Spelling Bee were held in the cafeteria. More than two hundred students participated in the Kahoot! and the top five scorers were invited to participate in the Spelling Bee. The Kahoot! and Spelling Bee questions revolved around the theme of pollinators, and contained words such as proboscis and fertilization. Students who participated in the Spelling Bee were awarded with chocolate bars.
When asked about the event’s turnout, EcoTeam executive Tazik Shahjahan said, “The honey-tasting didn’t go great because it’s Ramadan right now, but the pollinator garden tour went surprisingly well. But I’m especially proud of what we were able to accomplish with the Kahoot! and Spelling Bee session on Thursday.”
On the success of the event, spectator Husain Mahida said, “It was very entertaining and I regret not going up.”
EcoTeam has started raising awareness about pollinators since last year. The previous school year, EcoTeam started MGCI’s first pollinator garden, located outside the office. Last fall, EcoTeam successfully certified MGCI as a Bee City Canada School, a school that has been recognized for their efforts in protecting endangered pollinators through education. As part of their application, EcoTeam outlined their plans for several pollinator awareness events, including a plan for holding an event promoting Pollinator Week. Next year, EcoTeam plans on holding similar events on a more regular basis and hopes to attract even more participants.
