Kim Anderson’s love of the outdoors blossomed when she moved to Nova Scotia in 2017. “I discovered sea kayaking, SUP [stand-up paddleboarding], so much more hiking,” she recalls. “It gave me a way more active lifestyle. I love being outside. So I want those areas to be preserved.” Kim’s wish to protect the outdoors recently led her (and her partner, Joey Yazer) to become Champions of Wild. As a Champion, Kim’s ongoing, committed contribution of unrestricted funding allows the Nature Trust to plan and to guarantee the sustainability of the conservation work we do.

After seeing a big piece of land near her cottage in Queens County be sold for development, Kim realized that habitat for the wildlife she loves to see was vulnerable. “I think the Nature Trust is the better solution to protect land, for us to enjoy walking in nature, for wildlife, for plants,” she says. Charitable donations had always been part of her life, and after seeing the loss of that land she became a monthly donor to the Nature Trust. Joey had signed up already, inspired by the Twice the Wild campaign and his own love of outdoor adventures.

So when the Nature Trust reached out and explained that a longer-term commitment can help give the organization more power to secure funding for bigger projects, “That was a natural yes for us, for me and for Joey too.”

As a physician specializing in cardiology and heart transplant, Kim is very familiar with the well-documented health benefits of nature. “We know that there are links between environment, air pollution, and chronic disease, so of course keeping a healthy environment is important for the widespread health of future generations,” Kim says. She also explains that finding a way to enjoy exercise is an important part of the health benefits of nature. “Having a gym or a treadmill doesn’t correspond to what everyone likes. Many people prefer to hike, or walk along the ocean. If people can have access to a wide variety of exercise they enjoy, including what nature can offer us, then there’s way more chance that people will do more exercise in a sustainable way.”

“We should not wait until nature is sold for profit before protecting it,” she concludes. “You would realize what you had lost, not just for you but for future generations, but it would be too late.” She also underscores the significance of the Champions of the Wild, for those who are able to offer that level of support: “The commitment doesn’t have to be big, and the time commitment passes quickly. But being able to do it is a real, sustainable way to protect the province.”

Please join us in thanking Kim for her support! Click here to learn more about becoming a Champion of the Wild.