A late local educator’s memory is being honoured with matching donations by a local conservation authority.
The Laurie Gashinski Outdoor Education Fund through Quinte Conservation assists local classes with field trip costs for Quinte Conservation’s outdoor education program. Teachers may apply for a fee top-up to ensure all their students are able to participate in outdoor learning and activities.
Laurie, a teacher at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf in Belleville, was a passionate educator who was working on implementing an outdoor education program before her passing in the summer of 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The fund was started by the friends and family of Laurie who were looking for a lasting way to honour her memory.
Laurie was known by her loved ones and students as having an outstanding passion and knowledge for the outdoors.
She understood the importance of outdoor education for growing little minds and she made sure those experiences were available to her students, if not for the wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits, but for a deeper connection to the world around them.
In recognition of her birthday on March 6th, Quinte Conservation will be matching any donations made until April 30th and are encouraging the public to give the gift of outdoor education on Laurie’s behalf.
Lindsay Nash, Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator says, “This outdoor education fund is a lasting reminder of the strength and courage Laurie showed to her students. Her memory will live on with every student who is able to participate in outdoor education because of this fund.”
Over the last year, the Laurie Gashinski Outdoor Education Fund has grown generously because of local donors and has been utilized by many grateful students and schools. Individuals can donate directly to this fund through the donations tab online at QuinteConservation.ca. Additionally, teachers can learn how to submit an application to access this fund on the Education Programs page.
