Meet Lilly Woodbury, the passionate Regional Manager of Surfrider Foundation Canada, who is at the helm of spearheading initiatives that resonate with the heart and soul of coastal conservation. With an unwavering mission to defend the ocean, beaches, and waves that belong to all of us, Surfrider Foundation Canada is more than a non-profit—it’s a sanctuary for those who find solace in the rhythmic tides and an advocate for the waters that require our urgent protection.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Surfrider Foundation Canada’s mission is the protection and enjoyment of the ocean, beaches and waves, for all people. We focus on clean water, plastic pollution, ocean protection, coasts and climate, and beach access.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Through our campaigns and programs, we aim to solve issues and threats to coastal and ocean health, like pollution and climate impacts, as well as enable public access and enjoyment of these environments.
When did you start/join it?
Our global Surfrider network is celebrating our 40th anniversary, with over 400 victories won across North America since 1984! Surfrider Canada began operating in 2005, and we became an international affiliate in the spring of 2022.
What made you want to get involved?
When I joined as a volunteer in 2016 with the Pacific Rim Chapter in Tofino and Ucluelet, I wanted to get involved because the organization was willing to invest in me as a coastal activist, including supporting me in bringing my advocacy ideas to fruition. I also love Surfrider because it’s a campaign-based organization, as we need campaigns to solve the roots of issues and create systemic change.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started as a volunteer, the Surfrider chapters and clubs in Canada were operating as part of the United States network, and the Pacific Rim chapter had been dormant for many years. So, there was a solid amount of work to do to build and grow the Pacific Rim chapter, as well as establish relationships amongst all of the chapters and clubs in Canada, and overall become more cohesive and impactful as a Canadian network.
How has it changed since?
Since then, Surfrider Canada has become an official international affiliate, we have strengthened and grown our chapter and club network – including opening a chapter and club in Nova Scotia, and launched numerous initiatives to support clean beaches and healthy waters! We’re stoked to continue elevating our advocacy and expanding our network from coast to coast to coast.
What more needs to be done?
We need to continue turning off the tap of the plastics crisis, so we need as many people as possible to organize in their communities and make their voices heard by all levels of government.
How can our readers help?
Readers can support our work by becoming a member (for as little as $1 a month), joining on as a volunteer, and/or taking an online action for plastic-free waters!
Do you have any events coming up?
Our chapters and clubs hold public beach cleans every month, along with a plethora of other events. We encourage readers to check our events webpage and subscribe to our newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our website homepage).
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We love RAVEN, an organization that raises legal defence funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and titles to protect their traditional territories.
