THE FOUNDERS OF ACTION SAINT-FRANÇOIS (photos circa 1990)
We are truly grateful for our founders’ great ideas and perseverance in establishing an environmental organization that was ahead of its time.
1992
After finding countless rubbish dumps along the region’s watercourses, a group of citizens created an organization to protect the St. Francis River. On August 5, Action Saint-François officially became a non-profit organization.
1993
Began cleanup activities. Started publishing the Action Saint-François newspaper.
1996
Obtained charitable organization status. Received a subsidy from Environment Canada to hire a cleanup activities coordinator.
1997
Began conducting watercourse inventories under the Placement Carrière Été summer job program.
1998
Held kiosks at multiple events, including the Salon de l’aménagement paysager in Fleurimont.
1999
Attended consultations with the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) and wrote a brief on the topic of water.
2000
Organized a theme rally on water issues at an elementary school and a high school in Sherbrooke.
2001
Inaugurated the travelling art exhibition “Déchets d’œuvres et des arts durs” (unofficial translation: Trash’terpieces and gARTbage) showcasing photos and objects found along riverbanks.
2002
In October, Action Saint-François received an environmental excellence award in the “Environmental group, non-profit organization or institution” category at the ninth edition of the Prix d’excellence en environnement awards.
De 2003 à 2005
Continued cleanup activities, which gained exposure among the public.
2006
Launched a project to revegetate shores. Organized its first fundraising event: a cocktail dinner at Collège du Mont Notre-Dame.
2007
Held a benefit show for its 15th anniversary at the Granada theatre. Created a new website and logo. Organized its first riverbank revegetation activities.
De 2008 à 2014
Continued activities on the field.
- Organized watercourse cleanups.
- Revegetated riverbanks, which included stabilizing shores, compensating CO2, setting up windbreaks and planting vegetation to attract pollinators.
- Hosted its first “RECYCLE TON JARDIN” garden recycling event,
- Became present on Facebook
2015
- Continued activities on the field.
- Organized its first SALON DE LA NATURE show: 15 conferences, 35 kiosks, 2 quizzes with awards, and 2 nature-themed storytelling sessions.
2016
- Continued activities on the field.
- Organized the first À Prop’EAU water-themed conference series: 7 talks about water and 2 outdoor exploration workshops.
2017
- Continued activities on the field.
- Celebrated 25th anniversary since Action Saint-François was founded. We’re still here!
- Created an online payment page.
Received a second environmental excellence award in the “Environmental group, non-profit organization or institution” category.
2018
Continued activities on the field.
- Organized planting activities and watercourse cleanups.
- Launched a new website.
- Resumed À Prop’EAU water-themed conferences.
- Gave introductory workshops on watersheds in elementary and high schools.
2019
Continued activities on the field.
- Organized planting activities and watercourse cleanups.
- Continued the À Prop’EAU water-themed conference series.
- Created a newsletter.
- Began soliciting corporate support.
- Updated its website.
- The City of Sherbrooke admits Action Saint-François to its support program.