It is my deepest pleasure to share the news of a truly transformational gift. The late Sandra Elisabeth Brittany has left an extremely generous legacy gift to the Greenpeace Canada Education Fund. We are profoundly honoured by her generosity and will do everything we can to carry on Sandra’s values into the future by advancing environmental research and education.
I had the privilege of speaking with Sandra’s niece, Cathy Mingo, who shared beautiful memories of her aunt and the lasting impact she had on those who knew her well.
Cathy’s story: remembering and honouring my Aunt Sandy
My Aunt Sandy was really the best kind of person; the best aunt anyone could ask for. When my siblings and I were young, she would teach us how to dye things with wild flowers, how to identify plants and wildlife, and help us to understand why living in harmony with the natural world was so important.
Sandy was already doing environmental conservation “best practices” before the idea had caught on with others. She always recycled, used reusable jute bags for shopping, never used chemicals in her house or garden, and had rainwater harvesting systems wherever she lived. She was particularly protective of the trees, plants and animals on her properties. She taught my brother, sister, and me about respecting our planet when we were little, and now, all these years later, I can not look at a tree without really “seeing” it and all it does for us.
She was a quiet yet passionate supporter of Greenpeace and other charities and organisations that championed environmentalism, opposed animal cruelty, and supported those who practised and taught sustainable practices. My aunt was truly an amazing woman; a committed environmentalist who positively impacted those who knew her, and has left a “legacy” of like-minded people. She never did things for public attention or approval, but rather because they were simply the right thing to do.
Sandra’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. Her values will continue to guide and inspire us, and her generosity will have a lasting impact on future generations of environmental leaders.
