Lift 360 Foundation, believes that young people and marginalized communities are on the front lines of climate change and its impacts, and are the ones most prepared and ready with climate resilience solutions. Lift 360 supports community leaders through customized training, mentorship and coaching to develop successful climate projects.
Our founders Lisa Kates and Darcy Higgins began Building Roots in 2013, after several years experience in advocacy, environmental and community development, with the purpose of helping overlooked communities become more cohesive. They focused primarily on Moss Park, a Downtown neighbourhood self-described by residents as invisible to the City.
They partnered with the community to found Moss Park Market, the country's first shipping container fresh food shop, now serving hundreds of people weekly.
The steady, mindful leadership of Building Roots coupled with collective action involving other community leaders, meant that residents Moss Park gradually developed a sense of communal purpose. Building Roots partnered with BIPOC residents and organizations, seniors, people living in isolation and those who experience barriers to accessibility.
Having started multiple successful projects, we understand the enormity of the work involved and how much more effective projects become once we develop a network of mentors around us.
There are a number of professionals available to provide consulting services. However, these are simply unaffordable for youth and other groups in the early stages of their practice. There is a limited number of non-profit organizations providing mentorship and coaching for social purpose organizations, despite a great need for training and opportunity. Over the years many young leaders and non-profits have come to us for support.
Let's foster the next generation of leaders.
Have an idea or a challenge in creating a community project or environmental outcome? Give us a shout!
New leaders and community innovators are provided with support to launch and develop their climate projects and, in turn, contribute to more cohesive, inclusive, and resilient communities.
Thank you to the P. And L. Odette Foundation, Echo Foundation, The Gooder Foundation, Trottier Family Foundation and individual donors for making this work a reality.
We are excited to work with partners such as The City of Toronto, Skills For Change, and many others who share our vision of climate leadership.