Mission Statement
The Youth Environmental Network of York Region (YENYR) is an incorporated youth-led non-profit organization dedicated towards:
1. Raising awareness of environmental issues among young people in York Region;
2. Encouraging youth to contribute to the well being of the communities in which they live through local initiatives and action plans; and
3. Facilitating and developing communications and expanding membership and cooperation between youth environmental groups throughout York Region.
Our History
YENYR was founded in 2007 by Vino Jeyapalan, a Grade 10 student attending Markville Secondary School in Markham. After learning about the alarming rate that York Region was growing as a regional municipality Vino decided that something has to be done to make sure that the environment will be protected as this suburbia continues to grow. Vino then approached York Region Environmental Alliance for support on his idea of creating a youth network within York Region dedicated towards awareness of environmental issues and action. Vino’s desires became a reality when the Youth Environmental Network of York Region was founded.
With only starting off with a team of five students based in Markham YENYR grew to a network with over 300 volunteers.
- 2009 Ecological Action Conference @ Aurora with Speaker Severn Cullis-Suzuki
- 2009 Ecofest @ Markham with Speaker, Bilaal Rajan
- 2008 Ecological Action Conference with Justin Trudeau as keynote speaker and with over 300 attendees- Second Annual Ecological Action Conference is planned to run twice. One in Richmond Hill and one in Aurora, with an expected attendance of over 450 attendees
- Vino Jeyapalan was recognized as Green Entrepreneur of the Year for 2008 by the Impact Entrepreneurship Group and Ontario Centres of Excellence.
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The YENYR Team
Executives
Dami Dina- President and Chair, Ecological Action Conference
Joey Loi– Director of Workshop Sessions.
Sharon Yau – Director of Operations Guru Bagawan– Director of Communications
Jenny Li– Director of Sponsorship
- We cannot forget our 300+ other volunteers who contribute in planning, running, and aiding in YENYR events/activities.