Birkley Heynen cared deeply about people and the environment, and he did all he could in life to help both.
Understanding the way that Birkley lived begins with how he loved the planet and all its creatures. It begins by understanding the truth that we are all interconnected.
As we continue to roll out the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation’s initial set of partners, we want to acknowledge our gratitude for the support of the Athens Area Community Foundation (AACF).
While the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation will be focusing on fund raising and foundation development during our initial phase, we are excited to share that we have made our first small grant to support a paid internship to Shell the Shore.
When Birkley unexpectedly passed away, many people began to recognize and talk about the impacts he had on their lives and the way they thought about environmental issues. The conversations we started to have helped us understand how much of an impact he had on the people around him and in part inspired our effort to create the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation.
We are very excited to share that Classic City Cycling will be a partner of the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation. The spin studio will dedicate one class a month as a “Ride for Birk” and proceeds from that class will be donated to the Foundation account.
Shortly after Birk passed away, his UGA Office of Sustainability community organized and held the first Turtle Trot 5K 🐢. Birk had started running in Costa Rica during his study abroad when he could not cycle and in the months prior to his passing he ran his first half-marathon in Athens and full marathon in Atlanta.
As we are working to establish the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation, we are grateful that the leadership at School of Ecology are interested in partnering with us as we move forward.
The work ahead for the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation, as we develop the environmental grants program, which is one of our main objectives, will require far reaching outreach and communication.
Follow along with our journey on Instagram @birkleyheynenef
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