City: ‘Donate saved gas money to the Kingston Climate Action Fund’

The City of Kingston wants people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic to consider donating to the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund (KCCAF).

Why? Because they’re likely spending less on gas.

“Reducing the use of your vehicle is a climate action – and one of the silver linings of the pandemic,” said Julie Salter-Keane, Manager, Climate Leadership Division at the City of Kingston.

“You can double the impact of driving less by putting the money you save on gas toward local climate actions that support a carbon-neutral future for Kingston.”

According to Google’s latest mobility report, which uses aggregated cell phone location data to track human traffic, travel between home and the workplace was down 34 per cent in Kingston and Frontenac County from Dec. 20, 2020 to Jan. 31 2021, compared to last year.

Traffic to grocery stores and pharmacies has declined 30 per cent, travel to retail and recreational venues has declined 56 per cent, travel to transit stations is down 64 per cent and travel to parks has decreased by a modest four per cent. According to Google, time spent at home has increased by 10 per cent, compared to the 2020 baseline.

The City, Martha’s Table, Habitat for Humanity and the Kingston Community Credit Union is asking people to donate a portion of the money normally spent on gas toward one or both of these KCCAF-supported climate initiatives.

• Habitat for Humanity is seeking $26,000 to install air source heat pumps in four new townhomes on Rose Abbey Drive.
• Martha’s Table is seeking $45,000 to purchase an electric vehicle to serve its clients.

A one-time donation can be made through Canada Helps or the Kingston Community Credit Union.

“Challenge your friends and colleagues to double the impact that driving less has on local greenhouse gas emissions,” Salter-Keane said.

Gifts of $20 and more made at a Kingston Community Credit Union will be eligible to receive a tax receipt, issued by the City of Kingston.

Those unable to make a donation can still help, the City noted, by simply spreading the word.

“Double your impact by committing to tell at least two people about the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund, and its goal to help non-profits green their great work,” the City said.