By Kris Dobney, Member Services Specialist, Birds Canada
Linnea Cross and her good friend Violet Lambie participated in the Great Canadian Birdathon for many years. When Vi passed away suddenly last fall, Linnea wanted to do something special as a tribute to her friend. The result is this amazing quilt made lovingly from several of the t-shirts Vi had collected through her participation in the Great Canadian Birdathon, and then given to her son, David. Over the years, Vi raised almost $12,000 through the Great Canadian Birdathon in support of both Birds Canada and the Mackenzie Nature Observatory in Mackenzie, British Columbia. This level of fundraising has gone a long way in the conservation of Canada’s wild birds!
In addition to her participation in the Great Canadian Birdathon, Vi Lambie was also highly involved in the operations of the Mackenzie Nature Observatory, held a master bander permit, and participated in a multitude of bird monitoring surveys and volunteer programs through Birds Canada. Her countless hours of volunteer time and dedication to a cause she believed in are truly remarkable. Birds Canada, the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network, the Mackenzie Nature Observatory, and indeed the wild birds of Canada have all benefitted from her commitment. Violet Lambie will be remembered by many, and continue to influence bird conservation in Canada for many, many years to come.
