A novel fundraising initiative leverages Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mention of the term “hydronym” to promote awareness and conservation efforts for Lake Ontario. Branded By Collins, an apparel business based in London, Ont., has introduced T-shirts featuring the phrase, “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario,” with a portion of the sales proceeds benefitting Swim Drink Fish Canada. This Toronto-based charity is dedicated to fostering a connection between individuals and the lake while striving to maintain its purity and safety.
Gregary Ford, the vice-president and waterkeeper of the charity, remarked on the current trend of discussing and taking pride in Lake Ontario after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming it to Lake America. Carney swiftly responded to this suggestion via social media, emphasizing the historical significance of the name “Lake Ontario” that predates the existence of both Canada and the U.S.
The term “hydronym” refers to the formal name of a body of water, sparking curiosity and interest among the online community following Carney’s use of the term. Ford, residing in Dundas, Hamilton, near the western edge of the lake, admitted to looking up the term himself despite his expertise in water-related matters.
Lake Ontario, dubbed as the “lake of shining waters” in the Huron-Wendat language, serves as one of the renowned Great Lakes situated between Ontario and New York. The lake’s name influenced the naming of the province, established in 1867.
The ongoing campaign by Branded By Collins initially started with hats and has expanded to include a variety of clothing items like T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies in black, red, and white colors. A portion of the sales from each item goes towards supporting Swim Drink Fish Canada’s initiatives, which involve disseminating real-time water quality data and advocating for the well-being of Lake Ontario.
Ford highlighted the environmental stressors affecting the lake, such as climate change, invasive species, and microplastics, underscoring the importance of collective action to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem. The campaign has not only reignited Canadian pride but also sparked a growing interest in exploring the lake’s Indigenous heritage and its interconnectedness with the other Great Lakes.