One of the most impactful partnerships COBMEX® has established is with The Jellyfish Project, an initiative that aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental stewardship and education. In this blog, we’ll explore The Jellyfish Project’s mission and the impact of COBMEX®’s support.
About The Jellyfish Project
The Jellyfish Project (JFP) is a unique environmental initiative that uses the power of music to raise awareness about climate change, ocean sustainability, and environmental protection among young people. By combining live musical performances with educational presentations, The Jellyfish Project creates a compelling and memorable experience that inspires students to act for the environment.
Founded by young musicians who were deeply concerned about environmental issues, The Jellyfish Project leverages the connection between music and activism. These musicians understood that their platform gave them the responsibility to promote positive change, and they began incorporating powerful educational content into their performances to engage young audiences. Through this innovative approach, the Jellyfish Project has captivated hearts and minds, sparking inspiration and motivating students to take steps toward environmental sustainability.
Their In The Schools program plays a central role in its outreach efforts. It brings musicians into middle and high schools across Canada, where they perform live and share solutions-focusing presentations on the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation. By educating students about what can be done at individual, community, and policy levels, The Jellyfish Project empowers the next generation to take meaningful action in the fight against climate change.
The project has made a significant impact on young people across Canada. Since 2011, over 120,700 students have participated in it’s In The Schools presentations, and these programs leave a lasting impression. The presentations not only provide vital environmental education but also inspire students with examples of youth-led initiatives and real-world success stories. This fosters a sense of hope and empowerment, encouraging students to become advocates and active participants in addressing environmental issues.
One testimonial from Samira Wagner, who attended a presentation during her school years, illustrates the lasting impact of The Jellyfish Project. Samira saw a JFP presentation in Regina during a cross-Canada tour.
Reflecting on her experience, Samira shared: “The Jellyfish Project delivered a presentation at my school in Regina when I was a kid. It lit a fire under me that has never been put out. I felt empowered and connected to the world and the crisis we’re facing for the first time ever. Now, at 25, that presentation still reminds me that I am empowered to make a change, and I have chosen to spend my professional and personal time working to fight the climate crisis and build a more sustainable world.”
Samira’s story underscores the profound and lasting influence The Jellyfish Project has on young people across Canada.
The Jellyfish Project continues to expand its educational outreach by recruiting new musicians to join its roster. Currently, two bands deliver presentations, and the project is in the process of onboarding three new artists—two from Ontario and one from British Columbia. In addition to expanding its reach, the project is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint by ensuring that students can access presentations from local musicians, reducing travel-related emissions.
Looking ahead, The Jellyfish Project is launching its Active Hope campaign, designed to profile and amplify youth-led actions that address climate change. The campaign will feature short videos showcasing the inspiring ways that young people across Canada are taking steps to build a more sustainable world. These stories will highlight a range of efforts, from small lifestyle adjustments like reducing reliance on fossil fuels to larger collective actions such as creating climate action plans within schools and communities.
COBMEX®’s Support for The Jellyfish Project
For several years, COBMEX® has been a proud financial supporter of The Jellyfish Project. Our contributions have helped the project expand its reach, empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools to protect our planet. The financial support from partners like COBMEX® is critical to the project’s success, allowing it to continue delivering its programs to schools at little or no cost.
One of the key challenges The Jellyfish Project faces is securing the funding needed to sustain its outreach efforts, particularly in schools that may not have the resources to pay for the program. The goal is to make these programs available to all schools regardless of their ability to contribute financially. Corporate sponsors like COBMEX® play a vital role in ensuring that the project can continue to make an impact.
As Naomi Fleschhut, Jellyfish Project Executive Director, explains, “COBMEX® is the kind of supporter that every non-profit dreams of: people and businesses who reliably and generously contribute on a regular basis, providing valuable peace of mind for our project!”
COBMEX®’s partnership with The Jellyfish Project is more than a financial commitment; it’s a reflection of our core values. Our collaboration with The Jellyfish Project highlights our dedication to fostering a more sustainable future through education and advocacy.
In July, COBMEX® CEO Phil Newman and Jellyfish Project President Steve Robins visited Gibsons, B.C., to participate in Ocean Conservation Day and attend The Jellyfish Project’s premiere of their latest video, Active Hope: Whales Forever. This powerful film emphasizes the urgent need to protect our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. The visit not only reinforced our connection to The Jellyfish Project but also deepened our commitment to the cause of ocean conservation. Below, Phil and Steve stand in front of Orca, a ceramic piece by ARTivist Clare Wilkening, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of marine life and serving as the inspiration behind the film.
COBMEX® CEO Phil Newman and Jellyfish Project President Steve Robins at the premiere of Active Hope: Whales Forever
The visit underscored COBMEX®’s deep connection to The Jellyfish Project’s mission and demonstrated our commitment to supporting initiatives that align with our sustainability goals. By attending events like these, COBMEX® strengthens its bond with partners and gains a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we are helping to address.
“At COBMEX®, we believe that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a responsibility that we all share. Our longstanding partnership with The Jellyfish Project highlights our commitment to environmental education and community engagement. By supporting the JFP, we are investing in the future of our planet and empowering young people to take meaningful action.” – Phil Newman, COBMEX® CEO & President
Formalizing Our Commitment to Sustainability
In line with our ongoing commitment to sustainability, COBMEX® is in the process of formalizing our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy. This policy will guide our sustainability initiatives, ensuring that we continue to lead by example in our industry. Supporting The Jellyfish Project’s autumn 2024 fundraising campaign, centered around the theme of Active Hope, aligns perfectly with our ESG objectives. Through this partnership, we are not only investing in environmental protection but also fostering a sense of responsibility and action within the communities we serve.
COBMEX® is proud to support The Jellyfish Project in its efforts to educate and inspire young people to take action for a sustainable future.