Rivers are Life Unveils Global Results of Inaugural ‘State of Rivers Around the World’ Survey

Rivers are Life Unveils Global Results of Inaugural ‘State of Rivers Around the World’...

86% of respondents agree that river pollution greatly affects human health, but more than half (57%) have little to no knowledge about how to clean it up.

Today, Rivers are Life, a collective voice for global river ecosystems, reveals the multinational, multicultural, and cross-generational results for the “State of Rivers Around the World" survey. The global survey gathered insights from 6,645 people throughout 14 countries and four continents, including North America, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. 

These results show that, despite regional and cultural differences, people around the world agree that climate health and rivers are inseparable and vitally important. 91% of people around the world believe that climate change needs to be acted on in 2024, and nine in ten report that rivers are important to climate change mitigation. Moreover, 80% globally agree that rivers have an impact on their lives. 

Despite 81% of people considering rivers to be a vital part of the food system - and 94% agreeing that rivers are important to agriculture - the majority of people around the world would not eat a fish out of their local river. 

“What’s most shocking about this data is that we found something that more than 90 percent of the world agrees on: climate change needs to be addressed, and rivers play a vital role in mitigating those issues,” said Katie Horning, BeAlive, Head of Rivers are Life Brand. “Despite that alignment, there are still gaps in knowledge about rivers, and how people can take action to make a difference.”

Greater Education Is Needed 

Across findings, respondents agreed that there is a need for greater education around the environment, river systems and how they can help. 98% of people around the world would like to know more about environmental issues. 

Importantly, 74% of participants believe more public awareness will improve the health of rivers, and 63% say lack of attention to the issue is a major obstacle to reducing water pollution. 

“Education is a key component to addressing issues like river pollution, and we at LSU contribute both academic expertise and on-the-ground support to Rivers are Life,” said Clint Willson, Interim Dean of LSU’s College of the Coast & Environment and Director of the LSU Center for River Studies. The Center for River Studies is an academic partner to Rivers are Life. “LSU’s commitment to this research signifies the importance of educating and encouraging younger generations globally to advocate for the vitality of waterways.” 

Around the world, and across generations, there are a few key differentiators about what individuals want to learn and how they take action:

  • People in South America and Asia (69%) are twice as likely to be interested in learning about environmental issues facing rivers than those in North America and Europe (30%).
  • Globally, Gen Z (56%) and Millennials (57%) are much more interested in learning about environmental issues than the Baby Boomers (33%). 
  • Limiting pollution in rivers is a higher concern for people in South America and Asia (80%) when compared to North America and Europe (68%).
  • When asked to rank who was most responsible for polluting rivers, people in Asia (42%) and those in South America (36%) felt that individuals were most at fault, while those in North America (41%) and Europe (42%) were most likely to select corporations. 
  • In terms of taking action, 75% of individuals from Asia have helped to clean their local river, compared to only 46% in South America, 27% in North America and just 18% in Europe. 

And More Urgent Action Is Required

While most survey respondents agree that some action is required, the findings show differing responses when it comes to how this problem is addressed:

  • 76% believe that human behavior is the biggest obstacle to reducing water pollution; 
  • 50% believe no one is protecting their local rivers;
    • With only 10% of participants strongly agreeing that their countries’ leaders care about the health of rivers;
  • 72% of people around the world would like stricter policies or more regulation to curb river pollution;
  • 88% believe there should be stronger legislation to prevent sewage drainage into rivers;
  • And 57% have little to no personal knowledge on how to clean up their local rivers

Despite these concerns, respondents shared a sense of hopefulness, and willingness to help, when it comes to cleaning these vital waterways. Fifty-nine percent of people around the world are planning to take action to help clean their rivers in 2024, they just need help getting started. 

Rivers are Life is the ideal platform that can provide education and solutions for those looking to get involved in addressing the issue and protecting our rivers. It aims to inspire people to protect, preserve, and explore our world’s rivers.

Visit RiversareLife.com to subscribe to their e-newsletter, hear from River Heroes impacting community-based change around the world, and follow on social media to learn more. For full survey results, visit www.RiversareLife.com/State-of-rivers-around-the-world. 

METHODOLOGY:

Conducted by SAVANTA, a market research consultancy. Dates of fielding: October 3, 2023, to October 18, 2023. This survey was conducted in: U.S., Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru), and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand).

The sample populations were: U.S. (n=1,590), Europe (n=1,925), South America (n=1,487), and SE Asia (n=1,643). The survey was in an online format and was conducted in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese (BR), Italian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian.

Contact Information:
Katie Horning
Head of Brand, Rivers are Life Brand Division, BeAlive Inc.
[email protected]
989-491-1019


Original Source: Rivers are Life Unveils Global Results of Inaugural 'State of Rivers Around the World' Survey

Advanced Advocacy and Central Union Mission Partner for the 7th Annual Charity Suit Drive

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The Power of Purses. VS Lifestyles Unveils Significance of Birkin Bags in Women’s Empowerment and Holiday Gifting

The Power of Purses. VS Lifestyles Unveils Significance of Birkin Bags in Women’s Empowerment...

Victoria Shorten, founder of Miami-based, high-end fashion and luxury company VS Lifestyles and passionate luxury aficionado known for her tireless dedication to clients and keen intuition for luxury goods, says there is a power in the purse that goes well beyond that utilitarian features of a staple for most women around the world.

In the dynamic realm of fashion, accessories emerge as potent symbols of individuality and empowerment, transcending mere functionality. The purse, in particular, holds a unique status, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. For women, a purse is more than a receptacle for personal belongings; it's a statement piece that conveys confidence, style, and empowerment. 

A woman's choice of purse is a reflection of her personality. Beyond its utilitarian role, a well-chosen purse enhances confidence, elevates an outfit, and expresses individuality. The renowned Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags go beyond being fashion accessories; they are symbols of luxury and empowerment.

The Hermès Birkin bag stands as a pinnacle of luxury and status, named after the actress Jane Birkin. Synonymous with sophistication and exclusivity, the Birkin bag is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, using the finest materials. It goes beyond being a fashion accessory; it symbolizes success and empowerment. Victoria Shorten, a leading Birkin bag seller, emphasizes that carrying a Birkin is not just about style; it's about empowerment and a testament to one's accomplishments.

The allure of the Birkin bag lies not only in its exquisite craftsmanship but also in its scarcity. Limited production and a meticulous screening process for buyers contribute to its exclusivity. Owning a Birkin becomes a testament to elevated status and success, making it a highly coveted item in high fashion.

Empowerment through self-expression is a common theme for women, and fashion serves as a powerful medium for achieving this. Carrying a Birkin bag becomes a visible sign of accomplishment and a celebration of personal success. The confidence exuded by a woman with a Birkin on her arm illustrates the transformative power of fashion in fostering self-assurance.

In the world of fashion, purses play a pivotal role in empowering women, serving as both functional accessories and powerful symbols of self-assurance. The Birkin bag, with its unparalleled luxury and exclusivity, takes this empowerment to new heights, becoming a coveted possession that transcends the boundaries of fashion. As the holiday season approaches, the gift of a Birkin bag becomes a timeless expression of admiration and empowerment, more than just a present — it's a celebration of success and a nod to the enduring power of style.

For those intrigued by the allure of Birkins, VictoriaShorten.com and [email protected] offer a curated selection. Victoria Shorten is a seasoned expert in the world of high-end fashion and guarantees authenticity by exclusively procuring items from authorized stores.

Shorten's journey in the fashion industry began as a high-end concierge, catering to top-tier individuals in the music, movie, and sports industries. Over the past decade, her focus on Birkin bags has evolved into a passion and obsession. With a clientele spanning the globe, she provides sought-after inventory and also an exceptional buying experience. Shorten has expanded her buying team, collaborated with resellers, and ventured into social media to share her love for luxury fashion with a broader audience.

Contact Information:
Victoria Randolph
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
7864491518


Original Source: The Power of Purses. VS Lifestyles Unveils Significance of Birkin Bags in Women's Empowerment and Holiday Gifting
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GJK Facility Services Owner George Stamas Wins Australia Day Award

GJK Facility Services Owner George Stamas Wins Australia Day Award

Award-winning philanthropist and business tycoon George Stamas, AM, leaves an indelible impact on the cleaning industry and is crowned with Queen's last Australia Day award for his major contributions to multiple philanthropic efforts in business and his community.

George Stamas, the owner and director of the phenomenal establishment GJK Facility Services, has been recognised with Queen Elizabeth's last Australia Day award, presented to him by Governor General Linda Dessau in Governor House, grounding his 30 years of service devoted to charities and efforts to uplift society. George Stamas initiated his career as an occasional cleaner and progressively elevated his position to the top management and ownership of GJK Facility Services in 1987. Under his prudent leadership, GJK Facility Services blossomed from a new enterprise to an industry giant, employing over 3,000 people across Australia and New Zealand.

George Stamas innovatively led GJK into a joint venture with the Victorian State Government and the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence, culminating in a groundbreaking pilot project that brought employment to 35-40 long-term unemployed public housing tenants in Melbourne's inner suburbs. This commendable project garnered praise from Harvard University and was honoured with the esteemed H. Bruce Russell Global Innovators Award for Community Redevelopment. His influential strides in the management and cleaning Industry have also earned him major commendations, including the "Excellence in Sustainability Business Award, City of Yarra" in 2012 and the "Australian Business Award" for Community Contribution in 2011.

Beyond his business success, George Stamas, AM, has held key roles in several governmental and non-profit organizations. He is a member of the Business to Business Conduct Study Group, CEO Forum for Disability Action Plan Framework and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Stamas' board appointments include Director of GJK Indigenous Solutions Killara Indigenous Facility Services, Alternate Director of AustralianSuper, Ex Finance Director of Facility Management Association of Australia, and he was recently awarded the Prestigious Life Member Award of FMA Association, where he donated his expertise for over 18 years. He is a trustworthy member of Epworth Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

His membership in the Order of Australia in 2022 is a testament to his meaningful contributions to society. George Stamas, AM, is also known for his commendable contributions to Bridge of Hope for homeless children. His commitment to sparking positive change in society, enhancing the standard of living in communities, and fostering the growth of other professionals is unrivalled.

George Stamas, AM, also supports Lighthouse Foundation, helping displaced women and their families through his successful company GJK Facility Services, which staff give their time to contribute to helping this charity. George Stamas and GJK Facility Services also support The Kids Cancer Project, helping find a cure for kids' brain cancer in Australia.

George Stamas, AM, and his entire team at GJK Facility Services continue to transform businesses and society at large. It's this spirit of philanthropy and excellence that made him the recipient of the prestigious award. His dedication and strong work ethic continue to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs in Australia and beyond.

Giving back and doing good has always been part of GJK's DNA, thanks to our founder and managing director, George Stamas, and this program just takes this to the next level, enabling our employees to participate and give back too.

For three decades, GJK Facility Services has invested in initiatives and programs that benefit the wider community, fostering sustainable outcomes that have positive social impacts. To date, a generous portion of this work in the community has been philanthropic – donations to support the purchase of equipment, scholarship programs, and the like.

GJK Facility Services launched its new social impact program, GJK Giving Back, with one of the program’s partners, Lighthouse Foundation. Built around four pillars; Philanthropic, Volunteering, Workplace Giving and Employment, the program has been designed so GJK employees can get involved.

“Working with charities, not-for-profits and organisations we already support, like the Lighthouse Foundation, the GJK Giving Back program will build on these relationships to create shared value partnerships,” said CEO Elias Stamas. “Giving back and doing good has always been part of GJK’s DNA thanks to our Founder and Managing Director, George Stamas, and this program just takes this to the next level, enabling our employees to participate and give back too.”

Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Their focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, create meaningful relationships, and begin to heal from traumatic relationships. Lighthouse relies heavily on the support of its corporate partners to allow them to continue to provide the life-changing work they do with Australia’s most vulnerable kids.

“It’s integral for Lighthouse to have these purposeful partnerships with organisations, exactly like with GJK, so we can continue to deliver the care programs necessary for young people to heal,” Dr. Eamonn McCarthy, CEO of Lighthouse Foundation, says. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Lighthouse’s impact on young kids in the homelessness space speaks for itself. Eight out of 10 children who go through Lighthouse never return to the streets, and for every $1 invested, there is a $12 return of investment for the community. They have proudly changed the lives of 1,000+ young people.

The GJK Giving Back program also involves the Kids Cancer Project, SuperTee, The Hunger Project, Epworth Foundation and Bridge of Hope.

In the words of Winston Churchill – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

Contact Information:
Media Relations GJK Facility Services
Media
[email protected]
1800635983


Original Source: GJK Facility Services Owner George Stamas Wins Australia Day Award GJK Facility Services Owner George Stamas Wins Australia Day Award
The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation Announces Socrates Recipients

The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation Announces Socrates Recipients

Award Recognizes the Accomplishments of Paralyzed Individuals With Lifetime Grant

The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2023 Socrates Award, which provides a lifetime cash grant to individuals with paralysis caused by illness or injury that results in the partial or total loss of the use of one's limbs with economic resources for therapy, equipment, prescriptions, and in-home care.

"These four individuals recognize that the daily pursuit of ‘a healthy mind' and 'a healthy body' in the face of adversity is the true testament of one's character," said Chris Brennan, Chairman of The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation.

Marine Cpl Kelsee Leinhart (Dearborn, IN)

Marine Cpl. Kelsee Lainhart was among the service members wounded in the Kabul Airport attacks on August 26, 2021. Cpl. Lainhart was working with the withdrawal of U.S. troops and refugees in the final days of the U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan when the attack that killed 13 service members happened. Lainhart was left paralyzed, and recovery has taken her from Walter Reed in Washington to rehabilitation in Chicago. She continues her journey of healing back in the Hoosier State. Despite everything she has been through, the decision to join the Marines is one Cpl. Lainhart said she doesn't regret it. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Ivan Smith (San Diego, CA)

Ivan Smith, an elite tennis player from Southern California, was in a terrible car accident on April 5, 2022, while attending college in San Antonio, Texas. Ivan endured significant surgery to rebuild his spine with 16 screws, and his spinal cord was severely damaged around T.H. 7-8. There are severe long-term problems ahead, but hopefully, with divine intervention and remarkable technological and scientific advances, Ivan will someday walk again. 

Clay Scherb  (Winnetka, IL)

On August 28, 2022, Clay Scherb, who was a senior in high school, suffered a horrific accident in which his C5 was shattered. After being rushed into surgery and spending two critical weeks in the ICU, Clay was transferred to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago for another week of enhanced care. The following 12 weeks were spent in intense rehabilitation, with a brief stint back to Northwestern Hospital for two weeks to help clear Clay's lungs. Clay is paralyzed from the chest down and has difficulty with his core and sitting upright unassisted. Clay has worked tirelessly five days a week, six hours a day, for the past 15 months in physical therapy. He has slowly gained some functionality with his leg mobility and continues to work on developing hand dexterity. Clay's will is indomitable, and he is determined to continue healing, gaining strength, and regaining mobility and self-sufficiency. 

J.J. O'Connor (Chicago, IL)

J.J. O'Connor sustained a C4 spinal cord injury at the age of 16 while playing hockey, forcing him to learn how to live his life as a quadriplegic. About a week after his accident, long-time hockey official Jim Smith visited him in the hospital. The men became friends, and Smith became a caregiver for O'Connor, a role that Smith still has. Over the past two decades, J.J. has significantly impacted the sport of sled hockey and made invaluable contributions to USA Hockey, held various leadership roles on the local and national levels, and is currently Director Emeritus of USA Hockey's Disabled Section. The O'Connor Courage Trophy, named after J.J., is awarded yearly to the Tier I champion at the USA Hockey Sled Classic.

Contact Information:
Chris Brennan
Chairman, The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation
[email protected]

K.C. O'Rourke
Owner, KCLO Communications
[email protected]


Original Source: The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation Announces Socrates Recipients The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation Announces Socrates Recipients