SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2007
		Dirk Vandewaal - U Waterloo, Bcomm CEI Host Organization - Thames Region Ecological Association (TREA) Funding Partner- CIBC

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to start by saying sorry for taking so long to get this out, we’ve been busy working away in London. I took some time to look through the other biographies and I am honoured to be a part of a program including such great talent from across Canada.

As for me, my name is Dirk Vandewaal, and I am a BES candidate (2009) at the University of Waterloo taking Honours Environment and Business. This summer I am on my co-op term with the Thames Region Ecological Association (TREA) which is located in London.

TREA deals with local environmental issues. We work on a community level to try and address things like climate change and soil quality by initiating behavioural change. We promote environmental change by holding various awareness and educational events. We provide the community with the necessary tools to change how they live their lives for the betterment of the environment

So far at TREA I have spent most of my time coordinating London's annual Bicycle Festival & Commuter Challenge. These events look to create behavioural changes by encouraging the citizens to seek active and sustainable methods of transportation. I started my work with TREA by attending the Sustainable TransForum which was a very exciting experience. I have since been running educational displays, registering people for the commuter challenge and doing other various coordination tasks. I will also be holding seminars for children to educate them on various topics including climate change and composting.

My experience with TREA so far has been excellent. I am excited to have the opportunity to further my learning in the environmental field as well as learn about the internal operations of a small scale ENGO. This knowledge will no doubt be invaluable to my future working within the area of environment and business. I would just like to thank CEI for this opportunity and wish the others good luck in their internship


Sincerely,


Dirk Vandewaal