A recent fundraising initiative is leveraging Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mention of the term “hydronym” to promote awareness and conservation efforts for Lake Ontario. London, Ontario-based apparel company Branded By Collins has launched a line of T-shirts featuring the slogan, “My hydronyms are Lake & Ontario,” with a portion of the sales proceeds benefiting Swim Drink Fish Canada, a Toronto-headquartered charity dedicated to preserving the lake’s purity.
Gregary Ford, the vice-president and waterkeeper of the charity, expressed enthusiasm over the public’s newfound interest in Lake Ontario, spurred by discussions surrounding its name. This interest was sparked when U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming the lake to Lake America, prompting Carney to defend the traditional name in a social media post.
Carney’s use of the term “hydronym,” which refers to a body of water, generated significant online buzz. Ford, who resides in Dundas, Hamilton, near the lake, admitted to looking up the term himself despite his water-related profession. He described “hydronym” as a captivating term that resonated with people’s understanding of the significance of names.
Lake Ontario, part of the Great Lakes system situated between Ontario and New York, derives its name from the Huron-Wendat term “oniatarÃ:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” The region’s nomenclature predates the establishment of Canada and the United States.
Various political figures from both countries have criticized Trump’s renaming proposal, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiling a sign affirming the lake’s traditional name. Branded By Collins initiated the T-shirt campaign following a suggestion from public relations firm Curious Public, emphasizing their pride in supporting the cause.
The company’s merchandise, including hats, T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies in black, red, and white, contributes ten dollars from each sale to Swim Drink Fish Canada. Ford highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with U.S. environmental agencies despite the challenges posed by the executive order’s directive to refer to the lake as Lake America.
Amidst international tensions, the campaign has sparked a resurgence of Canadian patriotism and a heightened interest in the lake’s Indigenous heritage and environmental preservation. Ford emphasized the urgency of safeguarding Lake Ontario against threats such as climate change, invasive species, and microplastics, emphasizing the need for collective action in protecting this vital natural resource.