A new fund created in memory of a Belleville teacher is helping students experience outdoor learning.
The Laurie Gashinski Outdoor Education Fund, run through Quinte Conservation, helps local classes cover field trip costs for outdoor education programs. Teachers can apply for financial support to ensure every student can take part.
Gashinski taught at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf in Belleville. Friends and family created the fund after she died in the summer of 2024 following a long battle with cancer.
She was known for her love of nature and had been working to bring more outdoor learning opportunities to her students.
“This outdoor education fund is a lasting reminder of the strength and courage Laurie showed to her students,” said Lindsay Nash, Quinte Conservation’s outreach and stewardship coordinator.
Quinte Conservation is matching donations made to the fund until April 30 in recognition of Gashinski’s March 6 birthday. Donations can be made through the Quinte Conservation website.
