Every summer, the San Juan County Fair brings people together to celebrate the community, farms and agriculture, and island spirit that make this place so unique. For Friends of the San Juans, it’s also an opportunity to connect with supporters and share how each of us can contribute to protecting the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. This year, one of the brightest highlights came from a new member and volunteer, Tony Imkamp.
A Life-Changing Experience
Tony joined us at the Friends booth to volunteer, diving into conversations with islanders about our community science initiative to thwart the invasive European Green Crab [link to Green Crab landing page], advancing new legislation to protect against unnecessary shipping impacts [link to landing page], and supporting the everyday choices that nourish our ecosystems.
After the Fair, Tony reflected:
“Volunteering for Friends at the County Fair was a life-changing experience for me. To be so close to people who are fully committed to environmental protection humbled me to my core. The community alignment and the skill sets of those who work for Friends gave me a gift of reflection. I now see clearly how one action (such as armoring one’s property) can have a direct and negative effect on Killer Whales. This experience has compelled me to reflect inward and reassess my role and impact on Mother Earth. I am profoundly grateful to have been welcomed into the Friends family of experts and to have spoken with so many community supporters of Friends. I am also grateful to work for a company that encourages its global employees to volunteer 40 hours a week as paid time away and will match dollar for dollar any donation we give to a non-profit.”
The Power of Corporate Gift Matching
Tony’s story is a reminder that volunteering isn’t just about showing up—it’s about transformation and behavior change. It’s also about the ripple effects that extend beyond one person’s time. Tony’s employer, Merck, provides both paid volunteer hours and a dollar-for-dollar donation match, multiplying the impact of Tony’s service and support for Friends.
Many companies, from large corporations to smaller regional businesses, offer similar programs. Gift matching is one of the simplest ways to double your support for the Islands and Salish Sea, and many employees aren’t even aware they have this benefit.
You Can Help Too
Do you know if your employer offers gift matching or paid volunteer hours? If so, let us know, or we can help you find out! Your company could be an untapped ally. Every hour and every dollar adds up, just like Tony’s inspiring story shows.
Thank You, Tony!
From all of us at Friends of the San Juans: thank you, Tony, for your energy, passion, and generosity. Volunteers like you embody the spirit of community-driven environmental protection and remind us that together, we are powerful enough to safeguard this place.
Check with your HR department today to see if your company offers a match! And if you’re curious about the many ways you can volunteer with Friends.
