The Carey Projects: An Update

We are reaching out to update you on The Carey Projects (TCP), as your support has been invaluable in helping support missions Carey would have been a part of, had she not left us. Your support and love have allowed us to see Carey in others who also embody the desire to improve the world. Through your support, TCP is able to bring these socially significant, local community projects to fruition.  

When we, as her parents, think about Carey’s thirst for and love of knowledge, we often reflect back to the early years when, after Carey’s bedroom light was turned off, she soon reached for her flashlight. Under her bed covers, she would delve into the pages of her latest book. Her love of reading fueled her curious mind and opened her eyes to the world near and afar. Many years later, Carey often annotated the pages she studied. In one of the last books she read, Carey jotted a page margin with:

“Wisdom is not knowing, but rather admitting to not knowing and asking why.”

Asking why underlies one of the key principles of The Carey Projects, which is unconventional thinking, that is, the changes the world needs usually requires us to challenge reigning assumptions. Passion, practicality, persistence and humility, which Carey always held in her heart and mind, also make up the foundational principles of TCP. 

Water scarcity efforts by the TCP inspired AWA Project Fog Catchers in Peru, was followed by a student group that created the Pollinate Crate, which has focused on improving greenspace and natural habitats in Toronto. Most recently, a group of Munk One students are now working on shoreline rehabilitation and anti-erosion efforts, partnering with the city on native plant reintroduction on the Toronto Islands. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported efforts to honor Carey and her curiosity about, and passion for, improving global issues, and doing so by working respectfully and collaboratively within local communities. As we hold Carey’s spirit each day, please know that we’ll share more later this year when the next TCP is determined at UofT Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Until then, our heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.

Please hug those you love more often, take time to care for yourself, and share how you are feeling, especially when it is uncomfortable or unwanted feelings, with others. Emotional sharing leads to support, which can help us all prevent suicide, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. 

Gratefully, and with love,

~Owen, Cheryl  and Kile