Coming on the heels of one of the largest protests in Barrie’s history, a group is hoping to make people aware of the climate crisis on the busiest shopping day of the year.
On Black Friday (Nov. 29), those who organized the local Sept. 27 rally and march in downtown Barrie on climate action will meet at the main entrance of Georgian Mall, the west entrance off Bayfield Street.
Michael Speers, who is one of the organizers, explained why the date was chosen.
“Black Friday has become a day that is super-consumerism, the whole idea of corporate greed that reaches a climax at Christmas,” Speers said. “We just want to shine a light on the fact that endless amounts of spending on material goods really does have a damaging effect on our climate.”
Speers says the fashion industry is particularly bad for the climate in terms of clothes that don’t last very long. And being made mostly overseas, the carbon footprint is also significant.
The group has no intention of blocking people from doing their shopping, he added, as the protest will be closer to Bayfield Street as opposed to directly in front of the mall doors.
Speers says the group wants to start dialogue with those who may not be aware of how bad the climate situation is. He says he also certainly understands the mindset of most as they head into the mall.
“For many people, making a personal choice is a luxury because many others are struggling,” he said. “A lot of people are under so much financial and personal pressure that they just want to get in to the mall and get out. I understand that, totally. I’ve been there and in many ways a lot of us protesting are still under so much financial pressure.
“The thing that keeps us motivated is knowing that we as a society can do better at putting the pressure on big businesses and the government to force them to change their ways," Speers added.
One of the speakers at the Sept. 27 protest downtown was Maya Moore. The 17-year-old explained why she will be outside the mall protesting this Friday, rather than trying to get the best deals.
"I know a lot of teens will be heading in for the sales and I understand that," she said. "Personally, I grew up learning how to use homegrown products and trying not to waste a lot. I see the need to not worsen the carbon footprint, which happens with the mass shopping and buying from overseas."
The thought of a protest brings the image of confrontation, but Moore says that couldn't be farther from what the goal of Friday's protest will be outside Georgian Mall.
"I want people to just hear us out and engage in dialogue," Moore said. "No one is going to change their mind on the spot, but maybe a little conversation before they head in can help lead to change down the road."
The Friday Climate Strike begins at 12:30 p.m. and is expected to go until approximately 2 p.m. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to show up at the west entrance of Georgian Mall, where Tim Hortons is located.
