A Legacy of Innovation, Cooperation and Action

Harmony Foundation of Canada has chosen to bring its journey to a close with gratitude, purpose, and hope for the future.

Harmony was created to inspire and help build a healthier, more sustainable, and more cooperative world, not to become a self-perpetuating institution. Too often organizations lose sight of their mission and focus on their own existence rather than the purpose for which they were created. We believe there is dignity in ending well.

Since 1985, Harmony has worked to inform, build bridges and motivate positive action. Our belief has always been that lasting progress depends upon knowledge, respect, and the willingness to work together despite differences.

In the words of artist and naturalist Robert Bateman:

“The whole concept of Harmony is brilliant, that rare combination of vision, intelligence and practicality essential to make the world a better place.”
Robert Bateman

Harmony’s innovative programs, publications and leadership helped communities and organizations across Canada and in more than 36 countries address challenges including sustainable community development, biodiversity, climate change, water, food security, youth leadership, and corporate social responsibility.

Over four decades Harmony helped educators, mayors, business and community leaders, government officials, and concerned citizens better understand the environmental and social challenges facing humanity and work collaboratively on practical, positive solutions.

Along the way, our work was recognized through honours including the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Award, the Commonwealth Foundation Fellowship, the Ethics in Action Award, and Canada’s National Philanthropy Day Award. More important than recognition are the relationships built, the communities strengthened, and the people who continue to devote their energy, ideas, and expertise to this effort.

To everyone who walked this path with us, donors, volunteers, directors, advisors, educators, community leaders, businesses, foundations, and friends, thank you.

The challenges facing our world have not disappeared. Many have become more complex and worsened by division, selfishness, and short-sighted thinking. Future generations will inherit the consequences of the choices we make today. We need leaders who inspire rather than divide, who understand our responsibilities to each other, other species, and future generations and act accordingly, and each of us shares that responsibility.

We must choose wisdom over ideology, cooperation over division, and long-term responsibility over self-interest and short-term gain.

Throughout its history, Harmony has been guided by Founder and Executive Director Michael Bloomfield, an accomplished writer, educator, ecologist and commentator. His writing and reflections continue at The Wise Guy.

He’s still out there rocking the boat!