The American Boat and Yacht Council said it joined #GivingTuesday, which is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to start the holiday giving season.
The ABYC Foundation said it is again partnering with BRP Evinrude to give outboard engines to organizations in need.
Upon necessary financial support, the non-profit organization West & Rhode Riverkeeper will receive an outboard for its official patrol boat. The ABYC said the sole purpose of the Maryland-based non-profit is to protect the West and Rhode rivers and keep them enjoyable for fishing, swimming and boating.
Jeff Holland, executive director of the Riverkeeper program, said it received a donated 18-foot center console last year, but the outboard is beyond repair. A corps of citizen-scientist volunteers uses the boat to monitor water quality at 28 sites around the rivers every week.
“A new engine will make all the difference for our small organization to get us back out on the water in the spring and for many seasons to come and keep our momentum going in our efforts to make the rivers safe for recreation,” Holland said in a statement.
“The data gathered out on the boat helps to identify problems like stormwater runoff pollution or bacterial outbreaks that can harm children and dogs swimming in the creeks.”
#GivingTuesday is part of the ABYC Foundation’s end-of-year campaign.
During December, the ABYC also will seek donations for classroom curriculum development for marine tech schools in need and Spanish-translated study guides, opening up workforce development opportunities.
