A London, Ontario company has launched a line of T‑shirts emblazoned with the phrase “My hydronyms are Lake and Ontario,” with a portion of each sale earmarked for a lake‑conservation charity. The apparel initiative aims to educate the public about the correct terminology for bodies of water while generating funds to support efforts to keep Lake Ontario clean.
The shirts, sold locally and online, feature a simple design that highlights the word “Lake” as the proper hydronym for the province’s great waterway. Proceeds beyond the cost of production are directed to Swim Drink Fish Canada, an organization that works on water‑quality projects and community outreach related to Ontario’s lakes.
The campaign was sparked by recent remarks from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called attention to the importance of using accurate language when referring to bodies of water. Carney’s comments resonated with the company’s founders, prompting them to create a tangible way for residents to show support for proper naming conventions and environmental stewardship.
By purchasing a shirt, consumers not only display a reminder of the correct term but also contribute financially to initiatives such as shoreline clean‑ups, water‑testing programs, and educational workshops run by the charity. The company says the partnership with Swim Drink Fish Canada reflects a broader commitment to local environmental health.
Local officials have noted that public awareness campaigns like this complement ongoing regulatory and community‑based actions aimed at reducing pollution and preserving water quality in the Great Lakes basin. While the T‑shirts are a modest effort, organizers hope the visible message will encourage broader conversations about language, responsibility, and the need to protect Lake Ontario for future generations.
The project underscores a growing trend of businesses leveraging merchandise to advance civic causes, linking everyday consumer choices with measurable support for environmental programs in the region.