January is normally the slowest month of the year for donations, but this year was a different story. We saw such a surge in gifts that the national media took notice. Indeed, a sassy “Say thank you to Joe Oliver” note in the memo section of a cheque we received made the news across the country, from the Toronto Star and the Winnipeg Free Press to radio stations in Vancouver and Victoria.

We’re incredibly grateful for the $12,000 surge at a time when the pressure to bring oil supertankers to B.C.’s coast has never been greater. Dogwood is a small grassroots organization and every dollar we receive means we can do more to stand up for B.C.’s coast.

That now-famous memo is just one of many that has caught our attention on cheques and online – here are some of the highlights:

Today I felt compelled to put my money where my mouth is and join with the “radicals” who value a clean environment over dirty oil. The Conservative Minister of Natural Resources, who has lost any semblance of impartiality he may have had with his comments today … has laid down the gauntlet – this is a fight to the finish. If I had more money I would give more, but you and any other group working against this pipeline will get every penny I can afford to give.
Janis from Montreal, Quebec

Joe Oliver’s letter made my blood boil, and I am tremendously grateful for Dogwood’s rebuttal and ongoing campaign against the Northern Gateway pipeline.
Emily from the Northern Gulf Islands, B.C.

In honour of Joe Oliver. Thank you for fighting against the northern pipeline.
Kate from Victoria, B.C.

I am not a “billionaire socialist.” However, I am a concerned British Columbian and Canadian and so therefore I am doubling my usual donation. It’s going to be a long hard road but protecting our environment is well worth the effort! Thanks for all your hard work on the pipeline and tanker file.
Rob from Victoria, B.C.

We will all be radicals before Harper is done.
– Jean from Fort St. John, B.C.

If there’s one thing I really don’t like, it’s a bully! Hope this helps the cause.
Virginia from Vancouver, B.C.

This is how I stand up to bullies, Mr.Harper.
Karl from Burnaby, B.C.

Thank you for giving me, a 73-year-old radical, a voice.
Stella Ann from Ponoka, Alberta

The “radicals” news coverage is the trail that led me to you.

– Bruce from Toronto, Ontario