[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/goodall edited.jpg” caption=”Dr. Jane Goodall will give a public lecture at Hamilton Place on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Photo courtesy Hamilton Place.”]On Sept. 25, Roots & Shoots groups across Canada will descend on McMaster's campus to participate in Reasons for Hope week, a conference aimed at spreading the word about the organization's environmental and humanitarian philosophy.

The highlight of the week-long conference will be a lecture by its founder, Dr. Jane Goodall, at Hamilton Place on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Her lecture is entitled, “Emphasizing Solutions to Global Environmental and Humanitarian Issues.” A book signing will follow her lecture.

Roots & Shoots is part of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, and its philosophy is simple: to educate young people on environmental and humanitarian issues and encourage them to take personal responsibility for improving the world in which we live.

“We are very excited to be hosting Dr. Goodall's visit to Hamilton this September,” says Shannon Trebilcock, MAC Roots & Shoots president. “Her innate understanding of humanity, our environment and the animals we share with this planet is legendary. Dr. Goodall's lectures change the views and minds of all who come into contact with her, inspiring beyond words.”

Goodall's talk is not of the gloom-and-doom variety, says Trebilcock.

“Dr. Goodall recognizes the sometimes dismal state of our planet and offsets this by drawing attention to the resilience of the human spirit,” explains Trebilcock, who has experienced Goodall's lectures firsthand. “She encourages us to put our hope in youth and those fighting for the earth's renewal.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Jane Goodall Institute. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.