Environmental Champion, Community Leader, and Unrelenting Force
Today, for Black History 365, we recognize a trailblazer whose life’s work has deeply impacted Canada’s environmental policies, community safety, and cultural pride — Don Woodstock.
Originally from Jamaica, he came to Canada with purpose. Alongside his wife Kathy, he’s built more than just a livelihood — he’s built legacy. Through JamRock Security, now operating across multiple provinces, and the JamRock Foundation, which supports everything from youth programming to cultural events, his footprint is wide and lasting. Events like Bob Marley Day have become more than a celebration — they are a cultural bridge, honoring Jamaican heritage and its global influence.
His leadership isn’t loud or performative — it’s rooted in values. As a proud Jamaican, he carries the spirit of his homeland with intention, and it shows in the way his community looks to him. He embodies what it means to be a representative of Jamaica abroad: proud, disciplined, and committed to service. That cultural grounding has earned him deep respect and a place as a trusted leader.
One of the most defining chapters of his journey, captured in his critically acclaimed book Unrelenting, details how persistence and principle shaped some of Canada’s most impactful environmental reforms. The book isn’t just memoir — it’s testimony. A document of how one person, through research, advocacy, and refusal to accept the status quo, helped shift the country’s mindset and policy.
Woodstock was instrumental in helping to change “Garbage Day” to “Recycle Day” in Winnipeg — a subtle but powerful rebranding that reframed how Canadians viewed waste. He didn’t stop at words, either. Through thorough analysis, he demonstrated that recyclable waste often exceeds traditional garbage. It only made sense to have blue bins that matched the size of garbage bins, to prevent overflow and keep recyclable materials from being tossed in the trash. That push changed the infrastructure of waste management in several cities and improved recycling rates dramatically.
He was also one of the earliest and most persistent voices calling for the ban of single-use plastic bags, a campaign that eventually contributed to the national ban now in effect. When Canadians carry reusable bags today, it’s a direct reflection of the groundwork he laid.
What stands out is that this wasn’t about recognition or gain — it was about doing what was right. Environmental protection, to him, wasn’t optional — it was necessary. That mindset, combined with his cultural pride and entrepreneurial spirit, has made him a force of nature in more ways than one.
Woodstock represents the best of what it means to be Jamaican: strong values, resilience, and a drive to uplift others. He didn’t just bring his roots with him — he planted them here, and from those roots, change has grown.
Today, we salute Don Woodstock — not only for what he’s done, but for how he’s done it. Unrelenting, unwavering, and unforgettable.
About The Author
