Trees and More Trees

There is a light, but no tunnel. Rather, there is a field of experience and expertise that stands before us: a gorgeous, newly planted field of dream trees.

We are planting at a record pace, with plans for more than 800,000new trees in the ground this year.

Despite the pandemic.

Because of you.

Over 3,000 Canadians have donated and supported us in various and wonderful ways, and here we stand, with a great shining light at the end of our field. We will plant our last tree, all being well, in November next year – 2022. Honorable David Johnston, previous Governor General, and his wife Sharon will be on hand to plant the last tree.

It’s hard to imagine 6 years ago, when we announced that we were planting 2 million trees on and near the Highway of Heroes to both honour Canada’s war dead, and those who volunteered to serve during times of war.

We have more than half of our promised number of trees to plant in the next two seasons and about $250,000 to raise to meet our goal.

Then what?

Trees For Life. Some of you have asked if our board, volunteers, and staff will fade into the sunset when this campaign is through, and the answer is an emphatic “no”. We plan on planting more trees, millions maybe tens of millions more, in communities across the country.

Many of our – your – trees will be planted to acknowledge the sacrifice made by thousands of Canadian front-line workers and first responders during the current pandemic.

Other trees will be planted to honour our military from various communities and provinces across the country.

We have lots of details to iron out still, but we do have a website which I urge you to visit. www.treesforlife.ca

We have a vision and ambitious goals for this new organization. Canadian Trees For Life is a not-for-profit that is registered with Ottawa.

We will be raising funds through Trees For Life, that will flow to the finish line of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, until the job there is finished. Then, we will be supporting a myriad of projects where community support and enthusiasm exists for urban tree planting.

More to come.

In the meantime, we welcome your financial support at the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign or Trees For Life.

Either way, we will acknowledge special Canadians who have served us. A living tribute designed to bring life where there was none, and permanence to the important messages of thanks and remembrance.

And always with our heart felt thanks for your kindness and generosity.

Don’t stop sharing.

Corporal Nick Kerr needs your support.

Our honorary military representative at the Highway of Heroes is Corporal Nick Kerr. We have talked about him in this newsletter before. He is a giving soul with a heart of gold. And now, he needs us.

He is participating in the Wounded Warriors Ride for MentalHealth. His goal is to raise $3,000 and all of us can help. Details at woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com

And by the way, here at the Highway of Heroes, we have a lot in common with Wounded Warriors, and support their outstanding work with men and women in Canada’s military who are dealing with the unique challenges of military service.

And finally, April 9-12 is the 104th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. And soon, we will have an announcement about an incredibly special place that we have created to commemorate those who served at Vimy right here in Canada.

Stay tuned.

With sincere thanks,

Chair, Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and our amazing staff, team and volunteers.