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.
Youth or Cash?
When you give to plant trees on the Highway of Heroes, you not only support our Canadian troops and honour the memory of our war dead, you plant a better tomorrow.
Gratitude
Here at the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, 2020 was our best year ever.
- We planted over 600,000 trees, bringing us to within more than 45% of our goal of 2 million trees
- Ontario government supported us with $1 million
- Our Remembrance Week/Christmas fund raising drive produced more than double the amount of our mini-campaign last year: over $100,000 matched by a private Canadian donor.
- We are now within our last $400,000 to meet our goal of $10 million
You could say that this past year set us up for an outstanding 2021. And you would be right.
A Simple Act
When I look at this image of Nick Kerr planting a tree, dressed in his army fatigues, I am reminded of just how real our campaign is. Nick came to us, after searching us out online, to help him heal from his PTSD. “A tree for you buddy” he repeats to himself as he digs.
Rembrandt and Remembrance
I would like to suggest that we can overcome the shortcomings of Memorial Day during a pandemic by stretching it out. How about Memorial Week? Or Memorial Month? We would take time each day to be mindful of the meaning behind Nov. 11. Think about a relative or friend who served or is currently serving in the military. Reach out to them and ask them how they are doing through COVID 19.
3rd Base and Headed for Home
We can now offer matching funds for every dollar raised before the end of the year. Double the impact of your donation and receive a tax deduction.
Silver Cross Families
Here at the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, we have had the honour of working with some Silver Cross families at our events. Families who lost a child at war, during a military exercise and other means. Each one serving Canada and its citizens at the time of their death.
We have met and become acquainted with many Silver Cross families since our campaign began almost five years ago. Each has a story that will make you glad you are sitting down, because the shock and sense of loss that they experience is staggering.
Mark Cullen at the John McCrae Museum in Guelph, Ontario
COVID might be preventing people from going inside, but the grounds are very well maintained and offer a place of remembrance to the author of In Flanders Fields.
The First Liberation75 Tulips Planted in Ottawa
Mark Cullen, planted Liberation75 tulip bulbs at Canada's military cemetery with the Canadian Tulip Festival, Veterans Affairs Canada & Frederieke Quispel from the Netherlands Embassy in Ottawa.
2019 Golf Tournament: Another Fantastic Sunny & Successful Day!
The weather was on our side again this year as 96 golfers and volunteers took to the links at the Port Hope Golf and Country Club on August 22nd.
Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign Puts Down Additional Roots in Cobourg
On Saturday, May 26th, dozens of volunteers, including members of the local Rotary Club and the Royal Canadian Legion, were at Chris Garrett Park to plant trees in connection to the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.
Garden Club of Toronto and Highway of Heroes Living Tribute ~ A Partnership
It was the summer of 2015, and on a patio in midtown Toronto, six people gathered to discuss an idea. “How can the Garden Club of Toronto and the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute work together?” It was Michael de Pencier and Elaine Solway who gathered Scott Bryk, the Executive Director of Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, along with Judy Tinning, Suzanne Firth and Amanda Cameron from the Garden Club of Toronto to figure it out.
Newcastle Public School ‘Mini Highway of Heroes’ In Collaboration With Frank Cowan Company
The students at Newcastle Public School have created a Highway of Heroes right in their schoolyard. On October 23rd, each classroom participated in planting a tree along that highway while learning about the significance of the sacrifices made by our Canadian heroes and Veterans.