Commemorative Statue honouring Sir William Stephenson, A Man Called Intrepid
Inspired by our plantings and the story behind Camp X, campaign supporters Sue and Bryan Green decided that they wanted to continue to tell the story of this monumental location in Whitby, Ontario by erecting a statue of Sir William Stephenson.
Garden Club of Toronto Spotlight on the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign
Thank you so much to our founding partner, the Garden Club of Toronto, for putting together this incredible video highlighting our project.
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.
Donor Highlights
From Savannah Harrington of Savannah Grace Bakes, to Janine Taylor of Boomerang Bags, and Linda Thorn at Grey Bruce Boomers, we have so many amazing donors who have gone the extra mile to support our campaign. Thank you!
Thank You Influencers!
Thank you so much to everyone who posted about our campaign during Remembrance Week!
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.
The Trews Highway of Heroes Single Campaign
We are so excited to announce that our friends, The Trews, have generously donated 25 SIGNED Highway of Heroes singles CDs to support our campaign. We would like to offer our top supporters, within the month of November, one of these CDs.
Veterans Week and the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII
Canada joined the war on September 10, 1939 and it didn’t end until V-J Day on August 15, 1945 with the surrender of Japan. During this time, more than a million Canadians volunteered for service and more than 45,000 gave their lives. We are a country strong and free because of the sacrifice of these brave individuals.
Virtual Remembrance Day Celebrations
This Remembrance Day, things will be a little different. Instead of attending a parade or cenotaph memorial, Canadians will be celebrating the lives of those lost during wartime online.
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.
Drip Irrigation Systems Installed to Keep Our Trees Hydrated During this Hot Summer
This year, the heat of the summer forced us to install drip irrigation systems to ensure that our newly planted sites get the hydration that they need.
Canada History: Aug 24. 2007 – Honouring Afghanistan War Dead
On August 24, 2007, after citizens had already started referring to this 170km stretch of the highway as such, it was officially accepted as and renamed the Highway of Heroes. Two weeks later, on September 7th, the official signage was unveiled.
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.
True Patriot Love Launches a Podcast to Highlight the Courage of Women in the Canadian Military
True Patriot Love has launched a 10-part series speaking to the female leadership within the Canadian military. For Her Country was created to honour Captain Nichola Goddard, who became the first female Canadian soldier to die in battle. She was only 26 years old when she was killed during her 2006 tour in Afghanistan.
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.
Decline in Backyard Bird Species Linked to Non-Native Plants
The Smithsonian released a study recently that connects the decline in backyard birds to gardens with non-native plant species. Fortunately for communities along the 401 in Ontario, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is made of 100% native tree species. We’re making sure that not only our local bird populations have enough ‘pests’ to feed on and space to nest; but that our migratory guests are also provided with the same comfort.
Bill Bachellier - 5,000 Trees for 5,000 Heroes
Bill reflects on the 5,000 trees now planted on his property, “It’s really not for me, it’s in honour of some other people who I don’t know, and the benefit will be reaped by somebody else who I may not know.”