Memorial Arboretum Added to Canada’s Largest Veteran Care Facility through GrandTrees and Sunnybrook Partnership

Left to right: MPP Vijay Thanigasalam; Michael de Pencier, Co-Founder of GrandTrees and Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign Board Member; Paul Brydges, Brydges Landscaping Architecture; Dr. Andy Smith, president & CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Mark Cullen, Co-Founder & volunteer Chair of Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign; Meaghan Kelly, VP, Strategic Communications, Research & Product Innovation at AGF Investments; Sean Drygas, President of Bullfrog Power; Phillip Crawley, Sunnybrook board member; and Liz Tory.

TORONTO, ON – On Wednesday, September 23rd, a special ceremony was held at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto to acknowledge the addition of the Sunnybrook Memorial Arboretum. Nearly 500 trees and shrubs were added; including a very special Vimy Oak, a direct descendent from those that sprouted acorns brought back from the Battle of Vimy Ridge. These trees, provided by GrandTrees Climate Solutions, are also in support of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign.

“Our young people rightly accuse us of selfishly exploiting nature; the scientists say we can help repair our communities and the planet by preserving and planting trees in healthy biodiverse ecosystems”, says Michael de Pencier, co-founder of GrandTrees Climate Solutions. “This is why we’re proud to support projects that add to the urban tree canopy in Toronto. We could not do this without sponsors like St Joseph Communications and AGF Management Limited.”

"As one of Canada’s leading printing companies, we invest major financial resources in tree planting on behalf of our employees and customers. We are happy to support the ongoing greening of Sunnybrook Hospital," said Tony Gagliano, CEO St Joseph Communications.

“At AGF, we are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable practices, and that’s why we are happy to support GrandTrees and Sunnybrook on this exciting addition for National Tree Day,” said Blake Goldring, Executive Chairman, AGF Management Limited.

The special commemorative event also featured remarks provided by Dr. Andy Smith, president & CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Smith states that, "Sunnybrook has a long and proud history of caring for Veterans, and our incredible grounds serve as an extension to the lifesaving work happening within the walls of the hospital. We are truly grateful for this generous gift of new trees honouring our war heroes. They will stand as a living tribute to their contributions, as well as providing a place of reflection and healing for generations to come."

“It is always special when our living tribute grows, especially when we find a home for our trees that is shared with so many of our Veterans,” says Mark Cullen, Chair and Co-Founder of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. “A big thanks to GrandTrees and all their staff for having the vision to make this happen.”

With the help of sponsors and supporters like GrandTrees and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign continues to resonate with Canadians from coast to coast. The project will see 2,000,000 trees planted as a living, breathing tribute to those who have served their country in times of conflict. Located along the Highway 401 corridor between Trenton and Toronto, known as the Highway of Heroes, 117,000 of these trees will honour those Canadians who have fallen in war since the confederation.