October 5, 2023
The City of Edmonton’s Root for Trees program and Trees for Life hosted a tree planting honouring healthcare workers on October 5. Volunteers from the organizations and the community joined local healthcare workers to plant more than 1,000 trees in Tawa Park at Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, completing a collaboration that resulted in more than 18,000 trees planted across the city in total.
“Trees for Health is yet another example of how we are partnering with organizations to meet the City’s goal of planting two million trees by 2050. Today we are one step closer to our goal while we also are honouring the dedication of healthcare workers,” said Craig McKeown, Branch Manager, Parks and Roads Services.
The tree planting event included remarks from Christina Gray, Member of the Legislative Assembly (Edmonton-Millwoods) and Rosa Rudelich, Chief Operating Officer, Covenant Health.
“The links between increased tree canopy coverage, access to public green spaces and the combined mental and physical health benefits that come as a result were documented throughout the pandemic. This is why it is extremely fitting to plant trees to honour those on the front line of healthcare.” said Mike Hurley, Executive Director of Trees for Life.
The planting was made possible through funding from the 2 Billion Trees Program and from TD Bank Group.
“In partnership with the federal 2 Billion Trees program, Trees for Life has done immense
work in tree planting activities across Canada,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, “Today, with the planting of over 18,000 trees in honour of Canada’s healthcare workers, we are reinforcing our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“The Trees for Health initiative is a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication of our healthcare workers. By planting over 18,000 trees in their honour, we not only create a greener and more sustainable future, but we also recognize the invaluable contributions of
those who fought on the front lines during the pandemic,” said the Honourable Randy
Boissonault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “This collaborative effort between the City of Edmonton, Trees for Life and the Government of Canada demonstrates the power of community and environmental stewardship.”
About Trees for Life
Trees for Life is a Canadian charity driven to inspire, support, and mobilize community-led tree and shrub-planting initiatives. Its mission is to create a healthier, happier Canada by planting native trees where people live, work, and play. They support these organizations with partner outreach and advocacy, funding and fundraising tools, and access to expertise, resources and education.
