MEDIA ADVISORY: Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign Celebrates Planting of 175 Trees in Honour of Canadian Armed Forces Members With Event

Toronto, ON - On Thursday, November 4th,  the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign (HOH) is celebrating the planting of 175 trees in honour of 175 Canadian Armed Forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice during wartime, and in acknowledgment of the 175th anniversary of partner St. George's Anglican Church. The Maple tree grove dedication and plaque unveiling will take place at Bain Park in Trenton, ON. This is one of several HOH Tree Campaign events across Ontario in November in reflection of Remembrance Day.

This event will include speeches from local dignitaries and sponsors including Mark Cullen (Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign), Gerry Quick (St. Georges Anglican Church), Ken Jewett (Maple Leaves Forever), Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, MPP Todd Smith (Bay of Quinte), Col. Ryan Deming (CFB Trenton), and a Colour Party ceremony. A photo opportunity of the Maple Tree Grove Dedication and plaque unveiling will follow the speeches.

About Highway of Heroes:

When is a tree more than just a tree? The answer is when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes. We are planting 2 million trees for all Canadians that have served during times of conflict since Confederation and including the War of 1812. 117,000 of the most prominent trees will be planted along and near the stretch of the 401 known as the Highway of Heroes, one tree for every life lost while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. This tribute provides a myriad of environmental benefits and offers an opportunity to tell the story of those that have served in the Armed Forces, reminding future generations of the great debt we owe these courageous Canadians.

The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign is funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, the Government of Ontario, Cullen’s Foods, Landscape Ontario, TD Bank, Intact Public Entities, Tree Canada, Every Tree Counts (a partnership between Toronto Parks, Trees Foundation and the City of Toronto), Harrington & Associates, Rotary District 7070, Maple Leaves Forever, and the Garden Club of Toronto. To learn more, visit www.hohtribute.ca.

About St. George's Anglican Church:

Originally a white frame structure, the present stone church was built in 1845-46 the on property chosen and donated by John Strachan, first Bishop of Upper Canada. The outer structure of the building was completed and the church opened in the same year, the interior was completed the following year. During the first two years of opening, the church was under the pastoral care of a priest from Carrying Place. In 1848, the Reverend Canon William Bleasdell was appointed the first Rector of St. George's Church and held his first service on September 3, 1850. The church is a lovely example of 19th century English gothic, architecture with many fine, unique stained glass windows.

In 2020, St. George’s celebrated it’s 175th Anniversary.  Even with the restrictions of COVID-19, the congregation at St. George’s has continued to be active and engaged, with a thriving Community Meals program, and a growing Ministry to Churches in the North.  As a congregation we are delighted to have been able to partner with Highway of Heroes in this initiative to plant 175 memorial trees in Bain Park, and we give thanks for the energy and commitment of all those who worked towards its success.