RELEASE
November, 2025
Toronto, ON – On September 17, TD Bank Group awarded the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) a grant of $34,815 to support the access-based education program Living Winter for a second year. Living Winter is a full-day experiential learning program for students from high-needs communities in Toronto. The program aims to integrate hands-on outdoor learning into the Grade 4 curriculum (Habitats and Communities), introduce students to nature-based outdoor learning, and empower them to connect with and protect the environment.
“Through the TD Ready Commitment, we’re proud to continue supporting Toronto Botanical Garden’s Living Winter program in helping more students access nature-based learning experiences, particularly during the winter months when staying engaged can be more difficult.” Says Joshua Cayer, Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.
Living Winter focuses on teaching students to be stewards of their environment, creating excitement about local ecosystems, and promoting responsibility in their communities.
“Nature-based learning nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the environment,” says Stephanie Jutila, CEO of Toronto Botanical Garden. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support of TD, whose funding helps sustain our Living Winter program. Now in its 14th year, this program continues to grow in impact, reaching more children each season and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, one class at a time.”
TBG is a vibrant four-acre botanical garden, park, and community hub nestled within the Wilket Creek and Don Valley ravine systems, adjacent to Edwards Gardens. Guided by our vision to be a Garden for All, TBG strives to create an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can experience the beauty and benefits of nature. Recognizing that access to natural spaces is vital for physical and mental well-being, TBG offers free and low-cost programs to ensure equitable access to nature-based education, empowering visitors to connect deeply with their local green spaces.
Contact for Fundraising Inquiries:
Melanie Lovering, Director of Development
[email protected]
Contact for Program Inquiries:
Natalie Harder, Director of Learning
[email protected]
Contact for Media Inquiries:
Jenny Rhodenizer, Director of Marketing & Audience Engagement
[email protected]
