PRESS RELEASE
November 8, 2024
Toronto, ON – On September 25, TD Bank Group awarded the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) with a grant in the amount of $37,100 to support an access-based education program Living Winter. 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 with the Grade 4 curriculum (Habitats and Communities), introduce students to outdoor learning about nature, and empower them to connect with and protect the environment.
“Finding ways to keep students engaged during the winter months can sometimes be challenging. That’s why, through the TD Ready Commitment, we are proud to provide funding support for the Living Winter program. We aspire to support community organizations, like Toronto Botanical Gardens, that play a key role in helping to increase access to free nature-based programs for students.” says Joshua Cayer, Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.
Living Winter will focus on teaching students to be stewards of their environment, creating excitement about local ecosystems, and promoting responsibility in their communities.
“Time in nature instills wonder and awe in our natural world”, says Stephanie Jutila, CEO of Toronto Botanical Garden. “Toronto Botanical Garden is grateful for this funding support to offer the Living Winter program free of charge to our community’s youth and schools who may not have ready access to nature. This investment is not in a program alone, but also in helping students create a positive bond with nature here at TBG.”
TBG is a beautiful botanical garden, park, and community hub that is connected to the ravine system, Wilket Creek, Don Valley Ravine, and Edwards Gardens. TBG connects people and plants, fostering sustainable communities and developing reciprocal relationships with nature through lifelong learning. TBG recognizes that natural spaces are essential for promoting physical and mental well-being. For this reason, TBG offers zero- and low-cost programming to ensure equitable access to nature-based education and inspires visitors to connect with their local green spaces.
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Organization Contact for Fundraising Inquiries:
Melanie Lovering , Director of Development
[email protected]
Organization Contact for Program Inquiries:
Natalie Harder, Director of Learning
[email protected]
