TD Tree Days is officially in full swing. Organized by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, thousands of TD employees and everyday Canadians celebrate environmental awareness and action through a symbolic one day program. The idea is simple: holes are dug up at various parks throughout Canada and enthusiastic individuals work hard to fill those holes with growing trees.
I personally had the fortune to participate at the tree planting held in Calgary on Sept. 18 as a volunteer with Youth Central (formerly Child and Youth Friendly Calgary) as part of the Youth Volunteer Corps. When I arrived, a great number of volunteers were already prancing excitedly for the tree planting to start. A great variety of people showed up: TD employees, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Youth Central members and ordinary neighbours. A quick count yielded over 100 people on the grounds. Soon enough, gloves and shovels were handed out and a quick demonstration of the tree planting procedure shown. Without further ado, the tree planting began.
Then the event went on at a frantic pace. Eager individuals fought to plant the taller trees while little kids competed to see who planted more of the smaller ones. Holes were widened, roots were disturbed, trees were placed and then soil were moved. At the end of it all, over 250 trees were planted at South Glenmore Park. Refreshments of coffee and chips were given out as the planting went on. At the end of the two hour tree planting frenzy, happy and tired individuals left the event, feeling self-fulfilled and looking forward to the next year. This scene is not limited to South Glenmore Park. Earlier that day, a similar event occured at North Glenmore Park. In fact, across Canada for the past week, environmental enthusiasts gathered together and contributed to the cause. If you have yet to participate in one of these events, don’t fret. More events are coming up in the next week across Canada, so simply find a location and go show your support for the planet. For more information about the event and future events at different locations, visit http://www.tdtreedays.com/.