Green for Life raises funds to fight cancer

On June 19 and 20, a number of Landscape Ontario staff and family members participated in the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life at the Milton Fairgrounds, raising over $4,000.  

Through the help of generous LO member companies and suppliers, the office staff raised the money in a variety of ways, including a barbecue lunch, gift basket draw, garden raffle and donations from friends and family. Staff also contributed by donating hand-made quilts to the cause.

The relay team, that called itself, the Green for Life team, sold $5.00 raffle tickets to the community and the over 2,000 relay attendees for a chance to win a complete garden, valued at over $5,000. The elements in the garden (trees, shrubs, perennials, interlock, mulch and stone) were all generously donated by LO member companies. The complete garden was set up by Clayton Markham of Fern Ridge Landscaping, beside the walking track, where it inspired and attracted a lot of attention. LO members donated so much material to the garden raffle, a few of the items had to be sold separately in a silent auction.

Over 350 raffle tickets were sold and a highlight of the closing ceremonies was the draw for the winner of the garden raffle held on the main stage. Winner Kathleen Hoto of Milton received lots of cheers, as she was present when her ticket was drawn.

Information on the Green for Life program and LO member companies was handed out at a booth, located next to the garden. Staff explained the many ways the association and its members give back to local communities across the province.

A huge thank you to the following members and companies who graciously donated product, time and services to the garden raffle and silent auction:
Cerelli Tree Farm, Fern Ridge Landscaping, Gro-Bark (Ontario), Hanson Hardscapes, Harmony Printing, Humber Nurseries, PAO Horticultural, Taylor Nursery, Van Dongen’s Garden Centre and Vanden Bussche Irrigation.

Relay team members include Rachel Burt (captain), Robert Ellidge, Lorraine Ivanoff, Stephanie Smith, Michael Cerelli, Meredith Brown and Sanja Mehta.

Special thanks go to Landscape Ontario employee Rachel Burt, who championed the event and whose countless hours made it all come together.

Caption: Two members of the LO relay team, Rob Ellidge and Stephanie Smith, were part of the large crowd in attendance at this year’s event.