It’s the coldest day of the year so far today, and my heart has been feeling a little heavy with the end of the holidays. As much as I love my job at LEAF, it was amazing to spend two weeks with my family over the break – enjoying the never-ending antics of my 13-month-old son, two dogs, two cats and one husband.

 

But today I got some extra warm and fuzzy feelings when I started processing donations that have been made over the holiday. As I marvelled at the generosity of so many individuals this holiday season, I began imagining what might have gone through their minds as they submitted their donations to LEAF’s Urban Forest Fund: the thankfulness of what they have and the desire to share; the hope and dream of a greener future; and/or the desire to be part of a collective effort making real change on the ground.

© 2014 Michelle Bourdeau

The Urban Forest Fund was established by LEAF through Tides Canada Foundation. Funds are used for the purpose of educating the public about the importance of forests and implementing projects designed to improve the urban environment.

LEAF donors are crucial to our work. Today, as we sat down to write thank you cards, we felt the presence of the hundreds of people who have contributed financially over the past year.  They have been working quietly behind the scenes, improving city life, one tree at a time.

©2015 Michelle Bourdeau / LEAF

On a personal level, I just wanted to say thank you to all those individuals who help make LEAF the organization that it is. Thank you for helping to create greener cities in which we can all play (children, dogs, cats and husbands included).

Click here to donate to LEAF’s Urban Forest Fund.

Michelle Bourdeau is LEAF’s Program Manager.