The Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted its 12th annual Conservation Gala on May 4. The final count shows a record level of support from the local community. Over 375 guests raised $237,000 in the spirit of the next 150 years of conservation in the Credit River watershed.
Funds raised support CVCF’s five-year Protect, Connect and Sustain Campaign. The campaign goal is to raise $5 million for Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) by 2020 to support three key projects: Conservation Youth Corps, land securement and the Credit Valley Trail.
“Nature is essential to healthy communities and individual well-being, so we want to do everything we can to protect it,” said Terri LeRoux, executive director of CVCF.
“Through our five-year campaign, we continue to raise funds that support the important environmental work CVC does to protect, connect and sustain us,” continued LeRoux.
“Funds will be invested in securing new conservation lands, inspiring youth to be future environmental champions and building the Credit Valley Trail to connect the Lake Ontario waterfront to the headwaters of the Credit River in Orangeville.”
Since 2006, the Conservation Gala has raised over $1.6 million in support of CVC projects and initiatives that enhance the local environment for present and future generations.
This year’s event, held at Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton, included a special welcome address by Carolyn King, the former chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, a Birds of Prey display where participants could meet native wildlife, and a substantial silent and live auction featuring over 125 items and experiences.
