This month’s project highlight is special. In late-October, Trees for Life gathered to celebrate our very own Mike Hurley. Mike has played a formative role in Trees for Life since it’s early naissance; if anyone can conceptualize the big-picture way that little things that add up, it’s him. Alongside family, friends who are family, and health care team members from Credit Valley Hospital, remarks were shared to celebrate this tremendous milestone and Mike’s special contributions along the way. In addition to sharing our favourite facets of Mike’s arborescent character (thanks to Mark Cullen for that perfect metaphor!), we planted 10 trees at Credit Valley Hospital for this occasion. It is largely thanks to Mike’s style, action, and attitude, that we have been so successful supporting tree planting initiatives across the Nation. But we weren’t just celebrating 10 amazing years of Mike’s careful and creative tending to Trees for Life.
In true Mike fashion, he wanted to dedicate these trees to the oncologist team and health-care heroes at the hospital who are instrumental in providing compassionate care for so many, himself and immediate family included, navigating unchartered waters. Healthcare heroes are among the most important members of our communities, and sadly they are often overlooked. Our Trees for Health projects make sure they don’t go unnoticed; we want to shout our gratitude from a megaphone. At Credit Valley Hospital, we also installed a place of repose and reflection through our One Bench One Tree program. A small gesture to further express our appreciation.
Much like our healthcare heroes, trees are an incredibly important component of healthy communities. As these ten trees mature at the hospital, we hope the staff can benefit from and appreciate their beauty and services, as we have theirs.
The recurring themes on this day were clear; family, togetherness, and positive attitude. In the past decade, Trees for Life has supported partners with planting over 3.5 million trees. On this very special day, Mike, alongside his children, family, and friends, planted ten more for tomorrow.
