The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has recognized two local organizations for their philanthropy.
“Conservation Foundation Awards have been presented since 2012, honouring those who have generously supported the conservation projects and programs that make the Windsor and Essex region healthy and sustainable,” said Foundation Executive Director Tim Byrne.
The Clifford Hatch Conservation Foundation Award was presented to the Toldo Foundation.
Named after Anthony P. Toldo, the Toldo Foundation’s contributions to the community are innumerable. It has supported healthcare in our community through the Windsor-Essex Hospice, the Windsor-Essex Cancer Centre Foundation, and the Windsor Regional Hospital, just to name a few.
They have also significantly supported higher education at both St. Clair College and the University of Windsor, most recently, with their support of the Toldo Lancer Centre. The Toldo Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of the arts in our region, with contributions to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor International Film Festival and many other cultural organizations.
“In 2020, when the Essex Region Conservation Foundation was raising funds to create the new Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead, we invited the Toldo Foundation to consider creating the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area to provide a covered outdoor education area with undisturbed views of Lake Erie and the Homestead grounds,” Byrne said.
“The Toldo Foundation generously recognized the impact they could make in creating an innovative and environmentally- conscious learning space.”
Since the opening of this new education centre, learners and guests of all ages have increasingly appreciated the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area as an outdoor, accessible space for connecting with nature.
Alex Toldo, Trustee of the Toldo Foundation said: “The Toldo Foundation is proud to participate in the new Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead. The creation of the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area fits with our goal of supporting innovative education environments. Our sincere thanks goes to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation for its leadership and vision to help make this a reality.”
The Essex Region Conservation Foundation Award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution recognizes a business entity that has made significant contributions to the Foundation’s fundraising goals, and the Rosati Group was presented with this award.
Founded in 1969 by Vince and Olivia Rosati, the Rosati Group encompasses several construction-related companies serving Southwestern Ontario. Over the years, the Rosati Group has supported numerous charitable groups to make a big difference in the Windsor-Essex community.
Some of these include Transition to Betterness, Windsor Lifeline Outreach, Italian-Canadian Handicapable Association, Windsor Goodfellows, St. Vincent De Paul, the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association, W.E. Care For Kids, Habitat for Humanity, the Windsor Girls’ Home, the Spina Bifida Foundation, LaSalle Stompers Soccer Association, and the LaSalle Minor Hockey Association.
The Rosati Group has also been a long-time supporter of conservation efforts. In 2004, it innovatively pledged a donation for each lot sold within its LaSalle development area, resulting in a donation of $20,000 in 2013. This contribution helped to protect natural areas, increase habitat and develop trails in our community, ultimately making it a healthier place for our residents, and a more desirable place in which to live and invest.
Over the last number of years, the Rosati Group has supported the Foundation’s fundraising events with sponsorships of and participation in our fundraising Golf Tournament and Essex Region Bike Tour, raising significant funds for important conservation work.
When the Partners In Sustainability – Inspiring Future Conservationists and Eco-stewards was launched in 2021, the Rosati Group immediately committed to a 5 Year Bronze sponsorship, and donated $25,000 to ensure young people could continue to be connected to nature through conservation education.
“We are so grateful to all of you – the many donors and supporters who continue to make an impact in our region, to make it the Place for Life,” said Claire Wales, Foundation President.
The Foundation also thanked its many supporters who raised $478,000 for conservation projects last year which included new Greenway entrances, a single track cycling trail at Holiday Beach, and funds for the urgent repairs needed to the John R. Park Homestead historic home.
“This will continue to be our most pressing fundraising need,” said Wales of the Homestead. You can read the Foundation’s Gratitude Report and watch its impact video at https://essexregionconservation.ca/foundation.
Since 1977, the Essex Region Conservation Foundation has been enriching and sustaining the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region as the Place for Life.