Jun 5th, 2019

News Release: Partnership blooms at Confederation Court 

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June 5th, 2019 – Students from Greg McKean’s Grade 8 class at Vincent Massey Public School rolled up their sleeves and helped to plant nearly two dozen trees in the Confederation Court Community.  

Mr. McKean has “adopted” OCHC and has been leading teams of students volunteers on projects in OCHC communities for 10 years. 

The trees were provided as part of a $16,750 grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, an organization that helps to fund environmental initiatives – such as schoolyard greening, park revitalization and community gardens.  

Nearly 1,500 tenants will benefit from the new trees in the communities where they are being planted.  

The group of volunteers planted the trees, cleared overgrowth and replanted community planters. 

Students from Vincent Massey have returned to volunteer in OCHC communities several times over the last five years. Their efforts have a huge impact on exterior beautification and help to increase pride of place.  

Quotes 

TD is a committed and ongoing partner with OCHC and the OCH Foundation. Their investments in our communities have had a huge impact on tenants. We are also honoured to continue to work with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board on volunteer projects that help to improve pride of place and make stronger and healthier communities.

– Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC  

Green spaces play a critical role in creating more livable cities. Not only do they provide environmental benefits, but they also provide social services and economic benefits to cities and the people within them. Through initiatives like OHC’s community tree planting event, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is committed to working with communities, volunteers and local organizations to help create a more sustainable tomorrow. Together we can create lasting change.

– Carolyn Scotchmer, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation 

 Confederation Court:  

• 134 townhomes constructed in 1967 
• Children and youth represent 58% of the population 
• This community had to have many trees removed due to the Emerald Ash Borer 

 About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation  

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that supports local environmental initiatives across Canada. With the generous support of donors, since 1990 TD FEF has granted over $90 million to more than 27,000 projects across Canada to help create a more vibrant planet. TD Bank Group covers the administrative costs of running the foundation so that 100% of every donation directly supports local projects. The Foundation’s mission aligns with TD’s corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment, which to help open doors for a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. Visit the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation at www.fef.td.com or td.com/thereadycommitment for more information, including online grant applications.  

About OCH  

OCHC maintains nearly 15,000 homes to approximately 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCHC houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity and cultures. OCHC is the largest social and affordable housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second largest in Ontario. OCHC was selected as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for the second consecutive year in 2019. www.och-lco.ca | Twitter | LinkedIN | Facebook  

 For additional information please contact:   

Jennifer McIntosh – Communications and Marketing Specialist – OCH – Cell: 613-914-9953  

Tel: 613-731-1182 ext. 2286 jennifer.mcintosh@och.ca   

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