As Connected reaches another milestone with $16 million raised, get to know the dedicated volunteers leading the largest fundraising effort in the Conservation Halton Foundation’s history.
CATHERINE MULVALE, CAMPAIGN CHAIR | “I have been a long-time fan of Conservation Halton’s parks as a parent volunteer with school trips, as an all-season visitor, and as a donor. Joining the Conservation Halton Board—and now chairing the Connected campaign cabinet—has given me the opportunity to do more for the spaces that matter so much to me and my family.
I believe we all have a natural, evolutionary affinity to the environments that once supported us so directly with food, shelter, and spaces where we could connect. Science as well as our intuition tells us that being in nature is good for the health of our bodies, minds and souls. We need to have spaces that encourage us at every age to wander, wonder, explore and play. ‘Growing our greenprint’ is a promise to our communities and a commitment to protecting the natural world that we owe our existence to.
Volunteering with so many passionate and talented people makes me beyond proud to be supporting Conservation Halton and the millions of visitors it welcomes each year at its incredible parks.”
BRIAN PENMAN | “I have a long history with Conservation Halton, having previously served as a Board Director for 30 years and as past Chair for 14 years. My strong belief in the mission and mandate of CH inspired me to become involved in the Connected campaign.
‘Growing our greenprint’ provides a model for addressing at the local level some of the greatest global environmental challenges of our time—from the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss to dwindling greenspace. Each of our campaign pillars has a role to play in shaping a greener future. Parks & Greenspaces connects us with nature for personal fitness and wellbeing; Biodiversity & Resilience takes who and what CH is all about to a new and heightened level; Education & Community means programming for all and providing children with environmental pathways that will insure their future.
Every successful campaign requires committed volunteers who are deeply dedicated to the cause. I am proud to be a part of this initiative.”
BILL MANN | “Conservation Halton is home to and stewards a number of unique areas of scientific interest and natural beauty within a UNESCO World Biosphere. Especially within times of a world-wide pandemic, the conservation areas and trails have provided hours of solace and enjoyment not only for me but my entire family—and for thousands of others. Now as urban boundaries become more and more contained and residential densities increase, local conservation areas and trails gain more and more prominence within our busy lives. The pockets of outstanding nature within Conservation Halton’s watershed not only enrich an individual’s very being but provide a sanctuary and refuge for the mind and body. This is what makes ‘growing our greenprint’ so important today.
I am proud to be a part of the campaign and to serve on the foundation’s Board, because I strongly believe in the goals and objectives of Conservation Halton and the work it does in relation to parks and greenspaces, environmental stewardship, restoration and education, and sustainable community development.”
JANE WILCOX | “As a lifelong resident of Burlington, I have experienced the beauty of Conservation Halton parks as a child and with my own children. I also appreciate the diversity I see when visiting these spaces. To visit a beautiful park like Crawford Lake and see generations of families enjoying nature together is incredible, and it’s a reminder of how important greenspace is to all of us.
‘Growing our greenprint’ is essential to our future. Healthy, accessible, vibrant greenspaces bring our community together to connect with nature and with each another. We need to preserve, protect and grow what we have today for future generations.
I am grateful to be in a position to give back as a Board member and Connected campaign volunteer and to support the initiatives of Conservation Halton. I also get to work alongside many amazing volunteers and learn so much in the process.”
JIM SWEETLOVE | “I served on the Conservation Halton Board for 14 years, am currently a member of the Foundation Board, and have been visiting Conservation Halton parks for as long as I have lived in the region. The mission of this organization has always been important to me, and I believe that it is equally important to every resident in our watershed.
The challenges presented by climate change and the pressures of a growing population make ‘growing our greenprint’ a timely narrative and initiative of great importance. It benefits our communities immensely to have access to the special areas that Conservation Halton stewards. These are spaces that we can visit throughout our lifetimes and share with our children and grandchildren.
With a commitment to Conservation Halton extending back many years now, I am proud to be involved in the Connected campaign and to see the legacy that it is leaving for future generations.”