Elaine Solway
Deep relationships
Elaine Solway, a passionate gardener and nature enthusiast, shares how the strength of relationships and the work of Trees for Life is putting climate action in the hands of everyone and creating lasting, living legacies.
Where did your passion for nature come from?
I have loved trees for more than seven decades. From childhood memories running through the wild Humber River Valley near my home, and the ancient oaks on the family property, to supporting the Trees for Israel campaign. Community-mindedness, perseverance, and building a better future are foundational values learned at an early age from my mom.
How did you become involved in the Highway of Heroes and Trees for Life?
When the Highway of Heroes was just a seed of inspiration, I was the president of the Garden Club of Toronto. Presented with the idea for the Club to support the project, I saw it as an opportunity to expand the club’s vision of beautification, to climate action and environmental leadership. Elaine’s vision led to the Club becoming the founding patron of what is the world’s largest living tribute to the military. And, the partnership created a beautiful Garden Club-sponsored tree garden, located close to the Humber River Hospital and the Coroner’s Office, offering a quiet respite for all.
Why do you continue to support Trees for Life?
I had such trust and belief in the people and the project that Michael de Pencier and I invited our network of charitably-minded friends to a cocktail event to announce the massive tree tribute campaign to this community. As a result of their efforts, and the strength of their relationships, over $100,000 was ultimately raised for the Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute from connections made that evening, and over $275,000 by the completion of the campaign from this same network of people.
“From the beginning, I’ve had full and utter confidence in the people behind it. When I met with Michael, Tony, and Mark, I’d seen them all at work and I knew it would be a success. I have the same belief in Trees for Life, and the idea of planting trees to honour heroes, however they are defined, is a good one.”