The Final Countdown

What’s better than a run on a beautiful day? For many, not much unless of course, your run is helping to clean the air and to make life better for future generations. 

In case you missed it, Trees for Life is partnering with the Canada Running Series (CRS), to support their goals of zero-waste and reducing the environmental impact of their races. Planting more trees with the support of race participants makes sense. These trees help runners breathe easier by purifying and cooling the air and creating shade, among many other benefits. 

We are grateful to the CRS running community for their ongoing support, as 2024 marks the third year of our partnership. This year’s Green Bib program and continued runner generosity means over $65,000 has been raised to date! These funds have supported the planting of over 33,000 trees and shrubs in Toronto’s watershed, including sites along and near the race route.  These plantings support biodiversity while protecting the Lake Ontario shoreline from climate impacts, plus the trees offset some of the carbon emissions generated by the race.

We’re excited to have our biggest team (the Acorns), registered for this October’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and 5K.   Our teammates find inspiration in different ways: From battling cancer; to Guinness World Record attempts; to father-daughter bonding; Our two new staff members, Marina and Josh have joined the Acorns too.  Marina loves the idea of running the 5K to raise funds for TFL. It’s too bad her usual running partner, her dog Fionn, cannot join, but he’ll be there in spirit. Josh, a long-time sports enthusiast, who signed up for the half marathon, started running about 15 years ago, saying he feels his best mentally and physically when he runs and as the dad of a young son, believes planting trees is critically important for the future.

Thanks to everyone running with and for the Acorns; and those who have donated – we’re already over $4500 in funds raised by team TFL – so close to our goal! If you’d like to help get us to our goal of raising $5,000, you can do so here. 

It’s great knowing our team is getting healthier because of the race and so is the environment through the work we do, with your support.