ERCF Honours Outstanding Conservation Commitment

WINDSOR, March 28, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) honoured two recipients with a Conservation Foundation award at their Annual General Meeting on March 20.  The awards recognized outstanding philanthropic commitment from an individual or family, and from corporations.

“The Foundation initiated this award recognition program to recognize the overwhelming contributions we have received from our supporters.  It is with our great appreciation that we honour those who have chosen to give back in order to create a more sustainable region," said Richard Wyma, Foundation Executive Director.

The award for Outstanding Individual Contribution for an individual or family was named the Clifford Hatch Award, in memory of Clifford Hatch, who made the largest single contribution to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation in 1995, when he donated his farm and outbuildings. 

The Clifford Hatch Conservation Foundation award was presented to Terry Patterson.  “Terry has been a long time member of the Foundation,” said Wyma.  Mr. Patterson has been a member since the Foundation’s inception in 1977, and was president from 1996 until 1999.  He was instrumental in the success of the It’s Our Nature campaign and was involved in the Islands of Green campaign.  After his term as president, Mr. Patterson was willing to step in and represent the Foundation at various events, functions and speaking engagements.  “Terry’s steadfast commitment is demonstrative in his unwavering positive leadership, enthusiasm, and his generous personal commitment.”

“My time with the Foundation has provided me with many memories that I will always remember,” said Terry Patterson.  “Over the years I have had the pleasure to work with many community leaders who have set the standard for us all to make a commitment to our local environment.”

The Conservation Award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was awarded to Caesars Windsor for their $25,000 donation in support of the Foundation’s Trail On! campaign to build the Essex-Amherstburg Greenway.  Caesars Windsor kicked off the Trail On! campaign with this generous lead donation.

In recognition of the donation, ERCA and the Foundation named the entrance to the existing Chrysler Canada Greenway on County Road 8 near Walker Road, the Caesars Windsor Community Entrance

Caesars Windsor actively encourages Windsor-Essex residents and visitors to connect with the environment in a healthy, active lifestyle.  Throughout the year, the Caesars Entertainment CodeGreen program focuses their everyday business practices as well as engages employees and customers to reduce their carbon footprint through reducing, reusing and recycling. 

“Caesars Windsor represents a strong corporate steward in our community,” said Wyma. “Their generous support and partnership with the Foundation and ERCA continues to help to build a more sustainable environment for our region.”

“When Caesars Windsor was looking for an organization to align our CodeGreen program with, we didn’t need to look far as ERCA and the Foundation stand out as a leading organization,” said Jhoan Baluyot, Manager of PR and Communications, Caesars Windsor.

About the Essex Region Conservation Foundation

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation supports ERCA by raising the funds required to reforest and green the Essex region, provide conservation education, protect those significant natural areas that remain, plant new forests in strategic locations, restore wetlands, protect cultural heritage, and increase green connections through acquiring and developing trails.

Media Contact:     Susanne Tomkins
Co-Ordinator, Development and Communications
Essex Region Conservation Foundation
519 776 5209 ext. 366      stomkins@erca.org
519 560 7207 (cell)