Funding supports The Riverwood Conservancy’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19
MISSISSAUGA, March 25, 2022 – Through its Resilient Communities Fund, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) contributed $150,000 to The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) in 2021, enabling the charity to deliver nature-based programming to people of all ages and abilities in Mississauga. The funding helped TRC adapt its on-site programs to virtual offerings, which gave residents the opportunity to connect to nature when visits to Riverwood may have been a challenge due to COVID-19.
“The Riverwood Conservancy holds a special place in the heart of our community, being a place where the residents of Mississauga can experience the wonders of nature right in their own backyard," said Natalia Kusendova, MPP for Mississauga Centre. “With this funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we are ensuring that The Riverwood Conservancy can continue their important work of conservation, education and providing the beautiful natural spaces that our community values for generations to come. This is yet another way Ontario is supporting greenspaces, both in Mississauga and beyond."
With this support, TRC was able to hire staff to deliver nature education, special needs and public discovery programs online. The organization was also able to organize socially-distanced outdoor learning events. Throughout 2021, TRC’s programming served 12,000 members of the public, 5,200 youth, and over 500 individuals with special needs.
“People have spent more time indoors during the pandemic, and that’s only heightened the importance of making links to the natural world for physical and mental wellbeing. The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s generous support allowed us to continue offering nature-centric workshops and events to people in our community when they needed it most,” said Sara Wilbur-Collins, Executive Director of The Riverwood Conservancy.
About The Riverwood Conservancy
The Riverwood Conservancy is the charity that provides programs and direction for Riverwood – the 150-acre, urban nature preserve situated on the shores of the Credit River in Mississauga. Working together with like-minded groups and individuals, our mission is to enable people of all cultures, ages, and abilities to respectfully connect with nature and learn about the importance of protecting, conserving and restoring natural spaces for the well-being of future generations – all while experiencing the beauty of the Riverwood gardens.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.