The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has awarded a local family and the Rotary Club of Windsor for “outstanding” contributions to the organization.
The foundation celebrated its donors and supporters Wednesday during its annual general meeting.
“There’s no question that thanks to our partners and supporters, 2018 was a fantastic year,” said foundation president Susan Stockwell Andrews.
“After launching our three-year Place for Life fundraising campaign in June 2017, I’m delighted to share that thanks to all of you, more than $800,000 of the $1-million goal has been pledged.”
The family of Dennis B. Chase was recognized with the 2018 Clifford Hatch Award for Outstanding Individual Contributions.
The family created the Dennis B. Chase Smile Walk at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in 2017 in honour of the husband and father. Chase also worked for the Essex Region Conservation Authority for more than two decades.
The walk supports greening efforts in the region. Since launching the event, the family has raised nearly $22,000.
“Our family decided to create the Dennis B. Chase Smile Walk to continue Dennis’ legacy of optimism and conservation, and to make our corner of the world a bit brighter and greener,” said Jeannette Chase. “We are very excited to support tree planting while honouring an incredible husband, father, friend and conservationist.”
The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) received the foundation’s award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution.
Along with supporting many environmental projects over the years, the Rotary Club served as the lead donor to the Place for Life campaign with a contribution to create the Rotary (1918) Centennial Hub.
The hub is a three-kilometre trail connecting the Chrysler Canada Greenway, Herb Gray Parkway trails and Town of Lasalle trails.
Stockwell Andrews also recognized many other foundation donors including the University of Windsor Alumni Association, Enwin Utilities, Enbridge Inc, the Friends of the John R. Park Homestead, Swim Drink Fish and the W. Garfiled Weston Foundation, Caesars Windsor Cares and the Solcz Family Foundation.