Credit Valley Conservation Foundation’s (CVCF) annual Holiday Giving campaign closed out 2020 on a high note receiving an exceptional level of support. The month-long campaign in December raised more than $40,000 to help connect the Credit Valley Trail (CVT) and support conservation initiatives across the Credit River Watershed. Individual donations were doubled in impact through the generous support of presenting sponsor Imperial and matching donor Canon Canada who each committed to match donations up to $10,000.

“Charities have been greatly impacted by the pandemic so we’re beyond grateful for the strong support we received from our generous donors and sponsors,” said Terri LeRoux, Executive Director of the CVCF. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people supporting important environmental initiatives like the Credit Valley Trail, that provide access to nature close to home.”

The 2020 Holiday Giving campaign kicked off CVCF’s largest fundraising initiative to date, a $10 million campaign to help connect the remaining 68 kilometres of the CVT. Once complete, the legacy trail will be a 100-kilometre pathway following the banks of the Credit River, from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. It will connect people to the beauty of nature, rich cultural experiences, Indigenous heritage and values and the sustaining waters of the Credit River.

The need for protected green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities is more pressing than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to natural spaces, like parks and trails, plays a critical role in maintaining health and wellness. Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has seen a 54 per cent increase in park visitation during the pandemic.

“Our Holiday Giving campaign gives us great momentum as we head into the new year, with new hope and a new fundraising goal to support the remaining trail development,” continued LeRoux. “The Credit Valley Trail puts nature at the heart of our communities and will be a protected, natural legacy for future generations.”

The CVT project is led by CVC in partnership with the City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Town of Halton Hills, City of Mississauga, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Town of Orangeville and Region of Peel. Core funding for the project has been generously provided by 407 ETR, CVCF, Government of Ontario, and the Greenbelt Foundation.

For more information and to support CVCF’s $10 million fundraising campaign to connect the CVT, visit creditvalleytrail.ca.

About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation 
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed.  The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.

-30-

Media Contact
Sophia Maio
Supervisor, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
C: 437-240-4801
sophia.maio@cvc.ca