Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted its 15^th Anniversary Conservation Gala, presented by Lakeview Community Partners on Thursday, November 18 at the Mississauga Convention Centre. This gala brought together 224 guests who raised approximately $260,000 in support of local environmental initiatives. Sponsorship from community businesses raised a significant portion of these funds.

The Conservation Gala fundraiser supports CVCF’s mission to invest in projects that protect and enhance our local natural environment for present and future generations. Proceeds support CVCF’s areas of greatest need, including acquiring land for environmental protection, enhancing CVC’s much-loved conservation areas and connecting the Credit Valley Trail – a visionary 100-kilometre pathway through the Credit River Valley – from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit.

“We’re beyond grateful for the support received at our 15^th anniversary gala,” said Karen Ras, CVCF Board Chair. “Thanks to the generosity of our guests, partners and sponsors, we’re one step closer to connecting communities through the Credit Valley Trail and creating a natural legacy for present and future generations to enjoy.”

The gala kicked-off with a cocktail reception sponsored by City Park Homes. Additional entertainment included live birds of prey on display courtesy of the gala’s presenting sponsor, Lakeview Community Partners. Guests were welcomed to the dining room by CVCF’s special guest host, media personality Anwar Knight. An inspiring opening address was delivered by Chief R. Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Dinner was sponsored by 407 ETR and guests enjoyed wine at the tables, courtesy of Port Credit West Village Partners (Brightwater).

“We’re proud to partner with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation for this event in support of local environmental initiatives,” said Brian Sutherland, V.P., Argo Development Corp. and project lead for Lakeview Community Partners Limited. “Connecting communities through nature and investing in projects that enhance the local environment is something we’re very committed to. This was a special night and we’re thankful to have an opportunity to be a part of it.”

The event featured a special five item live auction sponsored by Urbantech. Guests were also able to show their support through a silent auction sponsored by NAK Design Strategies featuring 56 unique items and experiences. The nature of giving continued through a Heads or Tails fundraising games sponsored by Paradise Homes and a raffle sponsored by R&M Construction. Guests also participated in a Fund-A-Need speed auction sponsored by UPS, which raised over $14,000 for the Credit Valley Trail. Guests received locally produced maple syrup as parting gifts, courtesy of TD Canada Trust.

“This year’s Fund-A-Need auction was a huge success, raising over $14,000 in under five minutes,” said Jon MacMull, CVCF Acting Executive Director. “These funds will help support the continued development of the Credit Valley Trail. The pandemic has shown us that access to natural spaces, like parks and trails, is critical for maintaining health and wellness.”

The gala also received generous sponsorship support from R.J. Burnside, DG Group, Fieldgate Developments, Imperial, Laurier Homes, Mattamy Homes, Shoreplan Engineering and Yorkwood Homes. In total CVCF received sponsorship support from 31 organizations.

Since 2006, the Conservation Gala has raised over $2.5 million in support of CVC projects and initiatives that enhance the local environment for present and future generations. Each year corporate leaders, individual donors and municipal representatives attend the Conservation Gala.