While we work hard all year long to make our cities more livable, the Night of the Forest also offers all of us a chance to kick back and enjoy a night off. And so I’d like to invite you to join us on Thursday, June 7th at the Steam Whistle Brewery in downtown Toronto, and help us accomplish even more. This year I’m really excited about the special musical performance by Will Whitwham (Lake Forest), but also the chance auction where someone will win:
- $500 in travel with VIA Rail;
- an overnight stay for two at the Royal York and dinner for four at Mildred's Temple Kitchen;
- outdoor apparel from Patagonia;
- two Planet in Focus passes and a TRCA parks family pass;
- a collection of books from David Suzuki and Lorraine Johnson, signed by the authors;
- a full pass to the Urban Agriculture Summit, August 15-18, 2012; or
- furniture from Urban Tree Salvage.
Each year as the room fills up with folks I’ve watched in action and new faces I have yet to meet, the cross pollination is easily the best part. I can remember world-renowned photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo (who donated his time and talent for the Toronto’s Favourite Trees Project) eagerly listening to stories of transforming spaces from Dan Lander, one of our dedicated volunteers. Or Michele Landsberg, award-winning Canadian writer, social activist and feminist, rubbing shoulders with my mom, an avid gardener and librarian, as they both realized just how much they have in common.
The Night of the Forest is not to be missed – so get yourself a pair of tickets now and introduce someone you care about to this great cause! And besides, the only way to win these great prizes is to attend the event. The trees could use a drink and so could you!
