November 3^rd, 2020

South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) first ever Art for Trees online silent art auction has raised nearly $6,500 for the Conservation Authority’s spring 2021 tree planting season.

In total, 125 participants placed 244 bids on 33 items donated by local artists, photographers, and artisans. The silent auction ran entirely online from October 8^th to 29^th using the website www.32Auctions.com.

All funds raised are going towards helping SNC reach a record-setting goal for 2021: planting 200,000 native trees across its Eastern Ontario watershed in a single year.

“We couldn’t be happier with our fundraising total which will help to buy and plant thousands of additional trees to support next year’s ambitious planting target,” says Taylor Campbell, SNC’s Communications Specialist. “We would like to thank residents for participating and placing bids, and the artists and photographers who donated items,” he added.

Since 1990, SNC has planted more than 3.4 million trees across its watershed thanks to community and municipal partnerships and annual fundraising initiatives to enhance local forest cover.

The Conservation Authority had its eyes on a record-setting planting season next spring when the pandemic forced SNC to cancel and rethink its traditional in-person fundraising events. The Art for Trees auction is yet another example of how SNC has adapted to working, fundraising, and engaging with its partner municipalities and area residents during these times.

“We will continue to find new and innovative ways to raise money and offer cost effective programs that protect and restore the local environment on behalf of our partner municipalities and local residents,” added Campbell.

Donations to SNC can be made online at www.nation.on.ca/donate or by contacting the Conservation Authority’s head office in Finch at 1-877-984-2948 or info@nation.on.ca. SNC is a registered charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency and may issue donation receipts for tax return purposes.