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On a sunny morning in Calgary, the community gathered at Edworthy Park for the much-anticipated TD Tree Day. Since its inception in 2010, the event has facilitated the planting of over 550,000 trees across Canada. This year, more than 80 enthusiastic volunteers participated, armed with shovels and determination, to enhance the local ecosystem.
Robert Ghazal, the prairie region senior vice-president at TD Canada Trust, emphasized the impact of this initiative. He noted that Calgary alone has seen the addition of approximately 11,000 trees and shrubs through this program. “I am fortunate to work with a passionate team dedicated to various causes,” he remarked.
Restoring the Natural Landscape
In collaboration with the City of Calgary, this year’s planting focused on replacing trees and shrubs that had been removed or damaged, often due to wildlife activity. Ghazal explained that many of the plants previously in the area were non-native species, which posed challenges to the local environment.
“The City of Calgary has been working diligently to remove these invasive plants. We are proud to contribute by planting native species that will help the ecosystem thrive,” he added.
Volunteers in Action
As the volunteers dug into the soil, they efficiently planted 300 new trees within just a few hours.
Equipped with fertilizer, flags, and even a few worms, their collective effort was commendable. One volunteer, Oksana Smilska, shared her experience: “It does require a bit of effort, but I enjoy it as a workout. So far, I’ve planted four trees and plan to do even more.”
With a total of 3,000 trees planted across Calgary in 2025 alone, momentum continues for TD Tree Day, with more events scheduled throughout Alberta.
Those interested in participating can visit the TD Tree Day website to sign up and contribute to the effort.
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates Across Canada
In other news, Alberta and Quebec have recently announced the end of free COVID-19 vaccinations, now charging residents between $100 to $200 for the vaccine.
Conversely, Saskatchewan remains committed to providing free vaccines, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority confirming that anyone with a valid health card can still receive their shots without cost. This decision ensures that residents can access necessary vaccinations as part of the provincial-funded immunization program.
Flu Vaccination Rollout
Alongside COVID-19 vaccines, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is preparing to distribute flu vaccines across the nation, starting in early October. This rollout is essential for protecting the population from seasonal flu, especially as experts urge communities to remain vigilant in the face of potential outbreaks.
Global Context: Growing Humanitarian Crises
Meanwhile, significant global events unfold, particularly in the Middle East. As tensions rise in Gaza, a large number of Palestinians have begun fleeing their homes under dire conditions, seeking safety amid escalating military strikes. Reports indicate that at least 14 people lost their lives overnight due to these strikes, prompting protests in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Families of hostages still held by Hamas have voiced their frustrations, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate an end to the conflict rather than continuing military operations. This situation has created a complex humanitarian crisis, with aid groups pleading for a ceasefire to allow for much-needed assistance to reach those affected.
As the world watches, the ongoing conflicts and their consequences highlight the importance of community initiatives, such as TD Tree Day, that aim to foster resilience and healing within our neighborhoods.
