Essex Region Conservation Foundation Honours Outstanding Conservation Commitment

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 3180 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

Kevin Reid & Robert Hudders of Reid Funeral Homes, Eric Naylor, Brian Schwab, President of Cypher Systems Group and ERCF President Susan Stockwell-Andrews

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation honoured three recipients with Conservation Foundation awards earlier this week.

“Since 2012, the Foundation has recognized the generous contributions we have received from our supporters,” said Richard Wyma, Foundation Executive Director. “It is with our great appreciation that we honour those who have chosen to give back in order to create a more sustainable region.”

The Clifford Hatch Award for outstanding individual contribution was presented to Eric Naylor and family. A long time supporter of the Foundation, Eric was one of the lead donors to the Trail ON! campaign.  In 2014, Eric was the lead donor in developing the Nature In Education lottery, which provides high-needs schools the opportunity to participate in ERCA’s curriculum based outdoor education program. “I believe that helping children to connect with nature is one of our most important responsibilities,” Eric said. “It is critical to their development and therefore critical to our future. I am proud to be part of an organization that takes this responsibility seriously.”

The award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was awarded to Cypher Systems Group.  In 2015, they committed $250,000 to develop and name the Cypher Systems Group Greenway. President Brian Schwab stated the importance of encouraging our communities to connect with the environment through a healthy, active lifestyle. “One of our goals is to engage and educate our employees on healthy, active living and we look forward to our partnership with the Foundation,” he said. This leadership allowed the Foundation to leverage $100,000 from the Town of Essex and $500,000 from the Federal Government’s Canada150 fund, allowing the Foundation to reach its $1 million campaign goal.

A special award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was also presented to Reid Funeral Homes in recognition of its 20 year partnership with the Foundation. In 1995, the Fred Cada Heritage Forest was established as a lasting tribute to those who have passed on. The trees that have been planted over the past two decades have now formed a tree canopy, and a truly natural forest has begun to regenerate. This Heritage Forest is a tribute to all of the families served by Reid Funeral Homes and will be part of the natural legacy that we can leave for our children and grandchildren. Since 1995, Reid Funeral Home Ltd. has donated $115,000 towards restoration of the Heritage Forest.