Bridgestone Partners With Evergreen to Supply Greening Grant To Thornwood Public School

Thanks to a partnership between Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) and Evergreen, a national charity that makes cities more livable,  the school grounds at Thornwood Public School in Mississauga are going to get a much appreciated nature boost. The Mississauga elementary school has been selected to receive a grant  and professional assistance from Evergreen’s Learning Grounds program to make the outdoor space at Thornwood a more enjoyable and functional place to play and learn.

“Safe outdoor learning environments are important for young children,” said Jeannine Quinn, division manager of Human Resources at BSCA. “We decided to support Evergreen in 2007 because the impact of its greening enhancement projects was so clear and conclusive: happier children today and greater respect for the environment in the future.”

BSCA and Evergreen will be working with Thornwood to develop an outdoor classroom where staff and students will be able to learn together in a natural environment. Evergreen has begun meeting with the school to gather input from students, parents and staff for the design of the space.

“This program is extra special,” said Nancy MacDonald, principal at Thornwood Public School. “Bridgestone and Evergreen have gone to great lengths to rally the support of our students, teachers and parents in helping to develop the plan for our new grounds. The program has the feeling of a true partnership, which is great.”

The school has shown a strong will to become more sustainable over the past few years through green-geared education, recycling programs and regular garbage less lunches. Thornwood Public School was chosen by Evergreen and the school board to receive intensive support, including a financial grant, to green their school ground.  

Phase one of the installation of the new school grounds is set to begin later this year. To learn more about BSCA, visit www.bridgestonecanada.com. To learn more about Evergreen, visit www.evergreen.ca.