Parry Sound, Nov. 24, 2021 – A $2,500 grant from District 6 Parry Sound will help the Tower Hill Heritage Garden to create a Children’s Garden.

The Tower Hill Heritage Garden is located at the site of a 1927 forest fire detection tower. In 2012, the park received a heritage destination, and a group of volunteers began a restoration. The Children’s Garden addition will combine elements of play and an outdoor classroom, with areas for observing nature, storytelling and book readings, meandering along a pathway, art activities and more.

The District 6 funding is earmarked for a butterfly garden, which will be one of the prime gathering places. Completion is expected by summer 2022. The funding is part of RTOERO’s annual Community Grants program. Districts apply for individual projects (education-related or other community initiatives) that support local programs. Up to $2,500 per project is available.

Since 1968, RTOERO has been a voice for those who work in and retire from the education sector. Our mission is to improve the lives of our members and seniors.

“The Children’s Garden promises to inspire the imagination and encouraging exploration of the natural world,” says Judith Arai, President, District 6 Parry Sound.

Each year, a committee of RTOERO members assesses the merits of each Grant submission. For 2021, RTOERO funded 31 projects for a total of $79,885. Since the inception of the Community Grants program 21 years ago, RTOERO has donated $1.85 million to more than 525 programs and projects.

“RTOERO members care about their communities and serve them every day,” says Rich Prophet, the chair of the board at RTOERO. “The Community Grants program encourages all of our districts to support and partner with outside organizations, and to give back.”

District 6 Parry Sound plays a key role in helping members stay engaged and connected, with each other and the community.

RTOERO is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy, active living in the retirement journey for the broader education community. With 82,000+ members in 51 districts across Canada, we are the largest national provider of non-profit group health benefits for education retirees.