Released on May 11, 2005
Saskatchewan students are receiving a centennial gift that will give them a memory that will last a lifetime and benefit future generations.In celebration of the provincial centennial, Weyerhaeuser is partnering with Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 to grow a white spruce seedling for each student expected to attend kindergarten to Grade 12 in Saskatchewan during the 2005-2006 school year.
"The youth of today are the planners, builders and visionaries who will lead us into our second century as a province," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "Through this gift, young people will not only have the opportunity to mark our centennial, they will also contribute to a healthier environment that will benefit our province well into our second century."
The initiative encourages students province-wide to plant trees at their homes, at their schools, in partnership with a local senior citizens' home or as part of local efforts to beautify parks. In addition to receiving trees, schools may request special certificates to recognize each student who participates in the program.
"Trees are a valuable renewable resource in Saskatchewan and Weyerhaeuser is pleased to be working with Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 to provide the opportunity for the province's young people to promote good citizenship and environmental sustainability," Vice President for Weyerhaeuser Saskatchewan operations Robert Williams said. "This program will provide a living reminder about the provincial centennial to residents of our province and visitors."
White spruce is the most valuable renewable resource to the forestry industry and it can be grown throughout Saskatchewan. Two hundred thousand seedlings are being grown at the Prairie Regeneration Technologies (PRT) nursery in Spruce Home, north of Prince Albert. They will be distributed to schools in September, in recognition of Saskatchewan's official 100th birthday on September 4th, 2005.
Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775 |