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Students at Woodbridge’s St. John Bosco Catholic Elementary School knew they wanted to give their Peace Garden a facelift. In February, a parent on the St. John Bosco Catholic School Council, Mrs. Antonella Nicaso, submitted a grant to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is a national organization, formed by TD Bank Financial Group, with a grassroots focus that funds local projects dedicated to preserving the environment.
The school’s prime objective in applying for the grant was to not only update the Peace Garden, but to create a multi-use, eco-outdoor classroom.
“Our Peace Garden was in need of attention,” said Principal Vera Zucchi. “Weeds had overgrown, shrubs had died and many of the perennial plants and flowers weren’t doing well. The space also needed 
shade and furniture for the students to sit and gather.”
TD Friends of the Environment heard the call, and granted the school $ 4,000 to revitalize the Peace Garden.
As a result of the grant, the school was able to fulfill students’ wishes for a revitalized Peace Garden.
Using the grant, the school was able to purchase a large, sturdy, steel gazebo, a table, chairs, and umbrella. They were also able to purchase new trees, shrubs and perennial flowers, as well as complete a thorough clean-up of the space.
The students agree - the outdoor classroom is now a beautiful retreat area for them to study and read, a place where classes can run around, a place for prayer, and one where social events can be held.
“We are extremely grateful to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation,” said Mrs. Zucchi. “We are all so lucky to have such a beautiful space in our school.”