$500,000 gift launches Burnaby Green Legacy Challenge

Burnaby resident Ken Shinozaki has donated $500,000 to support tree planting in city parks and help launch a new Green Legacy Challenge fundraising program.

Of the gift, $350,000 will fund the planting of more than 150 trees at Central Park. Mayor Mike Hurley, council members and Shinozaki announced the donation at a ceremony there on Aug. 7.

The remaining $150,000 supports a community matching campaign aimed at raising $300,000 for forest restoration at Halifax Park. The city says the projects are intended to expand and protect Burnaby’s urban forest. Shinozaki, Burnaby’s 2024 Kushiro Cup recipient, said he hopes the donation encourages others to support local parks and forests.

More information is available at Burnaby.ca/GreenLegacy.