By Robin Della Corte
www.thesuburban.com
Laval citizens who have given birth in the last year have until May 10 to participate in a popular program that gives toddlers the opportunity to receive a Japanese tree, the Syringa reticulata lilac.
To be eligible for this program, you must be a Laval citizen, having given birth to a child between June 2012-May 2013.
“Residents are very proud of the event,” city spokeswoman Sophie Guilbault told The Suburban. “The trees are beautiful and are known for their long lifespan, so the city is very generous to do this.”
Participants who want to take part must present a proof of birth and residence (birth certificate, health insurance card or other id) on Sunday, June 2, at City Hall to receive a tree.
Laval public libraries will also take part in this event. They will offer parents of newborns a book and a gift set for taking part in the program.
Residents can visit any of the nine local libraries in Laval to receive the gift on June 3.
“Our city is still concerned and eager to provide a healthy environment and a high quality of life to our citizens today and tomorrow,” Laval Mayor Alexandre Duplessis said in a statement.
“By donating a tree to families of Laval newborns, we invest in ecology and beautify city neighborhoods— an important municipal priority. Children, as future citizens, deserve to enjoy their lives on a healthy planet.”
The initiative, which also aims to promote early and pleasure reading, has already benefited more than 3,500 children during the past eight years.
Last year, this initiative distributed about 700 trees, one of the program’s most successful years.
This year’s goal is to reach the same amount.
“This activity is very popular and we always hope for more participants,” Guilbault said. “We believe it is something we will continue to do for a long time to come.”
Since quantities are limited registration is required by filling in an application on the community life section of the city’s web site: www.ville.laval.qc.ca
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