Honouring Frontline Workers Through One Bench One Tree

Hello everyone,

My name is Marina Dimitriadis, and I am the Partnerships and Operations Manager at Trees for Life, as well as an MLA alumni from the University of Guelph, class of 1997. I’m excited to share an initiative that began right where many of you are now—in the minds of passionate landscape architecture students striving to make a difference.

One Bench One Tree was born out of a desire to express gratitude in a tangible, lasting way. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of Landscape Architecture graduate students at the University of Guelph envisioned a project to honour frontline workers and healthcare staff who gave so much to keep our communities safe. Their vision was simple yet deeply meaningful: for every hospital in Canada to receive at least one bench and one tree—a space where healthcare workers, patients, and visitors could pause, reflect, and find solace in nature.

What started as a grassroots movement has since grown into something extraordinary. Thanks to the dedication of these students and the support of industry leaders, One Bench One Tree has brought together trusted suppliers like Unilock, Maglin Site Furniture, and Maple Leaves Forever. Foundational support has come from Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and the University of Guelph lending their endorsement. Their combined efforts have helped this initiative thrive and expand.

Momentum continues to grow, with media recognition highlighting the impact of these spaces. These installations are more than just trees and benches—they are symbols of appreciation, resilience, and hope. They serve as reminders of the sacrifices made and offer spaces for healing in environments where they are needed most.

In late 2024, One Bench One Tree found a new home with Trees for Life, a national charity dedicated to planting trees where people live, work, and play. Our mission aligns perfectly with the heart of this initiative, and under our stewardship, One Bench One Tree will continue to grow—both literally and figuratively.

Through Trees for Life’s broader Trees for Heroes program, the impact of One Bench One Tree will extend even further. By weaving this initiative into a national movement that celebrates and honours individuals through tree planting, we ensure that the gratitude we feel today continues to be felt for generations to come. The next time you see a tree planted in honour of a healthcare hero, know that it represents more than just greenery—it stands for the resilience, compassion, and dedication of those who protect our communities.

For students reading this, let this serve as a reminder that ideas—your ideas—have the power to transform the world around you. The students who launched this initiative started with a vision, and now, their work is shaping landscapes across the country. If you're inspired to make a lasting impact through landscape architecture, know that meaningful change often starts with a simple idea.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about One Bench One Tree. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, visit www.treesforlife.ca