15th anniversary cocktail, August 27, 2026, held at Quebec Lodge
The cocktail began with a trilogy of songs sung by soprano Melinda Enns, Assistant Choir Conductor of the Bishop’s University Choir.
The official presentations began with a song and stories with a message from Vicky Boldo, Director of Indigenous Initiative & Intercultural Relations from Bishop`s University.
Speeches continued with Jonathan Elkas, Chair of our Board of Directors of the Massawippi Foundation; Pamela Steen, Mayor of Stanstead-Est, where the Trust has a conservation servitude and built a trail at Burroughs Falls Park, which opened in October 2025; and Mélanie Lelièvre, Executive Director.
In the words of Jonathan Elkas, the event was: “A celebration of the power of community… we are celebrating 15 years of achievements — fifteen years during which a small community organisation has made an impact far greater than its size. It is a story of vision, perseverance and, above all, community. A community that cares deeply about its valley, its lake, its biodiversity and its future. A community that has helped us pursue a simple yet ambitious vision: a green and flourishing Massawippi Valley — for everyone and forever.”
Mélanie Lelièvre spoke primarily about the future of the two organisations, saying: “The last fifteen years have shown what we can achieve together. The next fifteen will define our ability to tackle the climate and biodiversity challenges we are already facing. The responsibility lies with us. Despite the progress we have made, our work is only just beginning, and now is the time to act.”
Jane Meagher was recognised as a long-standing contributor, volunteer, past Board Chair and valued member of the board who recently retired after 14 years of service. In recognition of her contribution a bench will be named in her honour at Scowen Park.
The focus then changed to the founders
Patterson Webster, Margot Graham Heyerhoff and Tom Wilcox – 2011–2026
Fifteen wonderful years filled with wisdom, wit, wealth, work and wonder!
In the words of Helene Hamel, Director of Operations and Communication: “Fifteen years ago, the three of you had an idea, a vision, really.
That little idea has become more than 2,000 acres of protected land, more than 35 kilometres of public trails, a thriving nature education program, scientific research, a dedicated team—and a whole lot of people who now care deeply about the Massawippi watershed: donors, volunteers and friends who join us here tonight.
And it all started because you believed that this place was worth protecting. We are announcing: THE FOUNDERS FUND — LE FONDS DES FONDATEURS in your honour.
To date, $100,000 has already been raised, and we will continue our efforts to grow this fund.
This fund will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our work and pay tribute to your exceptional contribution to our two organisations.
The income from this fund will help cover the costs associated with land acquisition and conservation: surveying costs, legal fees, environmental assessments and professionals’ fees…and all those things that aren’t particularly glamorous…but which are absolutely essential.
So, on behalf of everyone who has walked a trail, discovered a new place, learned something about nature, or simply fallen a little more in love with the Massawippi watershed:
Thank you for having the vision, for taking the risk, for doing the work.
Thank you for believing in this place and, above all, thank you for believing that we could make a difference.
You should be incredibly proud. We certainly are!
And we promise you this: We’re not done yet.”
Mélanie Lelièvre, Margot Heyerhoff, Tom Wilcox, Pat Webster, Hélène Hamel, Jonathan Elkas.
Would YOU like to honour the founders and contribute to the FOUNDERS FUND? Click here and add that you would like to dedicate your donation to the Founders Fund.
