TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ -- On Thursday, November 12th, government representatives, businesses, community organizations and interested individuals will come together to celebrate the legendary work of conservationist and visionary Charles Sauriol. The Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner for The Living City(R) is one of Canada's largest environmental events that raises funds to protect conservation lands in the Toronto region and helps to continue Sauriol's work of keeping the country green.

This year's featured guest speakers are Gord Downie and Mark Mattson of Lake Ontario WaterKeeper who will offer their own unique wisdom on environmental stewardship in "Heart of the Lake; an evening of song, dance, poetry and conversation". Gord Downie is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Canada's most beloved band, The Tragically Hip, who have thrilled audiences around the world with their live performances for over two decades. He is also a Trustee of Lake Ontario through his support of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Mark Mattson is President and Waterkeeper of Lake Ontario. He works tirelessly to promote and defend the ideals that safe waterways belong to the people.

"Land connects us all, it feeds us through agriculture, it sustains life and is a foundation for our communities," said Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation. "When we make these connections we then realize the importance of conserving and protecting our land. Thanks in part to our supporters including land donours, corporations, municipalities and leaders like Gord Downie and Mark Mattson, we are able to continue our efforts to preserve greenspace in Canada's largest urban centre."

To date, the event has raised more than $785,000 and entertained over 9,000 people. This dedication has enabled The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto and the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust to save thousands of acres of environmentally critical lands for the health and well being of future generations.

WHAT:  16th Annual Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner for The Living
City
-  "Heart of the Lake; an evening of song, dance, poetry and
conversation" will be performed by Gord Downie, Mark Mattson,
Joseph Boyden, Andrea Nann and Tanis Rideout.
-  Live auction, including auction of a Yamaha FG720S Solid Top acoustic
guitar, donated by Cosmo Music and Yamaha Music Canada and autographed
by Gord Downie.