U-Haul is pleased to recognize its Canadian customers for exceeding $500,000 in contributions to Tree Canada, a non-profit organization committed to planting and protecting trees across the country.

Since 1945, U-Haul has strived to conduct business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. In addition to its core business model of truck and trailer sharing, U-Haul upholds this commitment by offering Canadian customers the option to offset the carbon emissions from their moving equipment by giving to Tree Canada’s Grow Clean Air program.

Big Numbers, Big Hearts

Some 230,000 U-Haul customers have contributed $507,000 since the partnership began in 2011. This has led to the planting or protecting of 81,437 trees, which will absorb about 90,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Tree Canada receives 100% of the contributions.

“We are grateful for the outstanding contribution U-Haul has made to advance our Grow Clean Air program,” said Danielle St-Aubin, CEO, Tree Canada. “U-Haul continues to show its commitment to actively participate in environmental strategies to mitigate climate change and improve air quality. Together, we’re improving the lives of Canadians.”

U-Haul works with Tree Canada to support reforestation projects and urban tree-canopy projects. Many urban projects include planting edible trees as a part of the nonprofit’s Greening Canada’s School Grounds initiative. This includes an edible tree planting event on Sept. 12 at Saint Mark Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener, Ont.

U-Haul Canada a Proud Supporter

Jake Spelic, U-Haul Area District Vice President, said: “U-Haul Canada is the leader in sustainability initiatives throughout the truck-sharing industry. We are committed to serving our customers, our neighbours and our team members in a socially responsible manner. The partnership and alignment of values between Tree Canada and U-Haul Canada are strong indicators of our commitment to the Canadian citizens. An optional donation to Tree Canada at checkout offers our customers an opportunity to offset their self-move carbon footprint and give back to the community in the form of tree planting, forest restoration and protection of existing trees from devastating pests through immunizations. Overwhelmingly our customers get this and embrace the opportunity to support Tree Canada. U-Haul is proud of our partnership with Tree Canada and thrilled with the positive effect it continues to have in our communities and neighbourhoods now and for future generations.”

“I am proud of U-Haul Canada hitting the $500k milestone,” added Jennifer Anstett, fellow U-Haul Area District Vice President. “Our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint in the communities we serve is helping create a world that future generations can be proud of. Being a positive corporate citizen is our company’s mandate, we are the leader in sustainability initiatives in our industry. U-Haul Canada has supported planting trees in a number of local communities and reforesting areas so that future generations may enjoy them. We are proud to be partnered with Tree Canada and I look forward to our ongoing collaboration.”