Annia and George Olivares have had a little extra help adjusting to life in Canada since they emigrated from Mexico to Guelph last year.

The two have benefited from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s cultural access pass, which engages new Canadians in cultural experiences.

On Sunday, they joined 200 other new Canadians for an Earth Day tree planting at Tim Horton Onondaga Farms near St. George.

George said he enjoyed learning about the environment and initiatives to protect wildlife.

“I’m glad that they’re trying to protect the endangered species,” he said.

On hand for the event was former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, co-chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Clarkson presented a speech, took part in a ceremonial tree planting and spent some time with participants at the event.

Clarkson said events like Sunday’s are important to help new immigrants feel at home. She said attending the camp would give new citizens a good grasp of Canada's natural heritage.

“I think it’s very important for them to have this education,” she said. “When I was little and we went to camp, it wasn’t like this."

Clarkson served as Canada's governor general from 1999 to 2005 and founded the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. She was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada with her family in 1941.

Sunday's event was a partnership between the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, Onondaga Farms and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. 

John Malcolmson, general manager of Tim Horton Onondaga Farms, said Sunday's event offered a great experience for newcomers, especially considering the camp's emphasis on environmental stewardship. 

“What a great way to expose new immigrants to Canada’s wildlife,” Malcolmson said.

The St. George camp visit was a pilot project in the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s programming. If successful, similar visits could take place at other Tim Horton camps, Clarkson said.

Wade Luzny, executive vice president of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, said the ceremonial planting of an American chestnut tree on Sunday showed new Canadians how they can have a lasting impact.

“Many newcomers have chosen Canada as the place to leave a legacy for their families,” he said. “We want them to also leave a positive lasting impact on the natural habitats of their new home.”

New citizens from Kitchener-Waterloo region and throughout the Greater Toronto Area attended Sunday's event.

Clarkson said it was her hope that participants would leave the camp feeling inspired to try new things, particularly outdoor activities.

“I would hope that they would be curious to think: ‘What else can I do?’” Clarkson said.

George and Annia Olivares said the event left an impression.

“We are glad,” George said. “It’s a good way to meet other immigrants, too.”