June 15, 2012
Ed Hansen believes volunteering is a privilege
Ed Hansen
His track record on volunteerism proves it’s not just talk. Ed Hansen presently serves as LO’s Ottawa Chapter vice president, as well as director of Ottawa’s Cancer Survivors’ Park, founder and director of the Lets Take A Swing at Cancer Foundation and a minor hockey executive for the past eight years.
In 2004, Hansen and Duane Francis founded the Herman Hansen Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of Ed’s father Herman Hansen, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 and sadly passed away in 2003.
The goal of the golf tournament is to raise money and awareness in support of the ongoing work of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. To date, the event has raised just over $120,000. This year’s tournament took place on June 2 at Emerald Links Golf and Country Club in Greely, just outside of Ottawa.
Hansen Lawn and Landscape Gardens began in 1988. “I am fortunate to have worked with great people over the years. We have a team of employees with whom I am very proud to be involved. As a team, we have the ability to make a difference for our clients. We are very proud of the work we do, as well as our support of community sports teams, events, and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre.”
He says his inspiration to join Landscape Ontario was to help improve the industry any way he could. “I’ve always had a passion for landscaping and the industry itself. Being a part of Landscape Ontario has given me a way to connect with other people like myself, who want to have a part in growing with the industry. So far, it’s been a great experience.”
Hansen says the whole experience with volunteering has been very memorable. “I really enjoy having the chance to give back to the community and know that I’m making a difference. You receive great benefits from it; knowing that you’re contributing to something you care about. There’s nothing better than giving back and seeing that you’ve been a part of something positive within your community.”
To continue to make Landscape Ontario a strong and successful association, Hansen says, “We need to continue to listen to the industry itself; that it is what drives us in our decisions, not people choosing the direction it should take.