- $7,500 environmental grant awarded to the winning student's school -

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) and Earth Day Canada kick off their second annual Art Contest. Elementary students from across Canada are invited to submit an original drawing showcasing this year's theme, "how am I connected to nature," for a chance to have their artwork featured on a limited edition TD FEF reusable shopping bag. The winner will also receive a $7,500 environmental grant for their school.

"This contest engages young people in thinking about our natural environment in a meaningful way," said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD FEF. "Instilling a passion and appreciation for the environment at an early age will have a positive impact on how young Canadians relate to nature."

In addition to having their design featured on a limited edition TD FEF reusable shopping bag, the winning student will receive a $7,500 environmental grant towards the development of an outdoor classroom or a schoolyard naturalization project, a digital camera, and a litterless lunchbox for each student in their class. Nine runners up will each receive a $500 environmental grant for their school, $25 cash and a litterless lunch box. The finalists' artwork may also be featured in the Earth Day Canada 2013/2014 EcoKids Calendar.

"We are thrilled to be working with TD FEF to kick off the second annual Art Contest," said Jed Goldberg, President, Earth Day Canada. "We look forward to seeing how elementary students from across Canada express their connection to nature."

For information and contest rules, please visit www.fef.td.com/artcontest. The deadline for entries is October 5, 2012. The top 10 finalists, determined by a panel of judges, will be announced on November 5, 2012 and the winning artwork will be selected through online voting until November 16, 2012 at www.fef.td.com/artcontest. The winner will be announced on November 20, 2012.

About Earth Day Canada:
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world's largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada's "Outstanding Non-profit Organization" by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $57 million in funding to more than 20,000 environment projects across Canada. In 2011, TD FEF provided more than $3.6 million in support of 1,058 projects. Thousands of donors give to TD FEF on a monthly basis and TD Bank Group contributes in excess of $1 million annually. TD also covers the management costs of running TD FEF, which guarantees 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to funding environmental projects and programs. For more information on how to donate, visit www.tdfef.com.

The word mark "Earth Day" and the Earth Day logo are registered trademarks of Earth Day Canada (1991) Inc. and are used with the permission of Earth Day Canada.

SOURCE: TD Friends of the Environment Foundation