Funds will be used to support school program to counter bullying and homophobia

VANCOUVER, March 19, 2013 /CNW/ - TD today announced a $40,000 donation to the Out in Schools anti-bullying campaign. A long-time supporter and partner of Out in Schools, TD has donated $100,000 to the organization since 2009.

"TD is committed to building an inclusive, barrier-free environment where every customer and employee feels valued, respected and supported, said Jane Russell, Senior Vice President - Pacific Region, TD. "Our commitment to diversity and the LGBT community is not only the right thing to do, it's critical to achieving our mission to be a leading North American bank."

TD is highly visible in the communities it serves, and strives to put its commitment to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community at the forefront. In BC, TD has been a presenting sponsor of the Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival for three years and has supported numerous community organizations and initiatives that matter to the LGBT community, including education programs around homophobia and bullying.

"Homophobia and bullying are critical issues for teenagers in British Columbia," said Drew Dennis, Executive Director, Out in Schools. "We value the continued support from TD in helping us to deliver meaningful awareness and outreach programs to hundreds of students throughout schools across the province."

About Out in Schools
Out in Schools has been combatting homophobia and bullying in BC high schools since 2004, earning praise from parents, educators, school administrators and students. To date, the program has delivered hundreds of engaging film-based presentations in BC high schools, reaching more than 35,000 students.

Image with caption: "TD announced a $40,000 donation Tuesday to the Vancouver-based Out in Schools program in support of its anti-bullying and anti-homophobia campaign. L-R: Tim Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, TD Asset Management; Drew Dennis, Executive Director, Out in Schools; Jane Russell, Senior Vice President, TD Canada Trust (Pacific); Dustyn Baulkham, TD; Jen Sung, Out in Schools, Nico McKay, Out in Schools; and Grant Minish, TD. (CNW Group/TD Bank Group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130320_C6114_PHOTO_EN_24686.jpg

SOURCE: TD Bank Group