National Financial Literacy Program Supports Adult Learners with Math and Money Management Skills

OTTAWA, March 21, 2014 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group announced a new sponsorship commitment of $450,000 to support Money Matters, a financial literacy program helping adult Canadians improve their knowledge and confidence around finances and money management in their lives.

Launched in 2011, Money Matters brings TD employees into community learning centres across Canada as volunteer-tutors to teach Canadian adults about numeracy, money management skills and educational savings opportunities. Since the launch, 89 per cent of Money Matters participants felt more able to manage their money to meet their needs.

"It is evident that these programs are making an impact, but there is still work to do," said Linda MacKay, Senior Vice-President, Retail Savings and Investing, TD Bank Group. "And that is why we are thrilled to be the founding sponsor of the Money Matters program and continue to work with ABC Life Literacy Canada to provide resources, programs and opportunities that allow all Canadians to feel confident about personal money management."

This increased support from TD will help ABC Life Literacy Canada expand its national outreach by providing more programs to more people throughout the country. In addition, recipients of this program will be able to access information through a variety of channels including online webinars and community seminars.

"We are thrilled to be part of this partnership," said Gillian Mason, President of ABC Life Literacy. "TD's new commitment to Money Matters means that thousands of Canadians will be able to improve their finances, and indeed their lives, with the skills they learn in the Money Matters program. The future for this program is bright as we expand our reach to include enhanced online workshops, seminars and greater capacity to connect with more communities across the country."

With over 200 TD Employees committing thousands of hours to facilitate financial literacy programs across the country, over 1,700 adult learners have benefitted from the Money Matters program. Participants have the opportunity to build skills, gain confidence and learn how to manage their financial lives. In addition to making an impact in the local communities, the Money Matters program helps encourage empowerment when it comes to financial literacy.

"When consumers have access to resources and tools to make better financial choices, not only do they improve their own personal finances, but the economy as a whole benefits," stated Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance). "I commend programs such as Money Matters for providing financial education and services that are accessible, understandable and relevant to Canadians' everyday lives."

The announcement that took place today at the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre is available online at: http://www.vvcnetwork.ca/abc/20140321/

About ABC Life Literacy Canada
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. ABC envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. Money Matters, developed by ABC with Founding Sponsor TD Bank Group is a free financial literacy and education savings program delivered to adult learners across Canada. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca, or stay connected with us through Twitter and Facebook. For more information about Money Matters, please visit: MoneyMattersCanada.ca.

About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated over $74.7 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit http://www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

SOURCE TD Bank Group

Image with caption: "Linda MacKay TD Bank Group's SVP Retail Savings and Investing announces the TD Bank Group's $450,000 funding commitment to Money Matters, a financial literacy program helping adult Canadians improve their knowledge and confidence around finances and money management in their lives. (CNW Group/TD Bank Group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140321_C6461_PHOTO_EN_38229.jpg

Image with caption: "TD Bank Group announces a $450,000 funding commitment to Money Matters, a financial literacy program helping adult Canadians improve their knowledge and confidence around finances and money management in their lives. (Photo L-R) Sharon Kan, Executive Director of the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre, Craig Alexander TD Bank Group's SVP and Chief Economist, Gillian Mason, President of ABC Life Literacy Canada, Linda MacKay TD Bank Group's SVP Retail Savings and Investing, and Minister of State (Finance) Hon. Kevin Sorenson. (CNW Group/TD Bank Group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140321_C6461_PHOTO_EN_38231.jpg