- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation announces winner of Taking Root contest -

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Travel plans just got a lot greener for one lucky Canadian. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) today announced the winner of an exciting eco-friendly holiday valued at $15,000. Charlottetown's own Walter White will soon take flight on a ten day adventure to the Galapagos Islands.

While signing up for TD FEF's bi-monthly e-newsletter, Taking Root, more than 37,000 Canadians also entered to win one of three eco-friendly trips valued at approximately $12,000 - $15,000 each. The two other trips that Mr. White could have selected included an eight-day vacation to the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia or seven days of luxury train travel through diverse Canadian landscapes.

After careful consideration, Mr. White chose to visit the Galapagos Islands, a trip that includes two nights camping on the islands, up close observation of rare and exotic wildlife species, snorkeling and hiking. "I'm just tickled to be the winner - this truly is the trip of a lifetime. I'm a nature lover and can't wait to cross several things off my 'bucket list' in the Galapagos Islands. I am looking forward to learning how to be green on vacation and throughout the year with tips from Taking Root," said Mr. White.

"Congratulations to Mr. White! We wish him an enjoyable trip, and look forward to hearing about it!" said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. "We're thrilled that so many people signed up for Taking Root and entered the contest. We hope we've inspired them - and all Canadians - to consider the environment when planning their next vacation."

TD FEF supports hundreds of grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada every year. Each edition of Taking Root includes environment tips, features TD FEF's work in communities across the country and information on how to get involved. Signing up for Taking Root is free. For more information about TD FEF and to register for Taking Root, visit www.tdfef.com

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:
Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $57 million in funding to more than 20,000 grassroots environment and wildlife 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 environment and wildlife projects in the community where the donation was made. For more information on how to donate and get involved in your community, visit www.tdfef.com.