Despite slow economy, number of projects funded in 2009 is up 10 per cent

    TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ - Money doesn't grow on trees but the TD Friends
of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) has funding available to help plant
them. The foundation is inviting non-profits with a charitable registration
number and schools to apply for funding online at www.tdfef.com. In the first
half of 2009 the foundation has given more than $2 million to fund nearly 550
grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. The number of
projects funded in 2009 is up 10 per cent from 2008.
    "Protecting and preserving wildlife and the environment at the local
level is our top priority and thanks to the support of our generous donors, in
2009 we've been able to increase our funding despite these challenging
economic times," says Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the
Environment Foundation. "The level of support TD FEF has been able to provide
has been growing every year and in 2009, thanks to our donors, we're on pace
to provide a record amount of funding. We want non-profit organizations and
schools to know that we can help them bring their environment projects to
life."

    Giving to TD FEF: the 100 per cent donation

    One hundred per cent of every dollar donated to TD FEF goes directly to
funding local projects in the community where the donation was made. When
non-profit organizations and schools apply for funding, the local TD FEF
Advisory Board recommends which projects to support in its area. Donations can
range from less than $1,000 to more than $20,000 based on the scope of the
project and how well the project meets funding criteria.
    There are 93 TD FEF chapters across Canada staffed by over 800
volunteers. Many of these chapters reached important milestones in 2009:

    -   The Calgary TD FEF chapter celebrated funding 350 projects.
        Organizations that have received funding from the chapter include the
        Evergreen Theatre Society to support its Go With The Flow show and
        the Centre for Conservation Research (Calgary Zoo).

    -   The Saskatoon TD FEF chapter celebrated providing more than $200,000
        in funding to local environment and wildlife projects by providing
        financial support to organizations including the Saskatchewan
        Forestry Association and Little Green Thumbs, Connaught Conservation
        Coalition.

    -   The Ottawa TD FEF chapter celebrated funding more than 500 projects
        through donations to the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre and the
        Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

    -   The Halifax TD FEF chapter celebrated funding 250 projects through
        donations to the Sackville Rivers Association and to Ducks Unlimited
        Canada for the Project Webfoot Wetland Education Program.

    There are several ways Canadians can get involved with TD FEF:

    -   Become a TD FEF donor by giving as little as a few dollars per month
        by donating online at www.tdfef.com or by visiting any TD Canada
        Trust branch;

    -   Volunteer with a local TD FEF Chapter Advisory Board:
        http://www.fef.td.com/advisoryboard.jsp;

    -   Register to support a TD FEF project like the TD Great Canadian
        Shoreline Cleanup at www.tdgcsc.ca and follow the shoreline cleanup
        on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TDcleanshores;

    -   Join the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation fan page on
        Facebook.

    About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:

    Since 1990, TD FEF has provided $49 million in funding to over 18,000
grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2008, TD FEF
provided more than $3 million in support of over 800 projects. Thousands of
donors give to TD FEF on a monthly basis and TD Bank Financial 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.

For further information: Gregory Harrison, TD Friends of the Environment
Foundation, (416) 308-8597, gregory.harrison@td.com; Karen McCullough,
Paradigm Public Relations, (416) 203-2223 ext. 228, kmccullough@paradigmpr.ca