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TORONTO, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a little greener today, after unveiling its new downtown green roof as part of the Cities Alive tour taking place from October 19-21, 2009.

The green roof at the Metro-Central YMCA at 20 Grosvenor Street was made possible thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from TD Bank Financial Group. The roof drastically improves existing space and provides numerous eco-benefits like vegetation, reduced storm water runoff, energy efficiency, and a decrease in radiated heat.

"The YMCA is thrilled to be included as part of the Cities Alive tour which showcases outstanding green roofs in Toronto," said Alex Versluis, YMCA Vice-President of Property Management. "We'd like to thank our long-time partner TD for their support and financial assistance in helping us bring our roof to life."

"Toronto needs more green roofs and the YMCA's is the latest and greatest example," said Karen Clarke-Whistler, Chief Environment Officer, TD Bank Financial Group. "This project is in line with their mission to build stronger communities and in this case, promote an environmentally-friendly space for our generations to enjoy today and in the future."

The YMCA of Greater Toronto's focus on building healthy communities includes being more environmentally conscious and reducing its carbon footprint.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a dynamic charity connecting with more than 400,000 people at 235 locations across the GTA to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Since 1853, the YMCA has been promoting positive values that build spirit, mind and body. Mirroring the regions diversity, the YMCA welcomes everyone regardless of their background, experiences, or circumstances. Through the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, we strive to ensure no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. The YMCA, in partnership with more than 250 organizations and over 3,500 volunteers, offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including employment, education and newcomer programs, youth outreach, health, fitness and recreation, youth in need of housing, international programs, child care, and camps. www.ymcagta.org

TD Community Giving: Making a Difference Together

Children's health, literacy and education, and the environment are the three main areas of focus for TD's community giving. Flagship programs within these areas include: TD Children's Hospital Fund; TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; TD Canadian Children's Book Week; TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership; and the TD Summer Reading Club. With support from customers and employees, TD is involved with a host of national, regional and local causes benefiting diversity, arts and culture and other community programs. In 2008, TD donated $35 million to more than 2100 organizations across Canada.

For further information: Celecia Partap, YMCA of Greater Toronto, Charles Street, (416) 413-1020 ext. 2350, celecia.partap@ymcagta.org; Gregory Harrison, TD Bank Financial Group, (416) 308-8597, gregory.harrison@td.com