MONTREAL, May 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Some 500 nature-loving TD employees, their families and friends used their green thumbs on Mount Royal today to preserve the Montreal landmark known as the 'jewel' of Montreal's city parks. They proved themselves to be 'greening machines' by planting some 500 trees and shrubs, cleaning up litter and cutting down alien invasive species.

"It's great to see TD employees and their families dig in to this tree planting activity with such passion and energy!" says Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. "A day like today emphasizes our longstanding commitment to this community and the environment."

The event was marked this year by two anniversaries: TD's 150th in Quebec and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation's (TDFEF) 20th. To honour this double milestone, TD presented a commemorative White Pine to Les amis de la montagne.

"The spectacular turnout today is proof that TD's participation goes beyond a financial contribution. It includes being part of the action in keeping our mountain green!" said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne.

TD Green Sunday is organized by Les amis de la montagne and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in collaboration with the City of Montreal. This is the fifth year that TD employees have volunteered for this activity, planting a total of some 2,700 trees. TD FEF has donated more than $834,000 to fund over 260 environmental projects in Quebec since 1990.

Since 1998, Les amis de la montagne have been committed to environmental activities and actions that raise awareness concerning the fragility and importance of Mount Royal's natural environment.

About the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $53 million in funding to over 19,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2009, TD FEF provided more than $4.1 million in support of 899 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% 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.

The year 2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the presence of TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG) in Quebec. TDBFG has built on a long tradition of quality client services and community involvement dating back to the opening of the first branch of the Bank of Toronto in Quebec in 1860. Today, TDBFG's presence in Quebec includes over 4,000 employees and 125 offices and points of service, as well as significant investments in community programs.

Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986. Its mission is to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. For more information on the activities of Les amis de la montagne, visit: http://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/