NUNS' ISLAND, VERDUN, QC, Feb. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - TD officially opened a new branch on Nuns' Island on Saturday, February 5^th. With elected officials in attendance, TD Quebec executives marked the occasion by donating $5,000 to Nature-Action Québec on behalf of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) to help fund an environmental development project for the Boisé Saint-Paul woods on the southern tip of the Island. The event also featured guest chef Dino Cordileone from Little Italy, on hand to prepare crepes and risotto for guests while pastry chef Dominique Matte decorated a TD-themed cake.

"TD is delighted to continue its Quebec growth strategy with this branch opening," says Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. "We will continue developing solid relationships with Quebec communities by opening more branches in the years to come. With the longest banking hours in the country and a growing network of branches, our goal of offering customers a comfortable banking experience is, more than ever, our main priority," adds Marchildon.

"Nuns' Island is a vibrant and dynamic community," said Assunta Tutino, Manager of the new branch. "As a native of Verdun, I am very happy to work in this community where people have a very strong sense of belonging. With its many offices and corporate headquarters, the Island is a major economic centre and an ideal location for a TD branch to make life easier for many customers. We also believe that the concern for the environment shared by Nuns' Island residents fits perfectly with TD's environmental fiber."

From January 28^th to February 12^th, the TD Comfort Crew will be distributing hot chocolate in the area surrounding the branch, along with coupons exchangeable for a $10 deposit in a TD bank account. The new branch, covering an area of about 3,500 sq. ft., is located at 38 Place du Commerce. Thirteen direct jobs will be created, not to mention the indirect spinoffs. The Nuns' Island branch will provide both personal and small business banking services. Its hours will be Monday to Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.

$5,000 Donation to Nature-Action Québec

TD marked the inauguration by donating $5,000 to Nature-Action Québec. Mandated by the Borough of Verdun to ensure the sustainability of the natural environment represented by the Boisé Saint-Paul woods, the organization will use this donation to establish protective measures for the wildlife and plant life occupying this important green space. Educational tours will also be organized there, allowing Island residents and nature lovers to fully enjoy this magnificent natural setting.

"The work performed by Nature-Action Québec is among the most beneficial for the environment," pointed out Bernard Dorval, Deputy Chair, TD Canada Trust. "By contributing to this organization's activities, TD continues its longstanding commitment to the environment in Quebec. TD FEF, founded over 20 years ago, assists a large number of wildlife and plant life protection initiatives across Canada each year, and will actively continue its work in the years ahead," concluded Dorval.

L'installation de panneaux d'interprétation et les activités éducatives prévues seront, j'en suis certaine, une occasion de faire connaître la richesse de cet espace vert situé à quelques minutes du centre-ville. »

"The donation from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation will provide much needed support to our projects," said Jacinthe Guimont, Project Manager, Nature-Action Québec. "Boisé Saint-Paul is an important natural setting that we want to enhance. Thanks to this donation, we will be able to work with residents to refurbish structures for our fauna. The planned educational activities and panels will provide a great opportunity to promote the natural wealth of this green space, located only a few minutes from downtown."

About TD Bank Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD or the Bank). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves approximately 19 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD had CDN$620 billion in assets on October 31, 2010. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

About 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. 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.

About Nature-Action Québec
Nature-Action Québec (NAQ) is a non-profit organization which has been active in the environment since 1986. Its mission is to guide people and organizations to the application of environmental best practices. It works with municipalities, businesses, community organizations and citizens to carry out collective projects that contribute to improving the environment, health, welfare and the quality of life for the Quebec population. A recognized social economy enterprise, NAQ devotes its efforts to several types of activities, including those related to conservation, renaturalization and environmental restoration, awareness, education and communication. NAQ's team of professionals has enviable competencies in several areas of activity. With its 25 years of experience, over 700 projects and $40 million invested in the environment since its creation in 1986, Nature-Action Québec (NAQ) has been able to develop enviable expertise in the management and performance of environmental projects.