- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Earth Day^® Canada to showcase winning art on reusable bag and award $7,500 to support environmental initiatives at Bishop EQ Jennings Senior Elementary School  -

TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2011 /CNW/ - One lucky young student's art career is in the bag or, rather, on it. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) and Earth Day® Canada today announced the winner of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Earth Day Canada Art Contest, a national competition that invited elementary students to submit a drawing of their favourite part of nature.

The winning entry is by Sophia Maltese from Thunder Bay, and featured a majestic tree.  Sophia's drawing will be featured on a limited-edition TD FEF reusable shopping bag, and her school, Bishop EQ Jennings Senior Elementary School will receive a $7,500 grant to support environmental initiatives. Sophia's entry was selected from over 5,000 submissions, ranging from drawings of iconic Canadian animals to picturesque landscapes. More than 14,500 people helped to select the Grand Prize winner by voting for their favourite drawing online.

"We were impressed with the effort and talent showcased in the submissions by young students for our inaugural art contest. It's clear that young Canadian students have a true passion for nature," says Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. "We commend not only the students who entered, but also their parents and teachers who encouraged their entries and we look forward to working with Bishop EQ Jennings Senior Elementary to help make their school a littler greener."

Sophia will also receive a digital camera and a litterless lunchbox will be given to each student in her class. "I'm so excited my artwork was chosen to be the winner and I appreciate the support of everyone who voted for me, especially my family and friends," says Sophia Maltese, a grade seven student at Bishop EQ Jennings Senior Elementary School, and winner of this year's TD FEF and Earth Day Canada Art Contest. "I'm thrilled that my school also wins an environmental project! I love nature and can't wait for my classmates to enjoy more nature at school."

Nine secondary winners will also each receive $25 cash and a litterless lunch box, and their schools will each receive a $500 environmental grant. The drawings may also be featured in the 2012-2013 edition of Earth Day Canada's EcoKids Calendar.

"It was great to see so many Canadians show their support by voting for their favourite entry," says Jed Goldberg, President, Earth Day Canada. "Congratulations to Sophia, the secondary winners and all participants. We hope all students continue to express their passion for nature through art and by supporting environmental initiatives at home and at school."

About the TD FEF & Earth Day Canada Art Contest:

Canadian students in grades one through eight were invited to submit an original drawing that expressed the theme "my favourite part of nature." A team of judges selected ten finalists and the winner was determined by public vote. To see the winning entry and finalists submissions, please visit www.tdfef.com/artcontest.

About Earth Day Canada:

Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world's largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada's "Outstanding Non-profit Organization" by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $55 million in funding to over 20,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2010, TD FEF provided more than $3.5 million in support of 970 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.

Earth Day® is a trade-mark of Earth Day Canada (1991) Inc., used with the permission of Earth Day Canada (1991) Inc.

Image with caption: "Sophia Maltese, a grade seven student at Bishop EQ Jennings Senior Elementary School, and winner of this year's TD FEF and Earth Day Canada Art Contest, celebrates her win with her mother Deana Maltese, teacher Joel Biesenthal, principal Margaret Hall, and Derek Mainville, DVP, TD Canada Trust, at an event at the TD Canada Trust on Memorial Avenue, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. (CNW Group/TD Friends of the Environment Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111118_C7421_PHOTO_EN_6857.jpg