On the lookout for Big Foot: Zoological Society of Manitoba receives funding from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for its carbon footprint education program

(July 6, 2009) Winnipeg, Manitoba--The Zoological Society of Manitoba is on the hunt for Big Foot-- through their Carbon Footprint Education Programming, that is. Thanks to a $5000 donation from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), Mission Big Foot will be incorporated into the Summer Zoo Camps for students to discover how to actively reduce their carbon footprint through eco-projects, zoo tours, animal encounters, crafts, games and activities.

“Taking small, simple steps is an effective approach to educating our youth on the benefits of preserving and protecting the environment in their own backyards,” said Jo-Ann Buchanan, Branch Manager TD Canada Trust and TD FEF Chapter Coordinator. “We’re excited to support the Zoological Society of Manitoba in their environmental stewardship initiatives including this unique and interactive program.”

Mission Big Foot will use fun and educational programming and will getting students' toes tapping, their feet stomping and their bodies moving as they learn to take an active role in discovering and saving wildlife and wild places from "Big Foot.”

“We are truly appreciative to have TD Friends of the Environment Foundation on board to share in this great educational component,” said Tricialynn Zacharias, Manager Membership, Funds Development and Volunteers, Zoological Society of Manitoba. “Numerous school groups, countless zoo visitors and children attending Summer Zoo Camp will benefit greatly from Mission Big Foot programming and it we hope they will carry this experience with them long after their lessons, talks and/or tours.”

TD FEF is a unique partnership that brings Canadians, and TD Bank Financial Group – including its customers and employees -- together to help protect Canada's wildlife and environment.

“In fact, our local TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Chapter has provided more than $666,910.00 in funding to over 276 projects in Manitoba since 1990,” added Buchanan.

The local TD FEF Chapter meets regularly to review funding requests from local applicants, and they encourage regional non-profit organizations with a charitable registration number and schools to apply online at www.tdfef.com.

TD FEF supports a wide range of projects, including:

• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Education programs for children
• Environmental cleanups
• Tree planting campaigns
• Conservation and recycling initiatives
• Urban renewal

Besides applying for funding, there are several ways residents of Lethbridge can get involved with TD FEF:

• Donating to TD FEF for as little as a few dollars per month or by making a one-time donation online at www.tdfef.com or at any TD Canada Trust branch;
• Volunteering with their local TD FEF Chapter Advisory Board or by signing-up to support a TD FEF environmental project like the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (www.tdgcsc.ca);
• Visiting the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation 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 TD customers and employees donate 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; this ensures 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:

Ellen Dungen
Regional Manager, Manitoba and Saskatchewan
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
TD Bank Financial Group
Phone: (403) 294-5685
E-mail: ellen.dungen@td.com