Loss of Green Spaces - A Concern for Many Canadians

Recent TD Friends of the Environment Foundation poll finds Canadians in both urban and rural settings value green spaces and demand more actions to protect them

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - According to a recently released TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid, approximately two-thirds (68%) of Canadians are concerned about the loss of green space in their community.

With a loss of these beloved spaces potentially on the horizon, Canadians indicate that they, themselves, and their community could take a more proactive role in improving their community. In fact, three in four (73%) agree that they can personally do more to contribute to a greener community, while nine in ten (85%) believe that the community should take on more responsibility to green their communities.

"Although many Canadians are concerned about the loss of green spaces in their communities, we know that many are looking for ways to make a difference," said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD FEF. "TD's flagship volunteer program - TD Tree Days - offers Canadians a fun, easy way to give back. We invite those who want to lend a hand in growing the green spaces in their community to join us this Fall as we plant 45,000 trees nationwide."

Get Involved!

Over the last three years, thousands of TD Tree Days volunteers - from Brownies to bankers - have planted over 80,000 trees in urban environments across Canada.

Throughout September and early October, volunteers will plant another 45,000 trees at more than 140 events coast to coast.

To sign up for a TD Tree Days planting, visit tdtreedays.com.

TD Tree Days is part of TD Forests, which works to grow North American forest areas and encourage responsible paper use. Key elements of the program include TD Green Streets and a major conservation initiative through which TD works with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and The Nature Conservancy in the U.S. to help protect critical North American forest habitat.

Additional survey findings:

• Two in three Canadians cite local parks (64%) and provincial/national parks (63%) as being 'very important' to them and their family.
• A majority stress that trails for biking or walking (56%), local school yards (51%), and other green spaces in their community (52%) are 'very important' to them and their family.

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation:
Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $60 million in funding to more than 21,000 environmental projects across Canada. In 2012, TD FEF provided more than $4.8 million in support of over 1,000 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 environmental projects and programs. For more information on how to donate, visit www.tdfef.com.

SOURCE: TD Bank Group