Evergreen & TOYOTA Canada launch 2004/2005 School Grounds Greening Program

Design Support and $120,000 in funds turn Canadian school grounds into "living classrooms"

(TORONTO) - Evergreen and Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) announced today that they have renewed their Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program and have recently launched the 2004-2005 grant program. The program, supported by Toyota Dealers across Canada, provides financial and expert assistance to schools who want to "green" their grounds. All publicly funded Canadian schools serving kindergarten to Grade 12 are eligible to apply for the grants.

"Toyota Canada and Toyota Dealers across Canada are committed to educating future generations about the importance of protecting Canada's natural heritage," said Kenji Tomikawa, President and CEO of TCI. "Since the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program thrives on community involvement, we're especially pleased that so many Toyota Dealers across the country are pitching in and helping their local schools. This is truly a group effort."

Since the program's beginning in 2000, 173 Dealerships have been matched with 244 schools. This has resulted in a total of $275,233 in grants from Toyota Canada and its Dealers to help transform 427 barren school grounds into healthy, natural and creative outdoor classrooms. In the past year, 62 Dealers, nearly 30% of Toyota Dealers in Canada, helped distribute $120,000 in grants to 98 schools. Many Dealers also took part in cheque presentations, helped at planting events and in distributing information on the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program.

"We have spent the last three years refining the delivery of this program," said Geoff Cape, Executive Director of Evergreen. "This year we simplified the grant process so schools only complete one application form, expanded their access to print and online school ground design resources, and enhanced their access to expert assistance. Thanks to the support of Toyota Canada and their Dealers we know these projects help build stronger school communities."

This year the grant program will be managed differently than in previous years. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important that schools apply early. The final deadline for grant applications is January 26, 2005. Grant applications and complete details are available at www.evergreen.ca/en/lg/lgfunding.html

About Evergreen:
Evergreen is a national non-profit environmental organization with a mandate to bring nature to our cities through naturalization projects. Evergreen motivates people to create and sustain healthy, natural outdoor spaces and gives them the practical tools to be successful through its three core programs: Learning Grounds (transforming school grounds), Common Grounds (protecting and conserving public open spaces) and Home Grounds (for the home landscape). Community naturalization is a collective effort that includes people from all walks of life in the revitalization of their schools, homes or community and, ultimately, in the environmental, social and economic functioning of their cities.