Earth Day Canada launches new diversity engagement initiative Environmental solutions need to come from all of Canada’s diverse communities
Toronto, ON (24/01/2012)—Earth Day Canada (EDC), with financial support from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, is pleased to announce the establishment of a new initiative that will help the environmental sector to better engage and activate Canada’s diverse social and cultural communities. This is the first national initiative of its kind launched in the environmental sector. “The environmental sector has done a good job of communicating and engaging with significant numbers of Canadians, but it is time do much more. We need to engage ethno-cultural communities and other groups so that all people in Canada can benefit and learn from the unique perspectives and solutions offered by these communities,” said Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. In the year ahead, EDC’s goals are to work with cultural, faith, ethnic and other groups. To this end, EDC will create an advisory council, conduct primary and secondary research, develop strategic partnerships, establish best practices in communication and engagement, and provide opportunities for these communities to actively participate in the dialogue around environmental issues. “We are proud to support Earth Day Canada with the launch of this important program to engage all Canadians in the environment,” says Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. “We hope this will provide Canadians of all cultural backgrounds with an opportunity to participate in environmental issues and initiatives in their community.” Ultimately, the program will give Canadians more insight into environmental problems and solutions by providing a platform for everyone, from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, to actively participate in making the environment healthier.
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 $57 million in funding to approximately 20 000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2011, TD FEF provided more than $3.6 million in support of 1 058 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% 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. –30–
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