September 25, 2003

Toyota Canada renews sponsorship of school grounds "greening"

Toronto, Ontario - Toyota Canada announced that it has renewed its partnership with Evergreen to provide financial and logistical support for schools across Canada wishing to "green" their school grounds. As a result of Toyota's increased sponsorship of the Learning Grounds program, $120,000 in grants and awards will be presented to schools across Canada in 2004. To assist schools in creating their projects, Toyota's financial support also makes it possible for Evergreen to provide practical guide books and 'how to' videos, a bi-annual newsletter, regional workshops and an interactive web site in addition to the national grant program.

"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.

Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds invites students, parents and teachers to apply for assistance in transforming typically barren school properties into healthy, natural and creative outdoor classrooms. All public and private schools across Canada, serving kindergarten to Grade 12 and recognized by the Ministry of Education, are eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,000. In addition, schools may apply for Awards of Excellence from $2,500 to $5,000.

Over the past three years, $250,000 in awards and grants was shared between 296 Canadian schools.

Applications are now being accepted twice a year. Deadlines for grant applications are November 12, 2003, and January 14, 2004. Applications for 2004 Awards of Excellence must be received by November 12, 2003. Application forms and complete details are available from the Evergreen web site at www.evergreen.ca.

Evergreen is a national non-profit environmental organization with a mandate to bring nature to our cities through naturalization projects.

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