200 ING DIRECT employees help revitalize YMCA Camp Cedar Glen

TORONTO, June 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, 200 ING DIRECT employees are rolling up their sleeves to help transform YMCA Camp Cedar Glen into an environmental hub for nature-lovers of all ages. The day-long revitalization, organized by ING DIRECT and the YMCA, will involve hundreds of orange-clad volunteers sanding and painting cabins, rescuing overgrown forests, setting up shelter tents and removing invasive species from trees and shrubs.

The event is funded by a cash and in-kind community investment from ING DIRECT totalling $32,500, as part of the bank's "Orange in the Community" program. Employees will be donating over 1,500 volunteer hours in the span of one day.

"It means a lot to us to be able to invest our time - not only funding - in our local communities, by rolling up our sleeves and making a real difference," said Peter Aceto, President and CEO, ING DIRECT. "The YMCA of Greater Toronto contributes a great deal to communities across the GTA, and we're very excited to be a part of making Camp Cedar Glen an even better outdoor experience for everyone. Volunteerism has always been a priority for ING DIRECT employees, and being active participants in improving our communities is a vital part of our organization's culture."

Situated on 263-acres, YMCA Camp Cedar Glen is an ideal setting for adults, youth and children to experience the outdoors in its natural state. The camp site is host to summer adventurers, inquisitive students, corporate clients, sports teams and leadership groups. From conferences and retreats, leadership and team building, outdoor education and summer camps, there are a variety of programs and activities that help visitors develop and learn new skills.

"We are thankful for the continued hard work and enthusiasm ING DIRECT employees bring to YMCA projects", said Dr. Gordon Chong, Chair of the Board, YMCA of Greater Toronto.  "Their contribution today will have a big impact on all participants at Cedar Glen. Together, we are committed to creating healthy communities where young people can flourish and reach their full potential."

Now in its fourth year, the "Orange in the Community" program focuses on giving back with more than just financial support. Including both national and local projects, ING DIRECT's community investment initiatives involve thousands of employee volunteer hours, and are aimed at programs and organizations that directly benefit children and youth. The revitalization of YMCA Camp Cedar Glen is one of many community volunteer projects ING DIRECT employees are participating in this year.

More information about ING DIRECT's community investment, charitable contributions and sustainability efforts can be found in its Statement of Public Accountability and Corporate Responsibility.

About ING DIRECT
ING DIRECT is Canada's leading direct bank with over 1.8 million Clients and close to $40 billion in total assets. ING DIRECT is the bright way forward in everyday banking for Canadians, offering value added, simple products such as high interest savings accounts, including TFSAs, GICs and RSPs with no fees or service charges, low rates on mortgages and a no-fee, daily chequing account that actually pays interest. Low cost, index based mutual funds are sold through ING DIRECT Funds Limited. ING DIRECT has been operating in Canada since 1997, and paid more than $5 billion in interest to Clients. ING DIRECT is open for banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at ingdirect.ca, on mobile devices at m.ingdirect.ca or by calling 1-800 ING DIRECT (1-800-464-3743).

Get social with ING DIRECT: Facebook.com/SuperStarSaver; Twitter.com/SuperStarSaver; YouTube.com/SuperStarSaver

Follow Peter Aceto: Twitter.com/CEO_INGDIRECT; Facebook.com/savingsceo; Direct Talk blog at blog.ingdirect.ca

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a dynamic charity connecting with more than 400,000 people at 235 locations across the GTA to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Since 1853, the YMCA has been promoting positive values that build spirit, mind and body. Mirroring the region's diversity, the YMCA welcomes everyone regardless of their background, experiences or circumstances. Through the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, we strive to ensure no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. The YMCA, in partnership with more than 250 organizations and over 3,500 volunteers, offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including employment, education and newcomer programs, youth outreach, health, fitness and recreation, youth in need of housing, international programs, childcare and camps. www.ymcagta.org

Jessica Bianchi
ING DIRECT
416-505-3385
[email protected]