Canadian eco-conscious students receive 2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarships

$100,000 in scholarships awarded coast-to-coast to 20 exceptional graduating high school students

TORONTO, April 23 /CNW/ - From coast to coast, young Canadians are leading the way to make Canada a greener place to live. Today, in celebration of Earth Week, Toyota Canada and Earth Day Canada announced this year's 20 regional winners of the 8th annual Toyota Earth Day Scholarships - support that helps young Canadians with a passion for environmental responsibility further their academic careers. Since 2003, 120 Canadian students have received more than $600,000 through the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship program.

Some scholarships were awarded today at the Green Living Show in Toronto, while other winners will be recognized in local ceremonies across the country.

"Canadians are more aware today of the environmental consequences of their decisions, and young Canadians are leading the charge towards a brighter, greener future," noted Sandy Di Felice, Director at Toyota Canada Inc. "I would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarships, and thank them for the work they have already done - and for the important work they have yet to do."

"These students are inspirational individuals who are spearheading positive environmental action in their local, national and international communities," said Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. "They will move ahead as leaders who consider the environment as their number one priority in their personal and professional endeavours."

Each scholarship winner receives a $5,000 award to be applied directly towards educational expenses for the first year of post-secondary full-time studies in Canada. These 20 students will now move on as finalists for the 2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award. One winner will be chosen from among these finalists to receive a Panasonic notebook computer and a secondary prize in addition to their scholarship. The national winner will be presented with this award at a ceremony on June 2, 2010 in Toronto.

The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program was established by Earth Day Canada, with financial support from Toyota Canada Inc., to reward and encourage environmental commitment and action among students. This entrance scholarship is presented to graduating high school students entering their first year of post-secondary education. Recognizing that environmental issues are increasingly being tackled through multidisciplinary approaches, winners are selected regardless of their intended program of study.

2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Winners:

    
    Alissa Ali, Lyons Brook, NS
    Leslie Bothwell, Guelph, ON
    Natasha Caminsky, Lachine, QC
    Alex Chang-Chih Chen, Richmond, BC
    Audrey Lane Cockett, Calgary, AB
    Cassidy Dankochik, Gimli, MB
    Julie D'aoust , Hudson, QC
    Joanne Gagnon-Roy , Sept-Îles, QC
    Claire Gérin-Lajoie, Montréal, QC
    Keita Hill, Edmonton, AB
    Amy Jiang, Oakville, ON
    Brandon Koebel, Hanover, ON
    Michelle Lee, Vancouver, BC
    Walter Pang, Calgary, AB
    Camille Pelletier-Vernooy, Gatineau, QC
    Anika Roberts-Stahlbrand, Toronto, ON
    Jack Simpson, Fredericton, NB
    Elise Tessier, Berwick, NS
    Matthew Warnock, Surrey, BC
    Andrew Wong, Burlington, ON
    

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 Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks, and Toyota industrial equipment. TCI's head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver. Toyota has a rich history of respect for people and the environment, continuous improvement and giving back in the communities where associates and customers live, work and play. It's why Toyota Canada Inc. and its Dealers align with like-minded organizations like Earth Day Canada. Since 2003, Toyota Canada has partnered with Earth Day Canada in support of the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship program.

For media images, product details and contact information please visit www.media.toyota.ca.

For further information: Keith Treffry, Director of Communications, Earth Day Canada, [phone] ext. 107; Nicole Grant, Public Relations Consultant, Toyota Canada Inc., [phone] ext. 2725, [email protected]