EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS WELCOMES LARGEST RETAILER COMMITMENT TO-DATE

- The Home Depot Canada and its Foundation help build the future of Canada's first community environmental centre -

TORONTO, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Evergreen Brick Works today announced The Home Depot Canada and its Foundation have committed one million dollars to help build the future of the community environmental centre.  This marks the largest commitment by a Canadian retailer and a dedicated partnership that will welcome the volunteer services of hundreds of Toronto-area The Home Depot associates over the next five years.

"Evergreen is an inspiration to Canadian communities and businesses in demonstrating how a hands-on approach can make a significant difference in improving sustainability and the health of our cities," said Annette Verschuren, president, The Home Depot Canada.  "The Home Depot Canada Foundation is excited to not only lend its skills, knowledge and resources to the continued growth of Evergreen Brick Works - but also to participate hands-on in the development of this innovative centre - a first for Toronto and Canada."

Over the next five years, The Home Depot Canada and its Foundation, dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities, will contribute one million dollars to support the ongoing development of Evergreen Brick Works. This includes the community centre's year-round environmentally-focused activities, workshops and programs.

"The Home Depot Canada and its Foundation's commitment to Evergreen Brick Works is an example of how working together can create a healthier, more sustainable future where people and nature can thrive," said Geoff Cape, executive director, Evergreen. "What makes this partnership unique is that beyond a generous monetary donation, The Home Depot will play an active role in providing ongoing knowledge and expertise in the area of green building and do-it-yourself projects."

In recognition of The Home Depot Canada's contribution, Evergreen has designated a 2,100 square foot area within its Nature Playground as The Home Depot Outdoor Workshop which will support children's and family programming. And as part of its ongoing commitment, The Home Depot will provide associate expertise in Do-It-Yourself Workshops beginning October 2010 on topics ranging from green design to simple home construction and even workshops for kids. Additionally, Team Depot - The Home Depot's employee volunteers - will play a signature role in assisting with large, transformative projects over the next five years.

"With a shared vision and the skills, knowledge and resources to help make Canadian communities healthier, The Home Depot Canada Foundation feels privileged to continue its work with Evergreen to make Evergreen Brick Works a showcase for urban sustainability the entire community of Toronto can enjoy," says Gino DiGioacchino, chair, The Home Depot Canada Foundation, and vice-president, merchandising, The Home Depot Canada. 

About Evergreen
Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable. By deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments, Evergreen is improving the health of our cities—now and for the future. Since 1991, it has engaged people in creating and sustaining healthy, dynamic outdoor spaces across Canada—in schools, communities and homes. Its entrepreneurial approach to social responsibility creates vibrant neighbourhoods, a healthy natural environment and a sustainable society for all.

Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen is restoring Toronto's derelict Don Valley Brick Works to its proper place at the centre of the city's future. By revitalizing and reusing historic buildings and offering programming focusing on education, heritage and ecological sustainability, Evergreen Brick Works will be an environmental community centre in the heart of the Toronto ravine system. Its use of a wide range of green technologies will make it a national hub for urban sustainability. With the Grand Opening scheduled September 25 and 26, the site will be animated with year-round programs and activities that include a native plant nursery, a seasonal farmers' market, demonstration gardens, an organic food market and kitchens, conference and event facilities, youth leadership and children's camps, family programming and youth-at-risk programs. Evergreen Brick Works is a project of Evergreen, Canada's national charity dedicated to bringing nature into public spaces, schools and homes.

To-date, the Evergreen Brick Works $55 million capital campaign has raised $46.5 million. Both the federal and provincial governments have supported the project donating $20 million and $10 million respectively.

The Home Depot Canada Foundation
Building strong, sustainable communities together, The Home Depot Canada Foundation is dedicated to using its skills, knowledge and resources to develop sustainable homes and communities for Canadians.  The Foundation brings together volunteerism, do-it-yourself expertise, fundraising, product donations and monetary grants to develop affordable, sustainable housing and create vibrant, environmentally responsible communities for Canadians. Team Depot directly supports The Home Depot Canada Foundation's mission to its share skills, knowledge and resources to develop sustainable homes and communities for Canadians. Team Depot associates use their know-how to complete meaningful community projects, resulting in a contribution of more than 60,000 hours of volunteer time each year.   For more information, visit www.homedepot.ca/foundation.

For further information:

or interview, please contact:
Lorna Freeman / Aly Ruiz
Environics Communications
416-969-2711 / 416-969-2763
[email protected] / [email protected]