Vancouver Law Firms Support Earth Day with the Take a Hike Foundation

VANCOUVER, April 13 /CNW/ - The Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation (www.takeahikefoundation.org) has announced that two law firms, Lawson Lundell & McCarthy Tétrault will be selling and planting trees for Earth Day 2010 in an effort to raise money for Take a Hike on the Wild Side: a fundraising initiative that blends the two worthwhile causes of providing adventure-based learning programs for Vancouver's at-risk youth, and protecting the environment through tree planting.

The firms are selling trees for $10 each. All trees sold will be planted by Take a Hike youth and firm employees during Earth Week (April 19-23, 2010) at Matsqui Park along the Fraser River, in partnership with Metro Vancouver Parks.

"Having these two leading law firms engaged in fundraising for Take a Hike youth and the health of our planet is a great example of how companies can make a difference by giving their time and tapping into their networks" says Take a Hike Foundation Executive Director Michelle Berry. "We have also received incredible support from other companies and individuals that want to do their part for Earth Day, while at the same time impact the lives of at-risk youth; there's a double benefit to giving."

This support comes on the heels of a much publicized donation by Canada's great Olympian; Clara Hughes. Following her bronze medal win in long track speed skating at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Hughes donated her $10,000 bronze medal bonus to Take a Hike. "I really believe Take a Hike parallels what sport has done for me" said Hughes. "It took me out of a really bad direction and path in life and this program is something that works. I think this is going to shift the direction of some lives, just like sport did for me."

Take a Hike is currently at 76% of their $15,000 goal. Anyone can support this initiative by buying a tree online at www.takeahikefoundation.org/wildside

About: Take a Hike empowers at-risk youth to reach their full potential through a unique combination of academics, adventure-based learning, therapy and community involvement. www.takeahikefoundation.org

For further information: Michelle Berry, Director, [phone]