MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:

Brantford Toyota (AutoPlanet Automotive Group) in partnership with non-profit

organization Evergreen and Holy Family Elementary School.

WHAT:

Through the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds program Brantford Toyota will
present a donation to elementary school Holy Family in Paris, ON. The money
donated will go towards rebuilding their playground and outdoor education
facilities.

WHERE:

Holy Family School, 20 Sunset Drive, Paris ON, N3L 3W4

WHEN:

Wednesday June 25th 2014, 9:30 AM

HOW:

Evergreen is a national non-profit organization that has been engaging Canadians

in creating and sustaining dynamic outdoor spaces in schools, communities and
homes since 1991.

In 2000, Toyota Canada Inc. And its Dealerships partnered to create the Toyota Evergreen
Learning Grounds a program designed to transform Canadian school grounds into natural
learning environments.
The funds donated help Evergreen provide groups that wish to green their school grounds with:
-

Expert assistance through Evergreen and its Learning Ground Associates

Resources that include comprehensive guidebooks on designing and creating natural
school grounds, how-to manuals, instructional and inspirational videos, fact sheets,
case studies, newsletters, and research reports
Access to an online native plant database and project registry
Funding grants ranging from $500 to $2000 to assist schools in the purchase of native
plants, heritage vegetables and berries and other resources
Opportunities to build institutional support for their school ground greening through
partnerships with school boards and districts across Canada

The Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds program has helped almost 1 million students
participate in school ground greening projects at over $2500 schools across the country. In the
2006-07 alone, the program awarded $265,000 to 132 schools.
Typical activities include:
-

Planting native trees, shrubs and vines

Planning shade and seating areas
Creating vegetable gardens and other theme zones that transform the traditional asphalt
school grounds into dynamic outdoor classrooms

Where possible, schools obtaining grants are matched with local Toyota Dealerships for
participation in various planting events.
BACKGROUND:

In February 2014, Brantford Toyota donated $1000 to the St. George

German Public School. Brantford Toyota has supported and serviced the
community for over 45 years.