Initially Virgin invested in a number of bio-fuel businesses, but has now broadened the scope of its investment into the renewable energy and resource efficiency sectors through the formation of the Virgin Green Fund (VGF).

VGF has invested in 10 companies ranging from solar energy and water purification to energy efficient lighting.

In addition Virgin has established the Earth Challenge to encourage research into Carbon sequestration technology; and the Carbon War Room to promote and organize global efforts to combat climate change.

“Green Streets is the only national tree program that works with communities, and it fits perfectly with our goal to preserve and enhance the environment at a grassroots level,” said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. “Ultimately, this is about bringing the ‘green’ back to Main Street – celebrating the health of public spaces in cities and towns across Canada.”

TD FEF, through its TD Green Streets program, will award 20 communities with grants for planting and maintaining trees this year which is timely, given that TD FEF is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010.

TD Green Streets: How it Works

Since 1994, the Green Streets program has provided funding to more than 370 Canadian municipalities to plant and maintain trees. The TD Green Streets program is open to all municipalities and First Nations communities who apply for funding to plant and maintain trees (as part of the launch, the program will be expanded to include Business Improvement Associations in Toronto and Vancouver). Based on the community size and need, grants of up to $15,000 are given with a maximum of 50 per cent of the grant allocated towards the cost of tree planting. The remainder can be used for inventory, maintenance and educational activities.

All submissions are reviewed by regional Tree Canada Advisors, Board Members, urban forest practitioners and representatives from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation based on innovation, community involvement and technical expertise. Communities who have already received Green Streets funding are also eligible to apply under this year’s program.

“Having TD Friends of the Environment Foundation on board is a giant leap forward in our outreach to build  stronger,, self-sustaining green infrastructure in our communities,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “After a one-year search, we are pleased that the Foundation has stepped forward to help raise awareness that trees are vital to the quality of life where we live and work. They are without a doubt, the ideal sponsor for this program.”

To apply for funding from TD Green Streets visit www.tdgreenstreets.ca. The announcement of the 20 winners will be made in April 2010.