TORONTO, ONTARIO, Oct. 26, 2009 (Marketwire) -- On Tuesday, October 27, Federal Express Canada Ltd. ("FedEx Express Canada"), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), in support of Tree Canada and with the help of FedEx volunteers and students and staff at Bennington Heights Elementary School, will rejuvenate the school's grounds by adding a variety of trees and shrubs. This greening project is one of 15 that FedEx is supporting in communities across the country in 2009.
"The FedEx Express Canada Greening Canada's School Grounds program with Tree Canada is part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability," said Pina Starnino, vice president of operations for FedEx Express Canada. "We are proud to work with Tree Canada to provide greenery for Bennington Heights Elementary School and its community to enjoy for years to come."
Bennington Heights Elementary School was selected to revitalize its school grounds because there was demonstrated interest from students, parents, teachers and the community. Schools interested in applying for funding submitted comprehensive plans to Tree Canada to convert their schoolyards "from mean to green".
In an effort to educate the students, Tree Canada will be teaching students the value of trees, including energy savings, carbon sequestration and beautification, as well as explaining the mechanics of tree planting and maintenance.
"On behalf of the staff and students at Bennington Heights Elementary School, I would like to thank every volunteer who has provided their support today, and most importantly, those at FedEx Express Canada and Tree Canada who made this possible," said school principal Gail Dobby. "Our students will benefit from the new green space and will learn the importance of preserving the environment and how they can contribute to a better quality of life for both current and future generations."
FedEx will "green" another 15 schools in 2010. Schools interested in participating in the Greening Canada's School Grounds program are encouraged to fill out an application at: http://www.treecanada.ca/site/?page=programs_school〈en.
In addition to the Greening Canada's School Grounds program, FedEx Express Canada will also provide Tree Canada with ongoing natural emergency relief assistance and will help with Canadian reforestation projects.
Over the last two years, FedEx Express Canada has helped Tree Canada plant 6,250 trees across the country in support of its natural emergency relief and reforestation projects.
