Pickering, ON, September 16, 2009 – As part of its annual "Month of Service” program, The Home Depot – Pickering adopted a local park and undertook a major tree planting initiative to foster a healthier and more sustainable future for its community.

Throughout the course of the day, approximately 25 The Home Depot staff volunteered their time to pick up litter and plant 80 native trees and shrub species. However, this won’t be a one-time event. Instead, The Home Depot and its staff have made a multi-year commitment to maintain the green space and eventually plant over 900 combined trees and shrubs.

"We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring together our passion for giving back with our commitment to the environment through this great initiative with the City of Pickering,” said Matthew Evans, store manager, The Home Depot Pickering. "Not only is this project part of our annual Month of Service, but it is also in celebration of the launch of The Home Depot Canada Foundation; a private charitable organization dedicated to building sustainable homes and communities for Canadians.”

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The Home Depot Canada 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 share its 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.

As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents. Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award.