/R E P E A T -- Media Alert/Photo OPP - IKEA and Tree Canada green up local
communities with annual tree planting program/

BURLINGTON, ON, May 13 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada co-workers and Tree Canada experts will once again join hands to plant trees and shrubs in communities across the country as part of IKEA's Pick a Tree, Plant a Tree program. This marks the 14th year the organizations have teamed up to plant trees in communities IKEA operates.

In its partnership with the Tree Canada Foundation, IKEA Canada co-workers have helped plant more than 16,000 trees and shrubs. This year an additional 2309 trees will be planted to support urban forestry. Funded by IKEA Christmas tree sales from the past holiday season and the $0.05 IKEA had been charging for plastic bags, this initiative helps restore green spaces in communities where residents have purchased trees from their neighbourhood IKEA.

    
    Local event details taking place on May 18, 2010:
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    Etobicoke, North York and Vaughan
    Where:       Humberwood Site (Hwy 427 and Finch)
                 Etobicoke, ON
    When:        10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Anna Medeiros 416.646.8182 x 2334

    Burlington
    Where:       Hidden Valley Park
                 Burlington, ON
    When:        8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    Contact:     Maegan Sheskey 905.681.5531 x 2334

    Ottawa
    Where:       Monaghan Storm Water Pond, Emerald Meadows on Eagleson Rd
                 before Hopeside Rd
                 Ottawa, ON
    When:        9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Errin Stone 613-721-4532 x226

    Montreal/Boucherville
    Where:       Marcel-Laurin Woodland
                 St.Laurent (Boise du Parc Marcel-Laurin)
    When:        9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Chloe Barnabe 514-738-5556 x2334

    Coquitlam
    Where:       Scott Creek Linear Park
                 Coquitlam, B.C.
    When:        11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Christian Walli 604.816.7626
                 Ryan Lim 604-540.8337 x2334

    Richmond
    Where:       Terra Nova Rurual Park, 2631 Westminister Highway
                 Richmond, B.C.
    When:        11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Danielle Villeneuve 604.233.8487 x2334

    Calgary
    Where:       Southland Area Natural Park
                 Calgary, Alberta
    When:        11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Darren McArthur 403,538.2400 x2335
                 Gerrard Fournier (Tree Canada) 403.994.0094

    Edmonton
    Where:       Along 91st St. between 28th and 34th Avenue
                 Edmonton, Alberta
    When:        10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Contact:     Spencer Croteau, 780.495.9686 ext. 2335
    

About IKEA

IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 267 stores in 25 countries worldwide, which are visited by 590 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the IKEA.com websites attracted 450 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.

About Tree Canada

Tree Canada is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1992. Tree Canada provides education, technical assistance, resources and financial support through working partnerships. It encourages Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments in an effort to help reduce the harmful effects of carbon dioxide emissions. For more information please visit www.treecanada.ca

For further information: For more interviews with IKEA or Tree Canada representatives please contact: STEFANIE NIEWADA, ACCOUNT MANAGER, OPTIMUM PUBLIC RELATIONS, T: [phone], [email protected]; Melissa Nisbett, Tree Canada, [phone] x 224, [email protected]