Metro Ontario Inc. helps plant 48,000 trees across Ontario

Metro’s Thank a Tree campaign raises over $132,000 for Trees Ontario

TORONTO, Ontario, November 27, 2008 – Metro Ontario Inc. is pleased to announce that its Thank a Tree campaign has raised $132,987 for Trees Ontario, North America’s largest not for profit tree planting partnership that is dedicated to planting trees on private land. As a result of this campaign 48,000 trees will be planted throughout Ontario.

Throughout September, customers at all A&P, Dominion, Ultra Food & Drug, Loeb and The Barn stores were invited to purchase a recycled paper tree cut-out for $2.00, with all proceeds raised going to Trees Ontario’s rural tree planting programs. At Food Basics locations, 50 percent of every limited edition Food Basics reusable bag sold went to Trees Ontario.

“As part of our Leave it Greener environmental platform, we are committed to doing our part in the community and for the environment. Through the Thank a Tree campaign we are one step closer to providing clean air for future generations,” said Serge Boulanger, vice-president, marketing, Metro Inc.

“We are thrilled that we had the chance to partner with Metro on such a great cause,” said Michael G. Scott, president and CEO, Trees Ontario. “Trees are the lungs of the earth and Metro has helped rejuvenate our lungs and has breathed new light into the importance of trees.”

Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, working with its partners, is the largest, not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America. It is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through a range of tree planting activities.

The goal of Trees Ontario is to restore the province’s tree planting capacity, especially throughout southern Ontario on private lands, by providing funding and planning support for its tree planting partners. These include local Conservation Authorities, Ontario Stewardship Councils, the provincial and municipal governments, and community volunteer groups.

This past spring Trees Ontario, with its partners, planted over 2.4 million trees. Its goal is to increase tree planting to 10 million trees every year by 2015. Visit the Trees Ontario website at www.treesontario.on.ca.

About Metro Ontario Inc.
Metro Ontario Inc. is the result of a consolidation of five conventional food store banners in Ontario. The launch of Metro is being supported by a $200 million investment in upgraded store facilities, food offering and marketing to create the province’s largest grocery banner with 158 stores. Over a 15 month period all current Dominion, A&P, Loeb, The Barn, and Ultra banners will be converted to the Metro name. For more information, visit www.metro.ca.

For further information:
Selena Fiacco
Director, Communications
Metro Ontario Inc.
416.234.6081
Selena.fiacco@metro.ca