July 2008: Toyota Ambassador and host of Escape with ET, Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen is swapping fishing rods for shovels to help support Toyota’s involvement in Planet Ark’s National Tree Day.

Through his role as Toyota’s National Tree Day Ambassador, ET is encouraging people to roll up their sleeves and get involved in tree-planting activities particularly around camping grounds and natural reserves.

ET’s support of National Tree Day is a natural fit given his relationship with Toyota, and the amount of time he spends enjoying the great outdoors.

ET said he is particularly interested in seeing tree-planting efforts focused towards improving areas surrounding camping grounds and natural reserves, benefiting everyone in the community.

“We’ll all benefit from more native trees around camping facilities and natural reserves. National Tree Day is a great opportunity to improve conditions both for outdoor enthusiasts and for the community as a whole,” ET said.

ET’s love for the great outdoors means playing a positive role in helping to improve the environment for everyone is important to him.

“I just love the rugged beauty of Australia’s great outdoors. I’m encouraging people to head to their local natural reserve to plant as many trees as possible.  Not only do trees filter air pollution and prevent soil erosion, but also keep our waterways clean. That means good fishing and fresh fun in the water for everyone for years to come,” ET said.

“Everyone has an important role to play in caring for the environment and this is something that is reflected in everything that Toyota does – from how they manufacture their cars to how they interact with communities.  Everyone can help Toyota help the environment – just plant a tree,” he said.

National Tree Day is regarded to be Australia’s most successful tree planting event. Last year more than 1.2 million tress, shrubs and grasses were planted at 3,100 sites around the country.  More than 147 Toyota Dealerships participated in this effort.

This year’s National Tree Day will be held on Sunday July 27, with Schools’ Tree Day taking place on July 25.

Toyota's involvement in National Tree Day has spanned the past nine years, and reflects its efforts to support the environment and local communities through an event that has both a direct environmental impact and the capacity to influence attitudes.  It is proud to say it has extended the sponsorship to 2009.

National Tree Day is just one way that Toyota supports its local communities.  Other initiatives include the Toyota Good for Footy program, which supports grassroots football in Victoria and Southern New South Wales, and the Toyota Community Spirit program which works with organisations including Australia Business Arts Foundation and Conservation Volunteers Australia.

National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark, in partnership with Toyota.  To find out more about National Tree Day go to: www.toyota.com.au/treeday call 1300 88 5000 or visit your local participating Toyota Dealership.