St John's, NL - October 22, 2008 - The Imperial Oil Foundation today announced it has donated a total of $40,000 to four local organizations. The donations, split equally among the Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society, East Coast Trail Association, Grand Concourse Authority and Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation, will be used to support programs that positively impact the environment, education and the community.

"From its earliest days, when the company gave its first donation of $100 to a fisherman's mission in Newfoundland, charitable giving has been an integral part of Imperial's tradition," said Monica Samper, President, Imperial Oil Foundation. "I'm pleased that our donation today will continue supporting initiatives that are making a valuable contribution to education and the environment in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society

Off the south coast of Newfoundland, endangered leatherback sea turtles are often trapped in fishing gear and almost 50% end up dying as a result. Canadian Parks & Wilderness, in partnership with the Whale Release & Strandings Program are working to change that by using the donation to develop a public outreach program that will educate fishers and the general public on how to protect these animals and what to do if they spot a turtle in trouble.

East Coast Trail Association

The East Coast Trail Association will use the funds to protect and preserve the trail, and provides the association with the means to begin addressing the priorities of their Land Investigation & Analysis Project.

"The protection of the trail is our number one strategic issue", said Randy Murphy, President, East Coast Trail Association. "The information we are seeking is essential for stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding how best to keep the trail open, free and available to all."

Grand Concourse Authority

Providing access to all areas of Bigwood park without damaging environmentally sensitive sections is crucial for the Grand Concourse Authority (GCA). Addison Brown, executive director of GCA says his organization is extremely pleased to have received infrastructure funding from the Foundation.

"This funding is a very important donation and has enabled us to develop walkways and a bridge in the park," said Brown.

Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation

Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation will use the donation to expand its Outreach Water Quality Monitoring Program in regions outside the city.

"Thanks to the Imperial Oil Foundation, our educators are able to travel throughout the province helping other educators create an awareness of water issues with the 'next' generation of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Sharon Jeans, Executive Director.

With a goal to being an active member of the community and to building a life-long learning system in Canada that ranks among the best in the world, Imperial Oil Limited has been contributing to communities across Canada for the past 126 years. Imperial Oil contributed more than $11 million to enhance the well-being of communities across Canada in 2007, building on a tradition of corporate giving that began with the company's inception in 1880. Supporting organizations where we live and work, the company emphasizes investment in education of math and sciences, environment, and civic and community programs where we have employees or business operations

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