TD Extends Jazz Sponsorships 'til 2014
Big news for jazz aficianados north of the border. Today, TD Bank Financial Group has agreed to extend its sponsorship of eight major Canadian jazz festival until 2014.
This is a big step, which comes following an announcement last summer that TD would assume presenting sponsorship of Montreal International Jazz Fest from financially troubled General Motors.
TD Canada Trust is currently the title sponsor of the Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax jazz festivals and a major sponsor of the Saskatchewan jazz festival. In 2010, TD will assume the role of title sponsor of the Winnipeg and Victoria festivals and as announced in July of 2009, next year marks the year TD becomes presenting sponsor of the renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival.
"We're excited to extend our partnership with these jazz festivals across Canada and we look forward to playing a bigger role in Victoria, Winnipeg and Montreal next year," said Tim Hockey, President and CEO, TD Canada Trust. "TD has been supporting jazz in Canada for many years and in that time, millions of fans have enjoyed the performances of thousands of artists at these terrific festivals."
"We are thrilled to have TD's continued support at our festivals. Each festival has become the success it is because of our volunteers, community support and TD's commitment to music," said Patrick Taylor, Executive Producer & CEO, TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival. "And we're very pleased to announce that with TD assuming the presenting sponsorship position of the Montreal International Jazz Festival and title sponsor of the Winnipeg and Victoria jazz festivals, it is now one of the biggest supporters of jazz music in the world."
In addition to their commitment to music, the Canadian jazz festivals will continue to work closely with TD to educate their communities about the environment. In efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, Canadian jazz festivals have launched a range of eco-friendly initiatives like recycling programs, locally sourced organic food options, and sourcing renewable energy to power the stages.
"Music programs, festivals, and talented performers all contribute to keeping our communities culturally vibrant," continued Hockey. "After years of sponsoring jazz festivals and youth outreach programs across Canada, we have seen firsthand how much music means to Canadians as both an expression of cultural identity and a source of enjoyment."
