To celebrate World Water Day, Friends of the Earth and the Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD) will launch a new water outreach program, “Be True To Blue”, with the support of Manitoba Water Stewardship and RBC’s Blue Water Project and participation from RBC branches in Manitou, Morden, Winkler, Crystal City and Somerset.

The public is invited to the free kick off event including guest speaker, Dr. David Brooks,

and entertainment and refreshments.

RBC Blue Water Fund will make a presentation to Friends of the Earth in support of the water program in PVCD.

WHEN: Thursday, March 18, starting at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Manitou Opera House, Manitou, Manitoba

For further details, please contact:

Cliff Greenfield, Manager, Pembina Valley Conservation District 204-242-3267

Beatrice Olivastri, CEO, Friends of the Earth 613-724-8690 (cell)

Liz Redston, RBC Manager Public Affairs & Communications 204-988-3516

About Friends of the Earth – a charitable, non-profit organization that serves as a national voice for the environment working with others to inspire the renewal of our communities and the earth through research, advocacy and education.  www.foecanada.org

About Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD) Manitoba - supports local landowners with technical and financial assistance to participate in locally identified soil and water conservation programmes. www.pvcd.ca

About RBC’s Blue Water Project - The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year, $50million philanthropic commitment to support organizations that are committed to watershed protection and providing access to clean drinking water.  Applications for the “Community Action Grant” component of the Project are now welcome.  Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. RBC Blue Water Project has granted Friends of the Earth Canada $100,000 to conduct its work with the Pembina Valley Conservation District in Manitoba. http://www.rbc.com/donations/blue-water.html