TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 10, 2012) - On behalf of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, the Vancouver Aquarium dive team will conduct an underwater dive on Sunday, August 19 at HMCS York, the Naval Reserves Division in Toronto, to raise awareness of the impact of aquatic debris, and how Canadians can take action to address this threat to our shorelines (any point where land meets water).

To bring the issue of aquatic debris to life, divers will bring to shore any debris that they collect underwater. On-site photos and interview opportunities will be available. Speakers from participating organizations and supporters will also provide remarks.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is a national conservation initiative organized by the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, and takes place September 15-23, 2012. Visit www.ShorelineCleanup.ca to register as a participant or site coordinator.

Details for Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Media Dive Event:
What:	Introductory remarks will be followed by an underwater dive conducted by the Naval Reserve dive team, photo opportunity and Q&A/interviews.
Where:	HMCS York - Naval Reserve Division in Toronto 659 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto, M5V 1A7 Located between Tip Top Lofts and Coronation Park (Parking available west of HMCS York in Coronation Park along Remembrance Drive)
When:	Sunday, August 19, 2012 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET.
Spokespersons:	Steven Price, Senior Director, Conservation Science & Practice, WWF Julia Cervenko, Leader, Naval Reserve Dive Team Sonya Fiorini, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Loblaw Companies Limited

Please see attached materials for local and provincial shoreline litter statistics.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. www.ShorelineCleanup.ca

Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org

WWF

WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca

Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca