49 community heroes receive donations to the causes they champion

TORONTO, July 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Not all heroes wear capes. Today, TD is saying #TDThanksYou to the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes in communities from coast to coast to help build an inclusive tomorrow. Each of these heroes has a personal, inspiring story that demonstrates the difference an individual with heart and purpose can make.

"Our customers inspire us every day when they take the initiative to help transform lives and enrich communities," said Norie Campbell, Group Head, Colleague & Customer Experience, TD Bank Group. "We are fortunate to know them, honoured to serve them and delighted to celebrate their work. Today, we want to introduce Canadians to 49 of our community-minded customers, share their unique stories and lend our support." 

TD has selected customers and charitable causes aligned with The Ready Commitment, the Bank's corporate citizenship platform, aimed at opening doors for a more inclusive tomorrow by building Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health.

TD will donate up to CDN $1 million in celebration of #TDThanksYou, including seven donations of $50,000 to organizations associated with the work of these community heroes, highlighted in a series of video stories linked below. Canadians are encouraged to watch the videos, share the causes with their social networks and join us in celebrating these Canadians who are helping to improve lives and open doors across the country. The heroes include:

• François Laramée of Delson, QC, who has worked tirelessly to shine a spotlight on depression and suicide, and to highlight the importance of physical health in overcoming mental health challenges. Francois, who runs more than 10 km daily, has been involved in several marathons to raise funds for Fondation Jeunes en Tête, which helps teens in psychological distress across the province.
• Pamela Bielak of Vaughan, ON, who recognized that children who spend time in hospitals need an escape and something to occupy their time. She came up with the idea of creating craft kits, which give children a creative and fun way to pass the time during a hospital stay. Pamela's cause, Crafting for a Cure, reaches over 70 hospitals in seven countries, and TD's donation will help the organization meet its goal of creating 100,000 craft kits this year. TD employees are also donating their time to prepare the kits.
• Harry Stewart and Chris Southin of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, a couple who carved their own path to acceptance through adversity and want to help others to do the same. When there was nowhere for LGBTQ2+ youth to turn to in their area, they created a safe space for young people to connect and thrive. TD's contribution to the Rainbow Camp will be used to extend the experience to more young people and to hold a reunion for past campers.
• Hack Hamdon of Drayton Valley, AB believes that no matter what, everyone deserves to come "home" at the end of the day. Recognizing this, Hack took it upon himself to start Humans Helping Humans Housing Foundation with the dream of helping struggling families with the gift of a home. Hack has led numerous home builds already and the effect has been exponential in his community. He's helped people get out of the cycle of poverty and instilled a community of giving back.
• Don MacDonald of Edmonton, AB, who saw the positive effects sports could have on marginalized youth in his community and so he decided to provide them with equipment to play. Don's commitment to young people is one reason why Sports Central exists. Since 1991, Don and other community-minded individuals have provided over 125,000 low-income kids with much-needed gear to enable them to play in a sport of their choice. TD's donation will help give youth the sports equipment they need.
• Dave Proctor of Calgary, AB, is an extreme distance runner, using his passion for sport to raise awareness and money for the Rare Disease Foundation. Dave's son Sam has a rare disease called RECA (Relapsing Encephalopathy with Cerebellar Ataxia). As part of his ongoing efforts to raise funds and awareness, Dave is running across Canada. TD's contribution will help support rare disease research in Canada.
• Cindy Stradling of Scarborough, ON, is the founder of Women Moving Forward, an organization that hosts events and conferences to celebrate women and empower them to take the necessary steps toward a happier, healthier life. TD is contributing to help this group continue its inspiring work.

A further 42 causes associated with TD customers' community efforts will each receive $5,000 to help fund work that aims to address the needs of Canadians of all ages. These include Dr. Greg Chang, founder of SuperChefs Cookery for Kids in Surrey, British Columbia, which teaches children the essentials of balanced nutrition and Fred Dolbel, an ambassador and tireless advocate for elderly health and wellness at the Seniors Association of St. Margaret's Bay in Nova Scotia.

Today, celebrations are taking place at branches across the country to say #TDThanksYou to all TD customers and to recognize community heroes. TD's online and telephone customers may also experience the spirit of the day. Telephone banking customers will be randomly selected and asked to share which of the four drivers of The Ready Commitment are most important to them. TD will make a donation to a charity that reflects customer selections up to an overall donation of $100,000. Online customers will also be randomly surveyed to share feedback to help inform TD's future community giving efforts.

Learn more about #TDThanksYou at www.TD.com/tdthanksyou and visit www.td.com/TheReadyCommitment  to read about what The Ready Commitment aims to accomplish by 2030.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 25 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in TD Ameritrade; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 12 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.3 trillion in assets on April 30, 2018. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

SOURCE TD Bank Group