TD Bank Financial Group provides $100,000 to fund unique project

    OTTAWA, Nov. 26 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Independent Living
Centres (CAILC) and TD Bank Financial Group today announced the launch of the
Virtual Independent Living Resource and TD Bank Financial Group Employment Web
Portal at www.vilrc.ca. TD Bank Financial Group contributed $100,000 towards
this unique project that will assist Canadians with disabilities in their
efforts to find employment as well as resources and tools to enable increased
participation in their communities.
    "For the first time, Canada now has a national online resource available
to assist persons with disabilities in finding the information, means and
opportunities they need to live independently," said Tim Hockey, Group Head TD
Personal Banking, Co-Chair TD Canada Trust. "As one of Canada's largest
employers, TD has been steadily improving and enhancing its recruitment
initiatives and this new site will be a great tool for us to use as well."
    CAILC and its network of 28 Independent Living Resource Centres provide
programs and services for over 250,000 Canadians with disabilities including
sensory, physical, psychological and intellectual. The CAILC website has
nearly 60,000 visitors per month, a number that is expected to increase with
the new services available.
    "The partnership we have developed with TD Bank Financial Group addresses
an important priority we both share - the drive to enhance employment and
independent living opportunities for Canadians with disabilities," said Traci
Walters, National Director, CAILC.
    "TD has a strong commitment to making a difference together in
communities across Canada and we believe this new online resource is a great
step towards helping persons with disabilities reach their career and personal
goals," said Beth Grudzinski, Vice President, Diversity Initiatives and
Programs, TD Bank Financial Group.
    There are approximately 4.5 million Canadians living with a form of
disability. The launch of the site is in advance of the United Nation's
International Day of Disabled Persons, which this year appropriately focuses
on "Decent Work for People with Disabilities."

For further information: Linda McGreevy, CILCA, (613) 563-2581 ext. 21,
Cell: (613) 720-5549; Jennifer Martin, TD Bank Financial Group, (416)
983-6473