Juno award-winning singer, Melanie Doane, treats local students to the sweet sound of music

TORONTO, April 9 /CNW/ - Grade six students at Markham's Coppard Glen Public School got an earful of information today about the importance of protecting their hearing and were also treated to a live performance from Juno award-winning singer/songwriter Melanie Doane. This event was part of an announcement made by The Hearing Foundation of Canada (THFC) in recognition of a $300,000 donation from TD Bank Financial Group, which will go towards THFC's national educational program called "Sound Sense: Save Your Hearing for the Music!"

Sound Sense is a unique, award-winning bilingual program that educates Canadian elementary school children in grades four to six about the dangers of loud listening. In under an hour, Sound Sense captivates children through the use of an innovative DVD and sound meter demonstrations, all in an effort to help them understand what safe listening habits are and to have them experience what life would be like if they couldn't hear the sounds they enjoy.

"As part of our commitment to children's health, we understand the importance of investing in young people and getting involved with organizations that provide innovative teaching programs," said Kam Lo, District Vice President, TD Canada Trust. "We're thrilled to be lending our support to THFC's Sound Sense program because it helps children better understand and truly appreciate the profound impact hearing loss or impairment can have on their quality of life."

"With the explosion of MP3 players and iPods, the Sound Sense program will help young people better understand the long-term risks associated with noise exposure," said Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham. "I commend The Hearing Foundation of Canada for implementing and TD for continuing to support such important community initiatives."

Melanie Doane, who was also at the event as a special guest and to show her support said, "As a musician and a mother, I'm passionate about hearing protection. My grandmother was a church organist and advocate for hearing protection. She developed hearing loss at a young age and made a point of educating us about the dangers of loud listening. This is an important message for children and parents."

"We are very proud to have TD support the Sound Sense program," said Dino Sophocleous, President (Acting), The Hearing Foundation of Canada. "As a result of their generous donation, we'll be able to educate more Canadian children and help them develop healthy hearing habits, which are crucial in protecting their hearing and maintaining optimal communication as they grow older. On behalf of THFC and all the children who have, and will benefit from this donation, I would like to thank TD for a gift that will last a lifetime and for their tireless support that has spanned over the past two decades."

The Hearing Foundation of Canada (THFC) is committed to eliminating the devastating effects of hearing loss on the quality of life of Canadians, particularly youth, by promoting prevention, early diagnosis, leading-edge medical research and successful intervention. THFC has developed numerous programs that seek to improve the hearing health of Canadians, in the areas of public education and medical research.

THFC is a national charitable organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of 11 individuals from the business and medical communities. Many Board members have personal experience with hearing loss. The Foundation is managed by a professional staff and is wholly supported by donors across Canada. For more information please visit www.hearingfoundation.ca.