- TD's annual fundraising campaign for Children's Miracle Network asks Canadians to make regular charitable giving a family affair -

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - 'Tis the season of giving and children across the country are proving that a toonie can make a big difference for a sick child in their community. Parents have the chance to teach their children how they can put compassion into action during TD's fundraising campaign in support of Children's Miracle Network.

TD's annual campaign supports local Children's Miracle Network member hospitals. TD is encouraging customers and employees to register for automated monthly donations to support the children's hospital in their region and TD will match every toonie donated to Children's Miracle Network up to $1 million.

"TD has been a long time supporter of Children's Miracle Network, helping to fund life-saving equipment, patient services, and medical research," says Tim Hockey, President and CEO, TD Canada Trust. "The holiday season presents an ideal opportunity for families to discuss charitable giving with their children and how their donations throughout the year can add up to make a big difference."

TD personal finance expert Patricia Lovett-Reid agrees that the holidays are a perfect time for kids to learn about charitable donations and family money management. "When charitable giving is part of the family's financial plan, children learn to embrace the spirit of giving year-round," says Lovett-Reid. "Building regular donations into the family budget helps children understand the importance of giving to others and that is a powerful life lesson."

TD offers simple charitable giving tips for families:

• Make donations a regular part of the family budget, rather than using discretionary funds
• Involve children in decisions about which charitable causes to support and set up regular donation withdrawals from a bank account
• Create a budget with your children, to help them understand what different items cost and that they have to make choices to stay on budget
• If your child receives an allowance, suggest they split their money into separate money jars for saving, spending and giving
• For birthday and holiday gifts, ask your child to add a "give list" to their gift wish list
• Put loose change into a "giving jar" and decide as a family which cause to support with a donation
• Keep a dedicated folder to organize donation receipts so you can take advantage of the tax benefits come tax time

The difference a toonie can make

A two dollar donation may not seem like a lot, but over time those toonies can add up to spectacular results. Last year alone, TD customers and employees helped raise $4.8 million for Children's Miracle Network hospitals across Canada and more than $37 million since 1996.

Regular donations add up to make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families that rely on Children's Miracle Network hospitals like the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. "Since our 3-year-old son, Hunter, was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago, we took a leap of faith and put his life in the hands of the doctors and nurses at SickKids," says Sitara de Gagne, SickKids parent. "Support from fundraising initiatives like TD's means new advances can be achieved and that current programs can be maintained at SickKids. Every dollar makes an impact on the life of a child like Hunter."

"Thanks to TD's efforts, we are able to make a difference in the lives of more than 2.6 million children across Canada every year," says John Hartman, Chief International Officer, Children's Miracle Network. "The funds raised go directly to providing vital services, programs, equipment and research devoted to improving children's health."

How to donate

TD Canada Trust Internet banking customers can establish automated monthly donations directly by logging into EasyWeb and clicking on "Special Requests" followed by "Make a Donation" from the menu on the left hand side of the screen. Automated monthly donations can also be set up by visiting any TD Canada Trust branch.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. Compassionate organizations, media partners and countless individuals unite with Children's Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children's Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of more than 2.6 million Canadian children each year. To learn more go to childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.

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