TD will match donations up to $1 million to support Children's Miracle Network hospitals

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2011 /CNW/ - For the 17^th consecutive year, TD Bank Group is rallying Canadians to support Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. TD will help make miracles happen this December by matching donations, up to $1 million, made in support of the local Children's Miracle Network member hospital.

"Many people find themselves thinking about miracles at this time of year. Giving programs like TD's help miracles happen every day by providing critical support to Canadian children, so they can get the best treatment available through life-saving equipment, innovative patient services and important medical research," said John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Children's Miracle Network.

Four-year-old Hunter can attest to the important work of Children's Miracle Network. After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) two years ago, Hunter knows what it's like to spend time in hospital. A fan of superheroes, Hunter approaches ALL like a fight between good guys and bad guys. According to Hunter, the illness is like a bad guy trying to attack his body and his doctors and his medicine are the good guys fighting back. His experience inspired him to donate a portion of his allowance back to SickKids to support his doctor's research. "Dr. Hitzler has helped me so much. I'm saving to make sure he can keep helping kids like me," explained Hunter.

To date, TD and its customers have donated more than $42 million to Children's Miracle Network. "We know that many of our employees and customers have been touched by their own experiences at their local Children's Miracle Network hospital. We're proud to support the important work of the doctors, nurses and staff - as well as the brave children who they serve," said Tim Hockey, President and CEO, TD Canada Trust. "Together, TD and our customers raised over five million dollars last year, I'm hopeful we can exceed that in the year to come," he added.

How to donate:

Canadians from coast-to-coast can follow Hunter's example and support Children's Miracle Network by making a minimum $2 donation at any TD Canada Trust branch.

TD Canada Trust customers can choose to support Children's Miracle Network by setting up automated monthly donations in-branch or online 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.

Donated funds stay in the region where they were raised with support going to BC Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital, Stollery Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan, Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, Children's Hospital in London, McMaster Children's Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Operation Enfant Soleil, IWK Health Centre and Janeway Children's Hospital.

TD Community Giving

TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2011, TD donated over $66 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca. 

Image with caption: "Four year old Hunter "breaks the bank" with his oncologist, Dr. Hans Hitzler, at SickKids Hospital in Toronto to kick-off TD's fundraising in support of Children's Miracle Network hospitals across Canada. TD will match all donations made this December up to one million dollars. (CNW Group/TD BANK GROUP)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111202_C3389_PHOTO_EN_7782.jpg