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

VANCOUVER, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is rallying British Columbians to support the BC Children's Hospital Foundation, part of 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 Children's Miracle Network member hospitals.

Today, BC Children's Hospital Patient Ambassador Kaitlyn helped to launch this year's program by smashing a piggy bank, with some help from her older brother Nico, at the TD Canada Trust Branch on West King Edward Avenue.

Kaitlyn was born last year with unexpected Down syndrome. She spent the first five weeks of her life at BC Children's Hospital, which was a very traumatic time for the family as they did not know whether she would survive. Kaitlyn will be monitored by the hospital most of her young life, and her family is extremely grateful for the support they receive. Kaitlyn's mom, Heather, says, "BC Children's Hospital is one place that you feel comfortable. People don't stare — you feel welcome as part of a big family. And the nurses make your stay magical and special."

"We know that many of our employees and customers have been touched by their own experiences at Children's Miracle Network hospitals. We're proud to support the important work of the doctors, nurses and staff - as well as the brave children they care for," said Gloria Cooper, Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust, Shaughnessy Branch.

How to donate:

British Columbians who want to help make miracles happen can make a donation at any TD Canada Trust branch and the donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by TD.

TD Canada Trust customers can also choose to support Children's Miracle Network by setting up automated monthly donations in-branch, by calling EasyLine at 1-866-222-3456, 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 and will support BC Children's Hospital.

"Giving programs like TD's campaign help miracles happen every day by providing critical support to Canadian children, so they can get the best treatment available through life-saving equipment, patient services and important medical research," said Marcie Mark, BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

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.