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

LONDON, ON, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is rallying Londoners to support Children's Health 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, Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre Patient Ambassador Xander and his doctor, Dr. Victor Han, helped to launch this year's program by smashing a piggy bank at the TD Canada Trust branch in the Westmount Shopping Centre, 775 Wonderland Road South, Building D, London, ON.

Xander was only 1lb 9oz when he was born at 25 weeks. As an employee in the Neonatal Perinatal Medicine department, Xander's mom Nancy was no stranger to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  However, finding herself as the parent of a critically ill and preterm baby was a surreal experience. While in the NICU, Xander had surgery for issues with his heart as well as his vision, which are both common in preterm babies, and temporarily needed oxygen after he was discharged from the hospital. Thanks to his healthcare team, Xander is now a growing, thriving five year old.

"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 Yvette Scrivener, Manager, Community Relations, TD Bank Group.

How to donate:

Londoners 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.

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 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.

"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, patient services and important medical research," said Jill Osborne, Children's Health 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.