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

WINNIPEG, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is rallying Winnipeggers to support The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, 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, patient ambassador Brittney and Dr. Becker helped to launch this year's program by smashing a piggy bank at the TD Canada Trust branch at 3260 Portage Avenue.

Dancing comes naturally to 17-year-old Brittney, but behind her dance moves is an incredible story of a girl who at just eleven months of age was admitted to the hospital with a life-threatening airway obstruction. Doctors discovered Brittney had a lymphatic tumor, which was compressing vital organs and obstructing her airway. After removing the tumor, Brittney underwent a number of other surgeries to repair her fragile body.

Brittney needed specialized care and was transferred to the Children's Hospital for regular intensive therapy sessions. With a supportive team of caregivers, Brittney was finally able to begin a new life outside hospital walls at age three. Although she still requires follow-up care, Brittney's future is brighter than ever. Inspired by her own experiences and those of others, Brittney wants to be a teacher one day.

"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 Cheryl Lawson, Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust.

How to donate:

Winnipeggers 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.

"Giving programs like TD Bank Group'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 Gary Rozak, The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

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.