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

HALIFAX, NS, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is rallying Maritimers to support IWK Health Centre 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, Patient Ambassador Spencer helped to launch this year's program by smashing a piggy bank at TD Canada Trust, 1785 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS.

Spencer was born with a rare form of dwarfism, Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (SED) and with significant physical medical complications. He was only expected to live for three months. He spent the first 18 months of his life in the IWK's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, has had numerous surgeries at the IWK, and is currently followed by multiple clinics. Now 13, Spencer was at the event to raise awareness of the importance of giving to support the important work of his doctors and nurses at the IWK.

"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 Stephanie Morrison, Manager, Customer Experience and Community Relations, TD Bank Group.

How to donate:

Maritimers 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 Geoffrey Milder, Development Officer, Children's Miracle Network Program Director, IWK Health Centre 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.