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

CALGARY, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group is rallying Calgarians to support Alberta Children's Hospital, 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, Alberta Children's Hospital Patient Ambassador Leland helped to launch this year's program by smashing a piggy bank.  He was joined by Liz Ballendine, Director, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation and Dr. Teddi, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation Mascot, at the TD Canada Trust branch in Calgary Market Mall.

Two years ago, Leland's parents took him to the Emergency Department at the Alberta Children's Hospital with a nosebleed that just wouldn't stop. They could never have imagined that their three-year-old son would be diagnosed with Leukemia that day. Though treatment for Leland's type of cancer lasts at least three years, today he is an imaginative little boy who can't wait to get back to his number one sport, lacrosse!

"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 Jeff Jones, Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust.

How to donate:

Calgarians 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'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 Liz Ballendine.

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.