BOOM 97.3 AND THE GTA SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Families, individuals, and corporations all over the city are helping those in need this Holiday season by taking part in the Children's Aid Foundation's Surrogate Santa program. The program, in partnership with boom 97.3, helps thousands of children, independent youth, and families have a special and memorable holiday by helping provide gifts and food for those who would otherwise go without. Donors can "adopt a family" to donate gifts, donate cash directly to the program, or become a Virtual Surrogate Santa and raise money online. The program began November 1st and runs until December 17th.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with boom 97.3 to help us create special memories for families that may not have the resources," said Len Gamache, President of the Children's Aid Foundation.

Since its inception in 2003, the Surrogate Santa Program has raised over $700,000 in money and gifts for children, their families, and youth in need over the holidays. Every year the program has grown and last year alone the Surrogate Santa Program raised over $224,000 in money and gifts, helping over 1,800 children, independent youth and families across the greater Toronto area. This year our goal is to increase fundraising efforts and help even more families and youth have a wonderful holiday season. The Children's Aid Foundation partners with five Toronto area child welfare organizations to provide needy families, their children and youth living independently in the community, with gifts and holiday meals to brighten an otherwise difficult season.

The Children's Aid Foundation is a national charity committed to improving the lives of abused, neglected, and high-risk children and youth across Canada. Focusing on a three-pronged approach, the Foundation supports child welfare organizations in three critical areas: Prevention, Enrichment, and Education. With a separate endowment that covers administrative expenses, donation dollars are used directly to help the Children's Aid Foundation fund welfare programs for children and youth in need.

For further information:

please contact Elizabeth Callahan at [phone] ext.224 or email [email protected]. You can find information on the web at http://www.surrogatesanta.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Rebecca Llewellyn
416 923 0924 ext 235
[email protected]