Charitable Giving in the Workplace garners a spotlight as ALS Canada recognizes HealthPartners at Annual General Meeting

MARKHAM, ON, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The importance of workplace giving was highlighted at ALS Canada's annual general meeting over the weekend as HealthPartners was recognized for their exceptional programs aimed to educate and increase public awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Over the past 25 years, HealthPartners has garnered close to $2 million dollars in donations to ALS Canada through their corporate giving model helping fund world-renowned research and support services for clients living with this terminal disease. 

"HealthPartners is a vital partner for ALS Canada. The ability to connect to the business world and employees through workplace giving is pivotal in opening up communication channels to raise awareness and funds for clients and families living with ALS," says Dav Cvitkovic, Vice President, Fund Development and Marketing for ALS Canada and is a member of the board of directors at HealthPartners. "We value the partnership with HealthPartners and wanted to thank them for their continued support and dedication by honouring them with the Tony Proudfoot Award."

A champion for the cause, Tony Proudfoot was an all-star defensive back in the Canadian Football League (CFL) who lost his battle to ALS in 2010. For ALS Canada he epitomizes the ultimate ambassador in raising awareness for this disease.

"On behalf of HealthPartners, I would like to sincerely thank ALS Canada for this great honour. Tony Proudfoot was an outstanding Canadian who brought great attention to ALS and its impact on those who are diagnosed. To receive an award in his name – and in the presence of other award recipients who work so tirelessly on behalf of individuals with ALS and their families is inspiring," said Eileen Dooley, CEO of HealthPartners. "At HealthPartners, we work to raise resources for charities that are finding cures, causes and treatments for diseases such as ALS. We invest in research, frontline programs, services and supports through organizations such as ALS. We believe charities do better when we work collaboratively to raise funds for research, prevention and cures, and we are proud to partner with the ALS Canada to support their critical work."

To learn more about HealthPartners and ALS Canada visit healthpartners.ca and als.ca respectively.

About ALS Canada                                             
ALS Canada, founded in 1977, is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS and support for those with ALS. ALS Canada is the leading not-for-profit organization working nationwide to fund ALS research and, with the Provincial ALS Societies, working to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by ALS.

About ALS
ALS is a terminal disease characterized by progressive paralysis of muscles throughout the body. Ninety percent of ALS patients die within five years of diagnosis and some in less than one. An estimated 3,000 Canadians have the disease, yet there are currently no effective treatment options. ALS is caused by death of motor neurons, which connect the brain to the muscles. While the specific cause remains unknown, promising discoveries in recent years have provided significant clues that should pave the way for new therapies and an eventual cure.

About HealthPartners
HealthPartners is the workplace giving arm of 16 of Canada's best known national health charities.

More than 25 years ago our partners had a vision that together they could do more to improve the lives of the 87% of Canadians likely to be affected by chronic disease or major illness. The more than $100 million we have raised has ensured life-saving medical research and treatments. And in every community across our country our 16 charities' are helping Canadians lead longer and healthier lives. HealthPartners offers a convenient and cost-effective way for Canadians to give to health charities at work. We help improve the health of workplaces through engaged, motivated employees who have access to information, support and resources.

SOURCE: ALS Society of Canada

ALS Canada, Rebecca Grima, Director of Marketing & Communications, 905.248.2052 x235, [email protected]; HealthPartners,Kelly Nolan, Director of Marketing & Communications, 613-562-1469, ext.228, [email protected]