Kids inspire $10,000 donation from Ontario's doctors to the Canadian Red Cross

TORONTO, May 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Children from across the province put pen – and pencil and crayon – to paper to share how their 'doc rocks'. This was part of a campaign to celebrate Ontario's doctors and to benefit those in need.

This activity was part of the Ontario Medical Association's (OMA) Doctors' Day campaign to celebrate the special relationship young patients have with their doctors. To recognize the contribution of Ontario's physicians and to honour the bravery of young patients, the OMA committed to donating $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross on behalf of those who participated in this year's Doctors' Day campaign.

"Ontario's doctors are proud to make a donation to the Red Cross, especially at a time when the needs of our fellow Canadians in Alberta are so great," said Dr. Virginia Walley, President of the Ontario Medical Association. "We would like to thank all of the children who sent us their messages, as well as the schools, hospitals and health-care organizations that helped facilitate this wonderful campaign."

More than 1,000 children submitted a "My doc rocks because…" drawing with a variety of touching, funny and heartfelt messages.

Children wrote "My doc rocks because…
…he saved my life when my heart stopped beating."
…once I walk in she smiles."
…he always has time for me when I'm sick and he cures me in a snap. He also rocks because he is trust worthy and he is in a rock and roll band."
…she helps me when I break a bone and if doctors weren't here we would have broken bones, disease and there would be sickness and sadness everywhere."

May 1st was recognized by the provincial government in 2011 as the official day of appreciation for Ontario's doctors. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Canada's first female physician, Dr. Emily Stowe.

Ontario's doctors have a long history of advocating for the health and well-being of their patients and for the communities in which they practice. Every day, Ontario's 29,000 doctors put patients first. From hospitals to long-term care homes, and from clinics to patient's homes, Ontario's doctors make a positive difference in the lives of their patients by providing high-quality care when it's needed most.

"I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say it is a privilege to serve the patients of this province," said Dr. Walley. "There have been many expressions of support and events this month organized by local communities to say thanks to their doctors. Today is my opportunity to say thank you to all the patients we care for and to all members of the health-care team who we have the pleasure of working with every day."

Click here to view a sample of children's drawings and their Doctors' Day messages.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) represents more than 34,000 physicians and medical students across the province. Ontario's doctors work closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention. In addition to delivering front-line services to patients, Ontario's doctors play a significant role in helping shape health care policy, as well as implementing initiatives that strengthen and enhance Ontario's health care system.

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

please contact: Nadia Daniell-Colarossi, Manager Media Relations, Office: 416-340-2970 or 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2970, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]