Montreal kids break open piggy banks for Opération Enfant Soleil

MONTREAL , Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - Ten children from the Montreal region gathered today at a TD Canada Trust branch to break open piggy banks in the presence of Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust.

TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG) hopes that this symbolic gesture will stimulate interest in giving generously to the 2009 Children's Miracle Network (CMN) campaign. CMN, of which Opération Enfant Soleil in Quebec is a member, represents a network of children's hospitals and foundations which help over two million young Canadians each year.

"This symbolic activity is intended to raise awareness about the importance of giving generously. One small gesture can provide so much happiness and help to children who really need it. I invite the public to break open their piggy banks too and contribute to this cause," said Ms. Marchildon . The children who participated, all volunteers for Opération Enfant Soleil, were pleased to have the opportunity to show how important this cause is to them.

"The holiday season - with its focus on giving - is the perfect time to remind parents to lead by example, and TD Bank Financial Group is proud to do its part by matching every dollar donated by its customers in this year's Children's Miracle Network campaign up to $1 million ," said Ms. Marchildon . In 2008, with the help of customers and employees, TDBFG raised $5.4 million to support 14 Children's Miracle Network hospitals across Canada .

How to donate

TD encourages Quebecers to support charities through their financial transactions, while making children aware of the importance of community involvement. In partnership with Children's Miracle Network, the Bank offers its customers the opportunity to donate to children's hospitals in their region, through automatic monthly deductions from their bank account.

TD customers can establish automated monthly donations by going to www.tdcanadatrust.com, then logging into EasyWeb and clicking on "Special Requests", followed by "Make a Donation" from the menu on the left hand side of the screen. People can also visit any TD Canada Trust branch to make the necessary arrangements with a customer service representative to set up monthly donations.

Marie-Pier's story: a concrete example!

Opération Enfant Soleil contributes to helping sick children in significant ways. A year ago, Opération Enfant Soleil supported little Marie-Pier, who was suffering from Ewing's sarcoma. She was hospitalized for over eight months to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, her only chance of a cure. Today, her cancer is gone and her health is stable. While not officially in remission, she is putting on weight again and regaining energy.

"Opération Enfant Soleil had a real impact on our daily life, thanks to sophisticated equipment that makes treatment less painful and a hospital environment adapted to the entire family's needs. Also, Marie-Pier received care 40% of the time in Chicoutimi, near family and friends. This support gave us strength at a time when we were very vulnerable. We really noticed the difference that Opération Enfant Soleil makes to pediatric care in Quebec ," said the young girl's father, Marc Dubois .

TD Community Giving: Making a Difference Together

Children's health, literacy and education are the three main areas of focus for TD's community giving. Flagship programs within these areas include: TD Children's Hospital Fund; TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; TD Canadian Children's Book Week; TD Canada Scholarships for Community Leadership; and the TD Summer Reading Club. With support from customers and employees, TD is involved with a host of national, regional and local causes benefiting diversity, arts and culture and other community programs. In 2008, TD donated $35 million to more than 2,100 organizations across Canada .

For further information: Karen Lafleur, TD Bank Financial Group, [phone], [email protected]; Morin Relations Publiques: Mathieu Beaudoin, [phone], extension 225, [email protected]; Charles Durivage, [phone], extension 227, [email protected]