Peel board declares June 10 as Toonie Tuesday to support Balkan relief effort

TORONTO, June 6, 2014 /CNW/ - The Peel District School Board is encouraging staff, students and parents to lend a helping hand on June 10 for victims of the Balkan floods. All funds raised during the Toonie Tuesday event will be donated to UNICEF Canada, helping them continue to provide relief to more than two million people affected by the severe flooding.

"The Peel board encourages all staff, students and families to engage in global citizenship every day. When something happens in another part of the world, we are always ready to do our part in helping others," says Tony Pontes, director of education at the Peel board. "We know that we are part of such a giving community and are confident that this initiative will be successful."

UNICEF Canada is already on the ground in the Balkans providing relief to more than two million victims, including more than 460,000 children. Donations will go towards purchasing medical supplies, and providing clean water and shelter for families displaced in this disaster. If just 10 students bring a toonie each, that $20 can purchase 2,857 water purification tablets - the difference between life and death for thousands of children in need.

"Millions of children have been affected by this disaster, including thousands who are now homeless. Infrastructure has been destroyed and families have been isolated making it difficult to provide relief," says David Morley, UNICEF Canada's president and chief executive officer. "UNICEF's emergency response teams are on the ground and funds raised through the Peel board will help ensure children receive urgently needed supplies and support."

The Peel board serves more than 150,000 students in 242 schools across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga and is the largest employer in Peel Region. For more information about the Peel board please visit www.peelschools.org.

SOURCE: Peel District School Board

Media contact:  Anne-Marie Brown, Communications Officer, 905-890-1010 ext. 2626, [email protected]

Reference:  Matthew Anderson, Communications Assistant, 905-890-1010 ext.3567, [email protected]