Powerful show of support for kids with physical disabilities

TORONTO, May 13 /CNW/ - Last night's Toronto's Tribute Award Dinner presented by Bruce Power at the Liberty Grand raised over half a million dollars for Easter Seals Ontario. The evening recognized The Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario's Minister of Finance, and Don MacKinnon, President of the Power Workers' Union, for being leaders in their communities, in their industries and for their continued support of children and youth with physical disabilities.

"We are very proud of tonight's event and could not have done it without the generosity of our many supporters. At the end of the day, the more we raise, the more we can help Easter Seals serve Ontario's kids with physical disabilities," said Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO of Bruce Power. "Summer is coming and there will be many kids going to Easter Seals camp for the first time. They'll experience a summer like they've never known. If we can make that happen, then we've done our job".

Bruce Power is a strong supporter of Easter Seals Ontario, making a significant financial contribution towards the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Stimulus Funding project to build a Multi-Sport Centre at Easter Seals Camp Woodeden, near London.

Easter Seals camps are fully accessible and provide specialized programs, which cost $2,000 for a 10-day session. In addition, families helped by Easter Seals face financial challenges, with 49% of families reporting a total annual household income of under $40,000 and 24% a total family of under $20,000. Donor dollars and sponsorship support are essential in helping to give kids with physical disabilities an Easter Seals summer camping experience.

"Our ability to serve children and youth with physical disabilities for the last 88 years is largely due to supporters like The Honourable Dwight Duncan and Don MacKinnon, and the generosity of organizations such as Bruce Power," said Rob Berkovitz, Chair of the Board for Easter Seals Ontario. "This support helps kids and families in such a meaningful way."

Proceeds from the Toronto's Tribute Dinner help Ontario's families of kids with physical disabilities with the cost of expensive mobility equipment, communication devices and fully accessible summer camp. Easter Seals owns and operates two fully accessible camp properties and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized recreation programs for kids with physical disabilities.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.easterseals.org.

For further information: For media inquiries contact: Barb Saunders, Communications, Easter Seals Ontario, [phone] ext. 326, cell: [phone], [email protected]