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9/10/2008
Kids with Physical Disabilities Reach New Heights at the BMO Financial Group Easter Seals Gala Ball

Toronto, ON, September 10, 2008 —A child in a wheelchair is often limited in their mobility to no more than 2 feet above ground, when a wheelchair is transported from ground to an accessible van via a van lift; or, when they get out of bed in the morning with the help of their ceiling track lift. Imagine the joy of that child, who has the chance for adventure, to be safely suspended 70 feet in the air, swinging like a pendulum, or to travel on a sky-high zipline. The recent expansion of the fully accessible high-ropes course at Easter Seals Camp Woodeden, near London, provides exciting new challenges for children and youth with physical disabilities, enabling them to reach new heights and achieve new levels of independence.

The BMO Financial Group Easter Seals Gala Ball brings together business leaders in support of Easter Seals kids for an inspirational evening on Saturday September 27th, at The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto. This annual black-tie affair that features a reception, dinner, dancing, as well as silent and live auctions, has raised over $3.9 million since its inception. This year’s Honourary Chair of the gala is Thomas E. Flynn, Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, BMO Financial Group, building on the outstanding contributions of Karen Maidment, Honourary Chair Emeritus, and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, BMO Financial Group.

“BMO Financial Group is proud to support Easter Seals Ontario in building brighter futures for children with disabilities,” says Mr. Flynn. “I’m honoured to be part of this special evening, which is a shining example of what can be accomplished when the corporate and philanthropic worlds come together.”

“Easter Seals has been helping children and youth with physical disabilities for over 85 years and is very grateful to the corporations and individuals that give in such a meaningful way,” says Carol Lloyd, Easter Seals Ontario President and CEO. “Their generosity will help ease the financial burden on families so that children with physical disabilities are able to get the specialized equipment and develop the skills they need to reach their full potential and independence."

Sylvain Labelle, Easter Seals Provincial Ambassador, is a 12-year old that values his independence and ability to get around. His mobility equipment of choice is a racecar. The mobility equipment that is his daily reality includes: leg splints, a cane, a manual wheelchair, or scooter. And yet, Sylvain never gives up. He demonstrates how Easter Seals does more than provide the means to buy a wheelchair—but lifts a child’s hope to new, unprecedented heights.

CityTv’s Breakfast Television co-host, Kevin Frankish, continues to honour Easter Seals kids by returning as emcee for the 22nd anniversary of the Easter Seals Gala Ball.

Tickets for the 2008 BMO Financial Easter Seals Gala Ball are: $500 for an individual ticket; $5,000 for a Bronze Patron Table; $7,500 for a Silver Patron Table; $10,000 for a Gold Patron Table; and $15,000 for a Platinum Sponsor.

For more information, or to donate please call 416.421.8377 or go to www.easterseals.org.

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For media inquiries contact: Barb Saunders, Easter Seals Ontario Communications bsaunders@easterseals.org
416-421-8377, ext. 326 Cell: 416-655-9546