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4/23/2009
Frank McKenna and Patrick DIllion to Receive Prestigious Easter Seals Toronto's Tribute Award

Toronto, ON, April 21, 2009 – Easter Seals Ontario is proud to announce that Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group and Patrick Dillon, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, will be the 2009 recipients of the prestigious Easter Seals Toronto’s Tribute Award. Chair, Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO of Bruce Power and Honourary Chair of the Toronto’s Tribute committee, the Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, P.C., announced that the presentation of this year’s awards will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

“The Toronto’s Tribute Award and Gala Dinner is a way for Easter Seals kids, families, volunteers and the entire Easter Seals organization to recognize excellence for being leaders in their industries, in their communities and for their continued support of children and youth with physical disabilities,” said Hawthorne. “Bruce Power is proud to be the Title Sponsor of this event.”

Toronto’s Tribute has raised over $ 2.3 million since 2003, with all proceeds going directly to help families of children with physical disabilities across Ontario. Past honourees include: Roger Abbott and Don Ferguson of CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce (2008); Murilo Ferreira, President and CEO of Vale Inco Ltd. and Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO, Bruce Power (2007); The Right Honourable Paul Martin (2006); Joseph J. Barnicke and David S. O’Brien (2005); Mayor David Miller (2004) and former Mayor Mel Lastman (2003).

“This is a difficult economic environment, particularly for families who incur extra costs for caring for a child with physical disabilities,” said Toronto’s Tribute award recipient Frank McKenna. These families need access to resources, equipment and recreation, that will contribute to providing brighter futures for these kids, and that is just one reason why the work of Easter Seals is so important.”

Easter Seals assists families of kids with physical disabilities with the purchase of costly mobility equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, porch lifts and ramps, as well as communication devices and bathing equipment. By providing financial assistance, Easter Seals performs an essential service to families who might not otherwise have the resources to obtain this equipment. In these challenging times the need is greater than ever.

Easter Seals also owns and operates two fully accessible residential 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.

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For Sponsorship inquiries contact:
Sandra Bellisario, Vice President, Development
Easter Seals Ontario
416.421.8377 ext. 395

For media inquiries contact:
Barb Saunders, Communications
Easter Seals Ontario
416.421.8377. ext. 326