TORONTO – The 2006 Bell Celebrity Gala raised $1 million for SickKids Foundation, in support of The Hospital for Sick Children, the company announced today.
In 2005, Bell Canada announced a five-year commitment to SickKids Foundation, that includes $5 million in fundraising proceeds collected through the Annual Bell Celebrity Gala and Bell Celebrity Classic events as well as a $5 million corporate gift to be distributed over a five year period.
"The Bell Celebrity Gala allows us to contribute to a cause that we care deeply about as a company – the health of children and youth. This country’s future is being determined today and we take pride in supporting the ability of the SickKids Foundation to enable children to reach their full potential, no matter what the challenges," said Michael Sabia, CEO of Bell Canada.
The funds will be used to support projects in the hospital’s emergency department, to enhance patient care and to enhance other high-priority needs that include improving the patient and family experience during emergency visits.
"Bell’s ongoing commitment to SickKids Foundation makes it possible for SickKids to deliver the lifesaving research and care that the hospital has become synonymous with. We’re thrilled that the $1 million dollars from this year’s gala will go towards much-needed improvements to the emergency department at SickKids," added Michael O’Mahoney, president, SickKids Foundation.
Since 1977, Bell Canada has participated in numerous programs that help SickKids provide world-class care for children. The Hospital for Sick Children is one of the largest paediatric health and scientific research centres in the world. Approximately 50,000 children are treated in the emergency centre each year. Some 15,000 children a year are admitted to the hospital itself, while its 100 clinics see 300,000 patients annually. In addition to treating Toronto-based patients, SickKids cares for children from all over Canada and from more than 40 countries each year.
