TORONTO – On Sunday, thousands of walkers in more than 45 communities across the country raised a record-breaking $2.7 million for Kids Help Phone in the fifth annual Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone.
The one-day walk is the largest national fundraising activity for Kids Help Phone.
The $2.7 million raised at this year’s walk is a 30% increase over last year’s event and exceeds this year’s national fundraising goal.
"The rapid growth of technology and how kids are using it means that more kids are seeking our help in more ways," said Bill Saul, president and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "The funds raised by the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone will ensure we can continue to provide professional counseling services to young people across the country, by phone and online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
Funds raised through the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone will help Kids Help Phone enhance its web site and hire additional counselors needed to meet the ever-increasing demand from kids.
"I want to thank everyone for their participation in the 2006 Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone," said Michael Sabia, president and CEO, BCE. "I am particularly proud of our employees from across the country who once again have come together to support such a worthy cause helping the most vulnerable kids in our communities."
"Sunday’s success would not have been possible without the support and hard work of our dedicated volunteers in each of the 45 Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone sites," said David Gray, chair of the Kids Help Phone board of directors. "It is thanks to our volunteers that we are able to raise funds and awareness for Kids Help Phone."
Joining Bell Canada as sponsors of the 2006 Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone are BMO Financial Group, CTV, Campbell Company of Canada, Group 4 Securicor, Kellogg Canada Inc., Nestlé Canada Inc., Parmalat, Standard Radio, Sympatico/MSN and Unigistix. Event suppliers include Air Canada Kids’ Horizons, AIR MILES Reward Program, ATS, BlackBerry, Empire Theatres Limited, Hilton Canada, and Nestlé Waters.
