HealthyKids International to raise much-needed funds for SickKids Global Child Health Program

TORONTO, Nov. 20 /CNW/ - To celebrate the United Nations Universal Children's Day, HealthyKids International (HKI) today announces its campaign to raise over $700,000 to fund SickKids Global Child Health Program in Ghana, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

This declaration follows an important funding announcement of $2.4 million to the SickKids Global Child Health Program by the Ministry of International Cooperation which oversees the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation for the Government of Canada, made the announcement at an event at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) earlier this morning.

"HealthyKids International is a SickKids Foundation initiative committed to the health and welfare of children both here in Canada and around the world," says Ted Garrard, President & CEO. "Our goal to raise $700,000 supports the vision of the Canadian government and SickKids to reduce child mortality."

Since its inception in 2006, HealthyKids International has funded paediatricians from countries including India, Rwanda, Guyana, Kenya and China to train at SickKids, has received significant funding from the Government of India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and has been the beneficiary of major fundraising events including the CHANEL fashion show and the upcoming Oscar de la Renta fashion show in April 2010, CapaciTea, The850Race and the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Classic. Many individuals have also made personal donations to support HKI.

"The Global Child Health Program, supported by CIDA, is indicative of the continuing close relationship between SickKids International and SickKids Foundation," says Cathy Seguin, Vice President, International Affairs, SickKids. "The Foundation's support through HealthyKids International provides critical funds to advance this program with our partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, helping us fulfill SickKids vision: Healthier Children. A Better World."

The SickKids Global Child Health Program (GCHP) is the collective strategy for international outreach activities undertaken by SickKids as its contribution to the world's efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goal No. 4 - Reduce Child Mortality. As part of a global solution to improve children's health and strengthen health systems, the primary focus of the program is to develop innovative, effective and sustainable projects that meet the child health needs of our developing country partners, with particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

About HealthyKids International:

HealthyKids International (HKI), a SickKids Foundation initiative, raises funds to support the international programs of The Hospital for Sick Children. Our goal is to elevate the level of paediatric healthcare capacity in some of the world's most underserved communities. HKI has supported programs that address the global shortage of trained paediatric medical personnel. These initiatives encompass the belief that children need medical practitioners who understand their own countries' social and cultural contexts.

For further information: Lori Hacker, SickKids Foundation, p: (416) 813-6166, ext. 2040, c: (416) 529-8321, e: lori.hacker@sickkidsfoundation.com