NAV CANADA tops last year's donation to Ottawa Cancer Centre

OTTAWA, Sept. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - For the second year in a row, NAV CANADA has more than doubled its annual commitment to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of its people based in Ottawa and Cornwall, the Company has donated over $244,000 to the campaign. This exceeds last year's contribution by nearly $40,000 and is more than twice the original $100,000 target.

The 2009 campaign goal was set at $50,000 in employee donations with NAV CANADA agreeing to match all employee contributions. This was the second year of a five-year/$500,000 commitment to the Hospital Foundation.

"It is truly remarkable that we were able to exceed last year's total," said John Crichton, President and CEO of NAV CANADA. "Through our employees' generosity, dedication and boundless energy we continue to build on our success donating close to $450,000 in only two years. The Ontario government match is still in effect, so our combined total will grow to almost $805,000 this year and over $1,480,000 for 2008 and 2009 combined."

Crichton, along with Campaign Chair Andrew Campbell, Vice President Customer and Commercial Services, presented a cheque to Cindy McLennan, Clinical Manager, Systemic Therapy at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and Susan Doyle, President and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation at the Company's annual Family Picnic.

The $100,000 goal would have provided a fully-equipped Chemotherapy Treatment Bay with funds earmarked to purchase an ultrasound unit, IV pumps, reclining chairs, blanket warmers and more. In short, everything that is needed to help more patients receive the care they need in a more private environment.

"Our donation of $244,000 not only pays for the equipment needed in the Treatment Bay, it also covers the entire construction costs," noted Crichton.

The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre at the General Campus is undergoing the largest expansion in its history. The 20-20 Campaign aims to raise $20 million in 20 months for the project.

John Crichton is a member of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation's 20-20 Campaign Cabinet.

NAV CANADA, the country's civil air navigation services provider, is a private sector, non-share capital corporation financed through publicly-traded debt. With operations coast to coast, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services, airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation. www.navcanada.ca

For further information: John Morris, Director, Communications, [phone]; Ron Singer, Manager, Media Relations, [phone]; Media Information Line: 1-888-562-8226, www.navcanada.ca