$1 million gift to Holland Bloorview to fund research innovations for kids with disabilities
BMO Financial Group continues longstanding support for Toronto kids rehabilitation hospital through programs and research aimed at advancing high-level performance and mobility in sports and daily activities
TORONTO, March 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) today announced a $1 million gift from BMO Financial Group to support the High Performance Discovery Hub Gift, which will help advance high-level performance and mobility for kids with disabilities. BMO Financial Group has supported Holland Bloorview since 1984, and this year they continue their sponsorship for the hospital's third annual Capes for Kids fundraiser, which runs from March 4-10.
"We at BMO are proud to support Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the High Performance Discovery Hub," says Steve Murphy, Regional President, Greater Toronto Division, North American Personal & Business Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. "The Hub will support leading-edge pediatric rehabilitation research, development and testing of devices that will ultimately improve the quality of life of kids around the world."
The $1 million donation towards the High Performance Discovery Hub Gift will support:
- Capturing data in order to develop techniques and technologies that challenge kids with disabilities to perform at a high level
- A gym where kids can practice sports-based skills and a yoga studio where they can benefit from low-intensity exercises and peer support
- The development and testing of prosthetic devices to help kids with amputations achieve the highest level of mobility possible on all terrains
- Testing young athletes with concussion for their readiness and return to play using simulated sports environments
- Testing and development of robotics therapies to strengthen weak limbs, and achieve or enhance mobility for kids with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury.
"Holland Bloorview is poised to shape a future of no boundaries for children, youth and families around the world through excellence in research and innovation," said Tom Chau, vice-president of research, Holland Bloorview. "The support of our dedicated donors, like BMO Financial Group, enable bold discoveries in childhood disability. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to Holland Bloorview and for supporting our strategic expansion over the next five years."
"Thanks to long-time supporters like BMO Financial Group, kids and families will be able to take advantage of research opportunities that can transform and enhance lives," said Sandra Hawken, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview Foundation. "Kids just want to be kids and they want to be able to do the things they love. We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift as it will help us continue our leadership in the field of childhood disability."
Holland Bloorview's research institute is recognized in Canada and around the world for its unique client population and leadership in the field of childhood disability. The research institute brings together a multi-disciplinary team of scientists who work collaboratively with clinical staff, clients, and families to generate clinically-linked and applied pediatric rehabilitation research. Last spring, Holland Bloorview announced a $25 million fundraising campaign to expand its research institute, marking the largest research expansion in the organization's history.
About Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital creates a world of possibility by supporting children and youth living with disability, medical complexity, illness injury. Holland Bloorview is a top 40 Canadian research hospital that is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and serves over 7,500 families annually. Providing both inpatient and outpatient services, Holland Bloorview is renowned for its expertise in partnering with clients and families to provide exceptional care and is the only organization to ever achieve 100 per cent in two successive quality surveys by Accreditation Canada. Holland Bloorview is a founding member of Kids Health Alliance, a network of partners working to create a high quality, consistent and coordinated approach to pediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. For more information or to donate, please visit hollandbloorview.ca or connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and parent-blog BLOOM.
About BMO Community Giving
For over 200 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2018, BMO contributed more than $63.5 million in community donations to charitable, not-for-profit and community based institutions and organizations that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.
SOURCE Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Ashley Cruz, Senior Media Relations Specialist, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, [email protected], 647-406-3567
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