30th annual Easter Seals Telethon on this Sunday

TORONTO, March 8, 2013 /CNW/ - The 30^th annual Easter Seal Telethon takes place this weekend and will be broadcast live on CBC, Sunday, March 10, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The annual Telethon provides an opportunity to get to know some Easter Seals families from the community and hear their stories, including the Masse family and their twelve-year-old daughter Megan, who is fully dependent and non-verbal. Megan relies on a wheelchair, feeding tube, commode chair, ceiling track and lift system, van lift, and communication board. The Masse's story is both compelling and inspirational.

In addition, the Telethon will celebrate the year's fundraising successes, recognize generous supporters, and raise essential funds that help children with physical disabilities and their families who need assistance. In 2012, almost half the families who requested funds from Easter Seals had a total annual household income under $40,000. And, almost half of these families brought home less than $20,000 annually.

"When you have a child with a physical disability, everyday can be a challenge," said Carol Lloyd, President & CEO, Easter Seals Ontario. "The Telethon gives us a glimpse into the lives of Easter Seals families and how donations from our supporters make such a big difference in the quality of life for their child."

The 2013 Easter Seals Telethon is generously supported by Canadian Auto Workers, CIBC, Motion Specialties a division of Home Medical Equipment, Rexall, McCam Insurance, Golden Griddle, Denny's Restaurants, Toronto Firefighters, PHH, and many more.

The CAW has been a champion of Easter Seals kids in Ontario for 25 years, and participating in the Easter Seals Telethon for 10 years.  CAW National President Ken Lewenza says: "We believe the work Easter Seals does is very important.  CAW has a strong commitment to the people in our communities, and particularly to helping Easter Seals kids with physical disabilities and their families."

Donations can be called into the show live throughout the broadcast or can be made online at www.EasterSealsTelethon.org.  Individuals can also use a new online fundraising tool to create individual fundraising pages which can be forwarded to friends, family and co-workers.

"CIBC is committed to investing in children in our community.  That is why CIBC will be doubling donations at selected times during the CIBC Opening Match Hour of the annual Easter Seals Telethon," said Renae Addis, Manager, CIBC Community Investment. "After 30 years of giving to Easter Seals kids in Ontario, CIBC's employees continue our enthusiastic support by volunteering to answer phones and accepting donations at the telethon each year.  Please be sure to call us!"

This year's Telethon will feature performances by Canadian recording artist, Suzie McNeil, as well as "Dorothy" from Andrew Lloyd Weber's new production of the Wizard of Oz, now playing at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto. The Telethon will be hosted by a variety of media personalities including Brent Bambury, Erin Davis, Kevin Frankish, Tom Harrington, and Bill Hutchison.

Easter Seals Ontario provides financial assistance to families of kids with physical disabilities for costly equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces and communication devices, as well as fully accessible summer camping opportunities and funding for other summer recreational programs. Easter Seals relies fully on donations from the public to offer its programs and services. For more information, visit EasterSealsTelethon.org.

SOURCE: Easter Seals Ontario

For further information:

Media contact:  
Orsolya Soos, Sr. Communications Officer
416-421-8778 ext. 326
[e-mail]