Toronto Police investigate coin canister fraud

TORONTO, Nov. 27 /CNW/ - Toronto Police are currently investigating an illegal coin collection campaign disguised as supporting SickKids Foundation. Donation canisters appearing to represent SickKids Foundation have been placed in food courts and shopping malls throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

"We were extremely disappointed when this was brought to our attention," said Ted Garrard, President & CEO, SickKids Foundation. "There is a tremendous need for the community's support, especially at this time of the year when we typically see an increase in donations to SickKids. We hope this incident does not impact the legitimate fundraising programs being conducted on our behalf."

SickKids Foundation is the most diversified fundraising organization in Canada with 24 different fundraising programs in support of children's health. There are a number of ways to donate to SickKids Foundation and we encourage the public to visit our website at www.sickkidsfoundation.com or phone [phone] for further information or to make a donation.

"SickKids relies on community support to meet the complex needs of our young patients," Mr. Garrard continued. "We ask everyone to be vigilant in where they make their donation but please continue to give. We need your support."

The public can confirm the legitimacy of any fundraising campaign by calling 416-813-1218 or sending an email to [email protected].

    
    About SickKids Foundation
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Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation is the fundraising organization for The Hospital for Sick Children - Canada's most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country.

The Foundation's fundraising is driven by the belief that improving the health and wellbeing of children is one of the most powerful ways to improve society.

For further information: Carol Duncan, SickKids Foundation, [phone] or [phone], [email protected]