Toronto Rehab launches $100 million fundraising campaign

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Rehab Foundation will officially launch a historic $100 million fundraising campaign on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. on its main floor, representing the largest and most transformative appeal in its history. 

The Foundation helps underwrite the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, the world's number one research rehabilitation centre, which seeks funding for the essential work of advancing new programs, spaces and research agendas that will stand at the forefront of knowledge creation.

The campaign, called "Where Incredible Happens," will accomplish the following:

• Help fund the  hospital's acquisition of advanced technologies and equipment
  Support facility construction and renovation
• Provide financial support for life-enhancing research, critical patient programs and advanced health education
• Attract and retain clinician scientists
• Endow academic chairs for healthcare practitioners
• Build endowments for annual patient programs, continuing medical education and clinical research

At the campaign launch, Toronto Rehab's Vice President, Research, Dr. Geoff Fernie will address the importance of research and his team's commitment to remaining the world's number one research rehabilitation centre.  Sun Life Financial President and CEO Dean Connor, the Toronto Rehab Campaign chair, will introduce the need for philanthropic acts in an effort to accelerate the outcomes of the research and get it to the community.   Toronto Rehab's focus is directed toward prevention and keeping patients out of hospitals.

"This is one of the city's most ambitious fundraising campaigns," commented Foundation President Cindy Yelle. "But it is also one of its most important, considering the positive effect it can have on the lives of people in need of physical rehabilitation after trauma, accidents, strokes and even cancer."

WHEN:	Monday, October 26, 5 p.m.
PURPOSE:	"Where Incredible Happens," the Toronto Rehab Foundation campaign launch
WHERE:	Toronto Rehab University Centre, 550 University Avenue, Main Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2A2.
WHAT:	Tours of Toronto Rehab's state-of-the-art and world leading research labs will also be available to participating media and guests

ABOUT TORONTO REHAB FOUNDATION
The Toronto Rehab Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for innovative patient care, groundbreaking research and diverse education at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, a member of the University Health Network. With the generosity of its donors and volunteers, Toronto Rehab Foundation is helping support research, education and patient care to help people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness or age-related health conditions. www.torontorehabfoundation.com

ABOUT TORONTO REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
As the world-leading research centre focused on adult rehabilitation, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute is revolutionizing rehabilitation by helping people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness or age related health conditions to live active, healthier, more independent lives. It integrates innovative patient care, ground breaking research and diverse education to build healthier communities and advance the role of rehabilitation in the health system. Toronto Rehab, along with Toronto Western, Toronto General and Princess Margaret Hospitals, is a member of the University Health Network and is affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.uhn.ca

SOURCE Toronto Rehab Foundation

For further information: Catherine Morgan, Director Marketing Communications, Toronto Rehab Foundation, Tel: [phone] X 3965, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]