http://www.toronto.ca/proclamations/2010/marchofdimes2010.htm

Ontario March of Dimes’ annual fundraising campaign is opening doors for Canadians with physical disabilities

January is March of Dimes month, and the organization’s largest fundraising campaign is underway.  For over 59 years, Ontarians have braved the winter weather canvassing door-to-door to raise funds for March of Dimes’ essential programs and services, helping to increase the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities.

The door-to-door campaign provides much-needed support to March of Dimes’ many donor-funded programs, including Conductive Education, Recreation and Integration Services, Stroke Recovery Canada, Polio Canada, advocacy and the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).  ADP, which is supported 100% by donor dollars provides assistance to people with disabilities towards the purchase and maintenance of equipment such as manual and motorized wheelchairs, bath aids, seating inserts and wheelchair cushions, canes, crutches and walkers and more.

Toronto resident Joan Hallett received funding towards an electric scooter from ADP.  Joan has numerous health problems that make walking very difficult.

“The scooter has made a big difference,” says Joan.  “I feel so much safer with it, and I am really pleased with the service I received from March of Dimes.”

Joan encourages people to give generously this year when March of Dimes canvassers come knocking at their door.  “If I had money to give, I definitely would,” she says.

“Our goal is to raise over $1million across the province to help more people like Joan,” says Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communications for Ontario March of Dimes. “With such a supportive community, I know that everyone will do what they can so we can exceed our goal.”

This year, the organization has recruited over 10,000 volunteers to help in its fundraising goal.  March of Dimes also has an on-line component that will allow canvassers to electronically “walk their block” in support of the Campaign.  Interested volunteers can register at www.doortodooronline.ca.

Monies collected through the Door-to-Door Campaign will help the thousands of Ontarians with physical disabilities, many of whom have been waiting months or even years for the programs and services they need.

For those interested in volunteering or donating to this year’s campaign, please contact 1-800-263-3463 ext. 7705 or visit the website at www.doortodooronline.ca.