For Immediate Release

January 1, 2007 – Brantford – January is Ontario March of Dimes (OMOD) month, and the organization’s largest fundraising campaign in underway.  For over 55 years, Ontarians have braved the winter weather canvassing door-to-door to raise funds for OMOD’s essential programs and services, helping to increase the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities.

Brantford resident Charles Esder is a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Ontario March of Dimes, having canvassed over the last 11 Januarys for the organization.

”I believe everyone should be doing good work for the community,” explains Charles.  A particular motivator for Charles is that the bulk of the money raised during the Door-to-Door campaign goes directly towards funding OMOD programs and services.  “I like knowing that such a high percentage of the money I raise goes right to the charity.”  

“The goal is to raise over $30,000 in Brantford,” says Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communications for Ontario March of Dimes. “With such a supportive community in Brantford, I believe that we can exceed that goal.”

This year, the organization has recruited over 13,000 “local heroes” to help in its fundraising goal of $1 million across the province.

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.

Ontario March of Dimes is the largest charitable rehabilitation organization in Ontario, providing a wide variety of programs and services to almost 37,000 people annually in 70 communities across the province.

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

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For more information, please contact:

Ruth Kapelus
Provincial Communications & Conference Assistant
ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4H 1A4
416-425-3463 ext. 7254
1-800-263-3463 ext. 7254
rkapelus@dimes.on.ca
www.marchofdimes.ca