OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- 11/09/09 --
The Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health is closing in on its fundraising target for this year and is urging Canadians everywhere to help make its drive toward the 2009 goal of $1.5 million a success.
"Canada Post is getting closer to its target every day and, with a few weeks to go, I'm asking everyone who has yet to participate to make the effort and push the campaign over the top again this year," said Valerie Pringle, a trustee with the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. "Canadians and Canada Post employees have been giving generously to a cause that affects one in five people. The need is great and it's so important to finish this year's campaign successfully, so we can again support non-profit community groups across the country that are delivering front-line care, support and programming for people coping with mental illness," Pringle added.
One million dollars raised during the 2008 campaign went to 19 community-based groups across Canada, after more than 200 grant applications for assistance were received by the Foundation.
To date, just over $600,000 has been raised through donations of one and two dollars by Canadians at over 6,000 post offices, while sales of Canada Post's new fundraising stamp have added more than $120,000 to the campaign total. Canada Post employees have embraced the company's cause and continue to rally to raise funds for the Foundation. Employees pledged $162,660 to the Foundation through a Dime a Day payroll deduction campaign, which Canada Post matched on a one-time basis. Going forward, the employee pledges will give the Foundation a permanent funding base of more than $325,000 every year through these payroll deductions.
"We are pleased with the campaign results to date. With a few weeks remaining, our target is in sight and we are hoping all Canadians will join our people on this very important mission," said Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post. "We are in the home stretch of the campaign. , We are determined to achieve our goal, so we can continue to support deserving organizations across the country."
Making a donation is simple and there are several options:
- Until November 15, simply add a donation on to your purchase next time you are in a post office;
- buy a book of Mental Health stamps (one dollar from the sale of each booklet of 10 stamps goes to the Foundation). The stamps are available year-round;
- donate online anytime at www.canadapost.ca/takingsteps.
"The Canada Post Foundation helps non-profit organizations deliver help and support exactly where it is needed. Donating to the Foundation is an easy way to help a neighbour, friend, family member or colleague who is coping with a mental illness. Giving is so easy to do, and every dollar matters" Pringle noted.
To learn more about the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health, or see list of this year's grant recipients, visit www.canadapost.ca/takingsteps.
Contacts:
Media requiring further information or who wish to arrange
an interview with Valerie Pringle, should contact:
Cindy Daoust
613-734-4258
