TORONTO, November 27th, 2008 - SmartCentres announced that it has made a $100,000 donation to The Emily Bigioni Respite Endowment Fund in support of the Creative Arts March Break Respite Camps at Bloorview Kids Rehab.
Bloorview’s respite services give families a short-term rest and relief from the physical and emotional demands of caring for a child with a physical and/or developmental disability.
“These camps provide the families with a well deserved break with the knowledge that their child is receiving outstanding care in a safe and stimulating environment,” said Mauro Pambianchi, Chief Development Officer for SmartCentres.
“This donation is in keeping with our philanthropic focus; the overall wellness of children and youth encompassing the physical, emotional and spiritual development of children,” added Pambianchi. “We feel very privileged to partner with Bloorview in such an important program.”
Bloorview is Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Bloorview’s work covers the full spectrum from clinical care and treatment, to assistive technologies and rehab therapies, to creative arts, education and research to empower children with disabilities. Every day, donor support enables world-class medical care, research and education programs to enrich the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and their families.
Over the last 15 years, SmartCentres through its “We’re For Kids” program has supported hundreds of charities in communities in which it has centres. Larger organizations such as SickKids Hospital, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Habitat for Humanity and Block Parents as well as smaller organizations such as youth groups, sport teams and local community centres have received many million of dollars of philanthropic support from SmartCentres.
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For further information about Bloorview Kids Foundation, please contact Nicole Watson at 416-424-3850. For information about SmartCentres, please contact Sandra Kaiser at 905-760-6200 ext. 7864.
