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6/19/2008
24 Hours of Foot Power to Make an Impact for Kids with Physical Disabilities

Toronto, ON, June 19, 2008—Ontario’s children and youth with physical disabilities will benefit from the foot power and fundraising work of supporters who will be walking or jogging at Toronto’s Coronation Park, for this weekend’s Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay.

“Proceeds from the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay have a direct impact on children and young adults with physical disabilities. Families rely on Easter Seals to help them gain access to the specialized equipment, supports, and the services that they need to function like any other family, “ says Carol Lloyd, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario.

“We are very proud to have been involved in the Easter Seals 24-Hour Relay for the past 17 years - a wonderful fundraiser for Easter Seals kids,” says Paul V. Godfrey President and CEO Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club.

After months of raising pledges, people from all walks of life will join together for 24 hours of fun in support of kids with physical disabilities. In 17 years, the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay has raised more than 7 million dollars for essential but expensive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and communication devices; Easter Seals fully accessible camps and other recreational programs, and provides access to information and resources.

EVENT:
Saturday June 21st - 22nd: Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay

HIGHLIGHTS AND TIMES:

8:30 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies and warm-up with Culture Shock Canada Dance Troupe

9:00 a.m.: Money Mart Dash for Cash. Paul Godfrey, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club President & CEO, with other corporate executives and team members, run the first lap for the Money Mart cash prize to donate to Easter Seals

2:00 p.m.: High-spirited conga line dance led by the Nunca Antes Drum Group

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: “Relay Idol” where individuals perform for the coveted title

8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: Relay Halftime Show including:

9:00 p.m. Stage performance by Tragically Hip tribute band, The Wheat Kings

INTERVIEWS:

Easter Seals kids and their families speak about how the public’s support has helped them personally

Paul Godfrey, President and CEO, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club

Carol Lloyd, Easter Seals Ontario, President and CEO

Josie Dye from 102.1 The Edge and Oh So Cosmo Television host

LOCATION:
Coronation Park
711 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto (just east of Ontario Place)

-30-

For media inquiries contact:
Meredith Wiens, Communications Manager
Easter Seals Ontario
mwiens@easterseals.org
Office: 416-421-8377 ext. 368 cell: 416-659-7637
www.easterseals.org