School is back this week and with it begins a very busy fall for SickKids Foundation.

We’re inspired by the August 15 announcement by the Government of Ontario that it would invest $75 million towards the SickKids Research & Learning Tower. The investment means we will be able to realize the full scope of the project. We remain committed to reaching the $200 million target for our Tower fundraising campaign by 2013 and we have $50 million in commitments to date. There are now 275 builders on the construction site at the corner of Bay and Elm streets and we grow increasingly excited as the Tower continues to push higher into the sky each month.

Later this fall, we’ll be launching a new promotional campaign focused on the world-class research conducted by SickKids. Watch for our TV ads, which will tell our research story.

There are many ways you can get involved this fall.

Our Dreams and Discoveries Lottery is now underway and offers a larger grand prize ($1.5 million) and more competitive ticket packages than ever before. To purchase a ticket, go to www.sickkidslottery.ca. Get two tickets for $100, three for $135 or even 25 for $500.

On September 14, we’re inviting you to grab your favourite jeans and donate $5 for the privilege of going casual. We’ve lined up a number of companies here in Toronto to participate. Please see www.miraclejeansday.ca if your organization would like to participate.

We are also looking forward to celebrating this month the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, the Rally for Kids with Cancer and the Sears Great Canadian Run. Also watch out for close to 100 other fundraising events taking place in the community throughout the fall.

We can’t thank enough the thousands of volunteers and the thousands of donors who commit themselves to making a difference for sick children. You are making a huge impact and you inspire all of us at SickKids to redouble our efforts to build a healthier future for kids.

Thank you.