TD Employees Making a Difference
Faisal understands how important access to health-care facilities can be when a child is in need of medical attention. He has seen both sides of the spectrum of care and knows what a difference it can make in a child’s life. And that is why he is so passionate about raising funds for SickKids and Children’s Miracle Network through his role at TD Canada Trust.
“My best friend’s daughter was saved by SickKids,” Faisal said. “Her probability to survive was low and she was air-lifted there for treatment. If it wasn’t for SickKids, I’m not sure she would have made it.”
This is in contrast to another friend of Faisal’s who also had a child that required medical assistance. Living in a third-world country, the facilities that were needed weren’t available and the child passed away.
“I don’t think we realize just how fortunate we are to have access to what I believe to be the best health-care in the world.”
This past June, TD Canada Trust launched its month-long campaign to raise funds in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, of which SickKids is a member. Faisal, who is the District Vice President for Brampton, was in charge of leading fundraising efforts in the Greater Toronto Region.
“We had a goal in mind of what we wanted to achieve,” Faisal said. “We not only exceeded the goal earlier than expected but we also set a new milestone for the region.”
That milestone - $558,000 – was double the amount raised only two years ago.
"...If it wasn’t for SickKids, I’m not sure she would have made it.”
“No other region has ever crossed the $400,000 mark in a month, so this was a huge achievement for us,” said Faisal.
Driven by a desire to make a difference and a little bit of healthy internal competition, branches set out to host at least one fundraising event at their location throughout the month of June. With BBQs and bake sales leading the way, each branch engaged their local community to help achieve their fundraising goals. Throughout the planning and execution of each event, leadership was there to provide support and encouragement.
“It is amazing how all levels of TD are committed to making a difference in the community,” said Faisal. “I feel very fortunate to not only be part of a company that embraces this mission but to work with people who are genuinely committed to making a difference for those in need.”
In the end, the TD Canada Trust Branch in Bolton came out as the top fundraising branch with a total of $36,500. The second place branch achieved a fundraising amount of $26,000.
“There was a lot of pride in being able to raise the bar even higher in an effort to help kids,” said Faisal. “I’m so proud of what the team has accomplished and am already excited about next year.”
In total, TD Canada Trust employees and their customers raised $1.75 million in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. On behalf of all of us at SickKids, we would like to thank TD Canada Trust for their ongoing and passionate support in helping to make a difference in children’s health.
