Right Honourable Jean Chrétien Welcomes Children's Miracle Network Champions

Children's Miracle Network
Wednesday, 4 April 2001

Ottawa, Ontario - April 4, 2001 - The Right Honourable, Jean Chrétien today, with the honourable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons, welcomed 12 Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Champions during a reception at Parliament Hill hosted in their honour. For the fifth consecutive year, the Champions came from across the country to visit Ottawa as part of the Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) &endash; Champions Across Canada program.

"Visiting Ottawa and meeting the Prime Minister is a once in a lifetime experience for the Champions and their families." said Maureen Sheahan, Senior Vice President, Children's Miracle Network Canadian Operations. "The Champions Across Canada are the special representatives of the more than two-million children treated at children's hospitals and foundations across Canada each year."

While in Ottawa, the Champions and their families visited the Children's museum in Hull and were treated to a special tour of Ottawa and Parliament Hill - all of which would not have been possible without the continued support of the IOF Foresters. Since 1990, as the title sponsor of the Champions Across America and the Champions Across Canada programs, the organization has contributed more than US $15 million in support of children's hospitals throughout North America.

"We at IOF Foresters are inspired by the courage and determination of the Children's Miracle Network Champions," said Michael White, President & CEO of IOF Foresters. "Through our involvement with organizations like Children's Miracle Network and the volunteerism of our members, we are making a difference in the lives of these Champion children and millions of others like them. Seeing the spirit of these children and their families make us all want to do more to help."

Early on April 5th, the Champions will leave Ottawa and fly to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where they will share their miracle stories during the pre-taped portion of the "Children's Miracle Network Celebration 2001" - the world's largest annual television fundraiser airing on June 2nd and 3rd, 2001.

One of Canada's leading recording artists and songwriters, Susan Aglukark, will accompany the Champions throughout their adventure, as one of the Children's Miracle Network Canada spokespersons.

"Being involved with Children's Miracle Network and having the opportunity to meet these Champions and their families has been very inspirational for me," said Aglukark. "Their courage and love of life deserves to be celebrated and warrants our continued support."

Michael "Pinball" Clemons, head coach for the Toronto Argonauts, is also a Children's Miracle Network spokesperson and was on hand to cheer on the Champions during their visit to Ottawa.

"I am so proud to be part of this team," said Clemons. "I have had the opportunity to play with a lot of champions in my football career, but the Children's Miracle Network Champions could teach us all a lesson in determination and 'can do' attitude."

For more information, or to contact Children's Miracle Network, see their website at: www.cmn.org