Teddy Bear Affair Raises Record Breaking Amount for Children's Aid Foundation

Annual gala hit a high note by raising $1.7 million for children in need

"We are thrilled by the fundraising results of this year's gala," saysSheilagh Johnson, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Foundation. "Allfunds raised at this event are directed to programs for children and youth inthe areas of prevention, enrichment and education. Thanks to the generouscontributions from our guests and supporters, the Children's Aid Foundationwill be able to help hundreds of thousands of Canadian kids escape poverty,abuse and neglect."

Guests were enticed by exquisite live and silent auction items open forbidding throughout the evening which had a significant impact on the recordtotal raised. Live auction highlights included:

        -  A stunning new condominium from Cresford Developments which closed           at an astounding $210,000, and        -  A Chrysler Town and Country luxury minivan which brought in           $41,000.    Silent auction items included:        -  A signed guitar by legendary musician Sting,        -  Elaborate vacation getaways,        -  A dream kitchen from Miele Deluxe Kitchens, and        -  One of a kind blues-themed teddy bears such as "The Blues           Brothers" bears.    

Toronto's elite were out in full force supporting the cause. DinaPugliese of Breakfast Television and Ken Shaw of CTV News co-hosted theevening. Other notable Canadians included Toronto Chief of Police Bill Blair,Minister of Children and Youth Services and of Women's Issues the Hon. DebMatthews, John Sherrington, Vice Chairman of Scotia Capital and Chairman ofthe Children's Aid Foundation Board and Susan Storey, Managing Director ofCIBC World Markets and past Chair of the Children's Aid Foundation, whodelivered a captivating speech.

About the Teddy Bear Affair

Winner of the 2007 Canadian Industry Awards Best Fundraising Event, theTeddy Bear Affair is recognized as one of Toronto's best social events. Theongoing success of the evening is a direct result of the Foundation's abilityto create an exciting and memorable experience for some of Canada's mostinfluential and charitable people.

About the Children's Aid Foundation

Founded in 1979, the Children's Aid Foundation is a national charitydedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and high-risk childrenin Canada. The Foundation works with Children's Aid Societies and other childwelfare agencies across the country to fund prevention, enrichment andeducation programming.

For further information

or to book an interview, please contact:Christine Smith, Children's Aid Foundation, (416) 923-0924 X 230
HeatherBrown, Edelman, (416) 979-1120 X 238