ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a Southern California charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today launched the 'Gimme Five for the Kids' campaign, its first-ever grassroots fundraising drive. Combining the viral power of Facebook with an affordable suggested contribution of $5, Canyon Acres aims to raise significant funds and greater awareness for the children it serves.
"Gimme Five will engage a significant percentage of the population who care deeply about children, but who may think they are unable to contribute enough money to make a real difference," said Tim Bauer, Vice President of Development for Canyon Acres. "In much the same way that our recent presidential fundraising teams demonstrated, there are millions of people willing to make small, affordable donations to the causes they believe in. Canyon Acres aims to include a much broader demographic of donors on its list of dedicated patrons. Facebook is an ideal medium, because new donors will be able to quickly and effortlessly encourage their friends to participate as well."
Canyon Acres reveals to donors how each of their five dollars will be spent:
1. Emergency counseling 2. Clothing 3. Food for families 4. Safe homes 5. Finding Forever Families
There are also five easy ways to make the donation itself: on Facebook (fan page at 'Canyon Acres Children and Family Services'); online (www.canyonacres.org); by phone (714-383-9332); by mail (1845 W. Orangewood Ave., Ste. 300, Orange, CA 92868); or in person.
Canyon Acres has nine cutting-edge programs that serve hundreds of children every day. Among those are Wraparound services, which allow families to become 'wrapped' by the community to help provide all children the opportunity to live in safe and healthy homes; and Creating Family Connections, which searches for and engages long-lost family members of children who have been in the child welfare system for many years. Especially as government funding for programs like these becomes less consistent, Canyon Acres relies on individual donors more than ever. Canyon Acres believes that all children deserve homes that give them safety and comfort today and hope for the future.
For more information please e-mail canyonacres@bockpr.com.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services has been serving children throughout Southern California since 1980, providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.