TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - "The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) has been a proud supporter of Kids Help Phone for many years, and today we are pleased to continue that commitment by donating $50,000 to this very important resource for children and youth," said OSSTF/FEESO President Ken Coran at a press conference held at the home office of Kids Help Phone in Toronto today.

Coran was on hand to present a cheque for $50,000 to Kids Help Phone President and CEO, Sharon Wood, on behalf of the members of OSSTF/FEESO. The donation coincides with Education Week celebrations, which take place from May 6-10.

"Our members work at all levels of education in the province, including in the elementary and secondary school systems, as well as in post-secondary institutions. They are all very aware of the challenges that young children, teens and young adults face when it comes to dealing with mental and emotional health issues, as well as issues of bullying and difficult peer relationships," continued Coran.

"That is why our members have consistently supported Kids Help Phone by making it the OSSTF/FEESO charity of choice since 1999. It is a valuable resource for the youth of our province and it makes sense for us to support Kids Help Phone any way we can.

"On behalf of the 60,000 members of OSSTF/FEESO, we want to thank Kids Help Phone for the support that they provide to young people in need through their telephone and online counseling service, and hope that our contribution today will enhance the great work that they have been doing since 1989 for years to come."

Additional OSSTF/FEESO facts:

• OSSTF/FEESO has contributed over $120,000 in support to Kids Help Phone, which does not include individual donations or pledges that members have made through the Walk for Kids Help Phone or other fundraising events
• Teams of OSSTF/FEESO members participated in this year's Walk for Kids Help Phone this past weekend on Sunday, May 5. Registered OSSTF/FEESO teams raised approximately $10,000 in individual pledges at this year's Walk
• Education Week was established by OSSTF/FEESO in 1930

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.