May 12, 2014 | Alberta

Edmonton, AB – May 12, 2014 – Massage Therapy students from CDI College raised $8,000 in support of Kids Kottage Foundation at this year’s Massage-A-Thon on May 9, 2014. Inspired by Kids Kottage’s efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, students and instructors provided hundreds of attendees with relaxing massages during the 10-hour event.

“Most of our students enroll in the Massage Therapy program because they have a desire to help people,” said Celena Voshall, a massage instructor at CDI College. “Kids Kottage Foundation is the only 24-hour crisis nursery in the city. We wanted to raise as much money as possible for this amazing local organization as well as awareness about the important work they do.”

For a minimum donation of $10.00, attendees received a 20-minute massage from a Massage Therapy student, grad or instructor. Response to the event was overwhelming from the start, with patrons lined up outside the clinic well before doors opened.

Along with the massages, the event also included a bake sale, barbeque lunch, and silent auction, with all proceeds being donated to Kids Kottage Foundation. An official cheque presentation will take place at CDI College’s Edmonton North campus on May 13, 2014 at 12:30pm.

“Kids Kottage Foundation, Edmonton’s only 24-hour crisis nursery, in the business of keeping children safe from harm and strengthening families, is extremely humbled to have been chosen to receive the proceeds from the CDI College Massage-A-Thon,” said Pam Miller, Fund Development Director for Kids Kottage Foundation. “These funds are so very important to us and will enable Kids Kottage Follow-Up Program to hold our Family Camp for the families this summer. On behalf of the precious little ones and their parents, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

CDI College Massage Therapy students participate in a number of community events each year including, the MS Bike Tour, Bust-A-Move for Breast Health and the Alzheimer’s Face Off hockey tournament. Last year’s Massage-A-Thon raised $7,500 in support of Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.