Beware: Scam Operating Again in Community

Orangeville, ON, December 3, 2009 – Headwaters Health Care Centre and Headwaters Health Care Foundation would like to warn our community about a telemarketing scam operating in the Dufferin-Caledon area.  A company calling itself "Healing Hands Busy Book" has again been contacting businesses in our area claiming to be affiliated with Headwaters Health Care Centre or Headwaters Health Care Foundation. This is completely false: this company is in no way associated with the Hospital or Foundation.  The company has been operating this same scam in our area for several years.

DPS Activity Publishing, Ltd, which does business under the name "Healing Hands Busy Book", is for-profit company operating out of Alberta.  They are not a charity and do not have charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency.  They solicit small and medium sized businesses asking them for financial support through sponsorship of an activity book.  They claim the books will reach sick children in area hospitals.  The claim is false. The company has been banned by the Federal Trade Commission from operating in the United States.

"This company is in no way related to Headwaters. The Hospital has never received any ‘Healing Hands Busy Books’ or funds from this company,” emphasizes Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Joan Burdette, Executive Director, Headwaters Health Care Foundation adds, "We sincerely appreciate the ongoing financial support from our community – individuals and businesses alike. Anyone wishing to help sick children in our community should consider making a donation directly to Headwaters Health Care Foundation. Your gift will be used to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment to help diagnose and treat our youngest patients.  I can assure you, your donation, regardless of the size, will be used according to your wishes, to help the children in our community get back to just being kids.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation that will truly benefit the children in our community should call 519.941.2702, ext 2303 or visit www.headwatershealth.ca.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Catherine Matzig, Senior Development Officer
Headwaters Health Care Foundation
519.941.2702, ext. 2285 or cmatzig@headwatershealth.ca