Tim Horton Children's Foundation campers have access to the newest treatment option in the event of an allergic emergency

TORONTO, June 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada is teaming up with the Tim Horton Children's Foundation (THCF) so that kids who are attending the Foundation's camps this year, and who are at risk of anaphylaxis, have access to the newest emergency treatment option in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Sanofi is donating 80 Allerject™ to the Foundation's camps in Canada. Allerject™ is the first 'talking' epinephrine auto-injector. It comes with automated voice instructions which guide individuals through the injection process.

"For camp, we really like the fact that Allerject™ is designed to be easy to use and easy to transport," says Dave Newnham, Vice President and Executive Director at THCF. "And with voice instructions in either English or French, it works well for us since we have campers and staff that speak both languages."

Through its fundraising efforts, the Foundation sends economically disadvantaged children to camp. It covers the entire cost, giving these youngsters the opportunity to grow, develop independence, and experience personal achievement.

With about 13,000 kids bound for camps at five locations in Canada this year - two in Ontario (Parry Sound and St. George), and one each in Quebec (Quyon), Alberta (Kananaskis) and Nova Scotia (Tatamagouche) - the Foundation has to be ready for any contingency.

"We take every precaution we can to help allergic campers avoid their allergen triggers. But it's not always possible. So we're prepared in case of an emergency, and that means having epinephrine auto-injectors available at all times," notes Newnham.

Jon Fairest, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada, said the company "is proud to be supporting the Tim Horton Children's Foundation because its camps make a difference in the lives of these children. We share the same values. We also strive to make a difference through innovative healthcare solutions for all Canadians."

Is your allergic child going to camp this summer? THCF and Allerject™ offer some practical advice on how to prepare. This information is available below.

About The Tim Horton Children's Foundation

The Tim Horton Children's Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization established in 1974 to honour Tim Horton's love for children and his desire to help those less fortunate. Each year local Tim Hortons owners select young people from their community to be campers at one of the Foundation's camps.  Funding for the Foundation comes from Tim Hortons Camp Day, year-round donations collected through counter and drive-thru coin boxes located at more than 4,000 Tim Hortons restaurants and other special events and donations. Since 1975, more than 165,000 children and youth have attended a Foundation camp. 

For more information on the Foundation, visit www.thcf.com

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2011 Sanofi companies invested $151.7 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

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SOURCE: SANOFI CANADA