NEW YORK, NY– The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research today announced its new status as a registered, tax-exempt charity in Canada. Effective as of the beginning of 2009, all donations to MJFF from Canadian residents are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

“Our new status as a registered Canadian charity gives us the exciting opportunity to further awareness of the tremendous advances in Parkinson’s research,” says Katie Hood, CEO of MJFF. “Any new exposure that our Foundation can bring to Parkinson’s disease is a plus for all organizations working toward a cure.”

MJFF will formally mark its official Canadian launch with a day of activities in Toronto on September 24, 2009 in association with the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Toronto Western Hospital, part of the University Health Network. The day will begin with a press conference to raise awareness of Parkinson’s research efforts taking place in Canada, including many funded by MJFF. The press conference will be followed by one of the Foundation’s signature Research Roundtables, a symposium to share MJFF’s investment philosophy and highlights from its research investment portfolio. A ticketed gala fundraiser will be held in the evening.

Team Fox, the Foundation’s grassroots community fundraising initiative, looks forward to supporting many Canadian events. The program provides guidance, resources and tools to people around the world who are helping to raise funds and awareness for MJFF.

“We have always been fortunate to be on the receiving end of a steady outpouring of Canadian support for our efforts to speed a cure for Parkinson’s. Canadian researchers have also been actively involved in our scientific agenda since our earliest days,” said MJFF founder Michael J. Fox. “It’s tremendously meaningful to me that our Foundation is now an officially registered charity in my home country.”