Garage Living experts offer tips for stress free living
With spring cleaning time once again upon us, many families are looking for ways to improve their homes and lifestyle.
In particular, homeowners struggle to find the best way to rearrange their garages. Toys, boxes, sports equipment and gardening tools take up so much space the family car barely squeezes in. Families are looking for solutions that help them better use available space.
“People are discovering the lifestyle benefits of a decluttered and organized garage,” says Parag Shah of Garage Living. “It’s not just a storage space any more – it’s a workplace for hobbyists, an entrance to the home, a place to keep the car clean.”
Garage Living can provide some simple tips that satisfy this growing need to improve the home's largest room – the garage. Below are a few sample tips that Garage Living can offer your readers:
- Be Realistic about Your "Stuff": If you haven't used something for 3 years, it is likely you won't use it in the next 10. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Seasonal Items: Store your Christmas decorations on top of overhead storage to get them up and out of the way. Make sure you use an open racking system so you can see what is up there at all times.
- Assess: Before you start, take an inventory of items you need to store in the garage, and make sure you design your garage to store all the items
- Organize: Label your cabinets so you know what is stored in each individual one. Sometimes it's helpful to also categorize them into automotive, gardening, sports etc.
- Utilize: Don't miss the abundance storage options over the Garage Door.
Sometimes you can have up-to 45" above your garage door!
Benefits of an organized garage:
- A great way to increase the value of your home.
- Save time when searching for a stored item
- Get another car in the garage without making it larger.
- Increases the useable floor space of your home.
- Another step towards a stress-free lifestyle
Garage Living's organization concept is the answer to the home storage problems of suburban families.
For further information or arrange an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Families at Risk of Losing Support from Food Bank
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to the fallout of the Toronto Star allegations
March 25, 2007, TORONTO – For the past several years The Prayer Palace has been working with a local food bank donating and distributing food to over 1,150 families in the community. This past year that number has grown to 1,272 families. “After the story broke out in the Star, I received information reporting that major supporters of the food bank were threatening to cut off their support,” says Sabina Escobar, a staff member at The Prayer Palace.
Throughout these years, Prayer Palace has held quarterly food drives of their own at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and 2 Can Sundays, combining a minimum of 1200 items raised per event with the food bank’s to help meet the needs of these 1,272 families.
“Both the physical needs and spiritual needs of an individual are important to us and this is just one of the ways that The Prayer Palace addresses the physical needs of those in the community. As part of the ministry of The Prayer Palace we support and encourage our congregants to be involved in practical ways like this,” says Frank Fernandes, a member of the Prayer Palace board of directors, “And if support is withheld, Prayer Palace will do everything it can so that families don’t suffer.”
The work of the Prayer Palace has not gone without notice. Mayor David Miller on the occasion of Pastor Paul Melnichuk’s 70th birthday said “Together with Kathy…and the congregation of the Prayer Palace, you have helped make a difference in many lives and our City a better place.”
Frank Fernandes (a director of the Prayer Palace board) and Dave Ramnath (senior advisor to the board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to the fallout of the Toronto Star allegations
March 25, 2007, TORONTO – For the past several years The Prayer Palace has been working with a local food bank donating and distributing food to over 1,150 families in the community. This past year that number has grown to 1,272 families. “After the story broke out in the Star, I received information reporting that major supporters of the food bank were threatening to cut off their support,” says Sabina Escobar, a staff member at The Prayer Palace.
Throughout these years, Prayer Palace has held quarterly food drives of their own at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and 2 Can Sundays, combining a minimum of 1200 items raised per event with the food bank’s to help meet the needs of these 1,272 families.
“Both the physical needs and spiritual needs of an individual are important to us and this is just one of the ways that The Prayer Palace addresses the physical needs of those in the community. As part of the ministry of The Prayer Palace we support and encourage our congregants to be involved in practical ways like this,” says Frank Fernandes, a member of the Prayer Palace board of directors, “And if support is withheld, Prayer Palace will do everything it can so that families don’t suffer.”
The work of the Prayer Palace has not gone without notice. Mayor David Miller on the occasion of Pastor Paul Melnichuk’s 70th birthday said “Together with Kathy…and the congregation of the Prayer Palace, you have helped make a difference in many lives and our City a better place.”
-30-
Frank Fernandes (a director of the Prayer Palace board) and Dave Ramnath (senior advisor to the board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Prayer Palace offers clarification on $9443
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 19, 2007, TORONTO – A more detailed account of the $9,443 included in this morning’s release by The Prayer Palace – Prayer Palace Says Star’s Statistical Report on Spending was Misleading – has been requested.
Below is a breakdown of the expenditures comprising the line item. This benevolent giving was specifically for special needs situations (i.e. non-budgeted/unanticipated charitable giving). Offerings were raised for such things as tsunami and hurricane relief. They are recorded apart from regular missions and charitable giving.
Prayer Palace General Ledger 2005 (Jan-Dec):
The amount outlined above is part of a broader charitable giving of $1.5M, which was spent on missionary work, community outreach programs, drama productions, children and youth programs, subsidization of Prayer Palace’s Cathedral Christian Academy school tuition fees and various church planting endeavours, and much more.
Frank Fernandes and Dave Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 19, 2007, TORONTO – A more detailed account of the $9,443 included in this morning’s release by The Prayer Palace – Prayer Palace Says Star’s Statistical Report on Spending was Misleading – has been requested.
Below is a breakdown of the expenditures comprising the line item. This benevolent giving was specifically for special needs situations (i.e. non-budgeted/unanticipated charitable giving). Offerings were raised for such things as tsunami and hurricane relief. They are recorded apart from regular missions and charitable giving.
Prayer Palace General Ledger 2005 (Jan-Dec):
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Individual out of work, offering taken to cover rent | $1,500.00 |
| Red Cross – Offering taken for tsunami relief | $2,142.85 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Individual out of work, offering taken to assist | $1,000.00 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Spouse unemployed, offering taken to assist | $ 500.00 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Individual hospitalized, offering taken to assist | $1,000.00 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Offering taken to assist cancer patient | $1,500.00 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Individual facing eviction, offering taken to assist | $ 500.00 |
| Red Cross – Hurricane Relief | $ 700.00 |
| [Name deleted for privacy] – Spouse unemployed, offering taken to assist | $ 600.00 |
| Total: | $9,442.85 |
The amount outlined above is part of a broader charitable giving of $1.5M, which was spent on missionary work, community outreach programs, drama productions, children and youth programs, subsidization of Prayer Palace’s Cathedral Christian Academy school tuition fees and various church planting endeavours, and much more.
-30-
Frank Fernandes and Dave Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Prayer Palace Says Star’s Statistical Report on Spending was Misleading
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 19, 2007, TORONTO – Prayer Palace’s 2005 Annual Report, prepared by an independent Chartered Accountant, show that $825,000 was paid in salaries to over 25 Prayer Palace staff and that over $1.5M was spent on missionary work, community outreach programs, drama productions, children and youth programs, subsidization of Prayer Palace’s Cathedral Christian Academy school tuition fees and various church planting endeavours, and much more, which is far more than the $9,443 reported by the Star which was merely a designation to Red Cross for tsunami and hurricane relief.
“Both the physical needs and spiritual needs of an individual are important to us and this is why the Prayer Palace has always played an active role in the community,” according to Frank Fernandes, a member of the Prayer Palace board of directors. “The fact is, Prayer Palace and Pastor Paul Melnichuk have received awards of recognition from practically every level of government for their charitable works both in Canada and the United States.”
In 1992, Paul Melnichuk was awarded The Commemorative Medal in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada by the Governor General of Canada and on the occasion of Pastor Paul Melnichuk’s 60th birthday, Mel Lastman, Mayor of North York honoured him with this statement: “The service you have provided to our community and the faith that you have instilled in your many followers around the world are worthy of the highest commendation. Your spiritual leadership is a gift that you willingly share with anyone in need.”
Frank Fernandes and Dave Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 19, 2007, TORONTO – Prayer Palace’s 2005 Annual Report, prepared by an independent Chartered Accountant, show that $825,000 was paid in salaries to over 25 Prayer Palace staff and that over $1.5M was spent on missionary work, community outreach programs, drama productions, children and youth programs, subsidization of Prayer Palace’s Cathedral Christian Academy school tuition fees and various church planting endeavours, and much more, which is far more than the $9,443 reported by the Star which was merely a designation to Red Cross for tsunami and hurricane relief.
“Both the physical needs and spiritual needs of an individual are important to us and this is why the Prayer Palace has always played an active role in the community,” according to Frank Fernandes, a member of the Prayer Palace board of directors. “The fact is, Prayer Palace and Pastor Paul Melnichuk have received awards of recognition from practically every level of government for their charitable works both in Canada and the United States.”
In 1992, Paul Melnichuk was awarded The Commemorative Medal in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada by the Governor General of Canada and on the occasion of Pastor Paul Melnichuk’s 60th birthday, Mel Lastman, Mayor of North York honoured him with this statement: “The service you have provided to our community and the faith that you have instilled in your many followers around the world are worthy of the highest commendation. Your spiritual leadership is a gift that you willingly share with anyone in need.”
-30-
Frank Fernandes and Dave Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Prayer Palace Addresses Sale of Land to Katpa Holdings Inc.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 16, 2007, TORONTO – Only The Prayer Palace benefited from the sale of property to Katpa Holdings Inc, a company owned by Paul and Kathleen Melnichuk.
“At the time the property was originally sold to Katpa, church funds were depleted, construction bills were mounting and bills needed to be paid,” says Dave Ramnath, senior advisor to The Prayer Palace board of directors. “It was thought that selling the piece of land that fronts on to Finch west of highway 400 would alleviate the immediate financial need.”
The purpose of Katpa’s purchase was to help the church during a time of need until it was financially able to reacquire the property.
After reacquiring the land and determining it was no longer needed, because it was landlocked with no direct street access, the church sold it several years later.
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 16, 2007, TORONTO – Only The Prayer Palace benefited from the sale of property to Katpa Holdings Inc, a company owned by Paul and Kathleen Melnichuk.
“At the time the property was originally sold to Katpa, church funds were depleted, construction bills were mounting and bills needed to be paid,” says Dave Ramnath, senior advisor to The Prayer Palace board of directors. “It was thought that selling the piece of land that fronts on to Finch west of highway 400 would alleviate the immediate financial need.”
The purpose of Katpa’s purchase was to help the church during a time of need until it was financially able to reacquire the property.
After reacquiring the land and determining it was no longer needed, because it was landlocked with no direct street access, the church sold it several years later.
-30-
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Prayer Palace Addresses $1 Million Transfer to Florida
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 15, 2007, TORONTO – Prayer Palace documents show that the $1 million CDN transfer to Florida was used to purchase a church in Bradenton. Records show no connection to the purchase of any other properties in Florida.
Pastor Paul Melnichuk and The Prayer Palace board of directors recognized the need to start a church to help inner city families in Bradenton.
“The board of directors was excited about this opportunity to expand into Florida,” says Dave Ramnath, senior advisor to The Prayer Palace board. “I personally handled the transfer of funds on behalf of The Prayer Palace for this purchase.”
The purchase price of the property was $750,000 U.S. and confirmed by the board of directors to be a prudent investment and the first step in the church’s Florida mission.
Bruce Armstrong, an independent Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has been retained by The Prayer Palace. His conclusions will be made public and will confirm The Prayer Palace’s records.
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 15, 2007, TORONTO – Prayer Palace documents show that the $1 million CDN transfer to Florida was used to purchase a church in Bradenton. Records show no connection to the purchase of any other properties in Florida.
Pastor Paul Melnichuk and The Prayer Palace board of directors recognized the need to start a church to help inner city families in Bradenton.
“The board of directors was excited about this opportunity to expand into Florida,” says Dave Ramnath, senior advisor to The Prayer Palace board. “I personally handled the transfer of funds on behalf of The Prayer Palace for this purchase.”
The purchase price of the property was $750,000 U.S. and confirmed by the board of directors to be a prudent investment and the first step in the church’s Florida mission.
Bruce Armstrong, an independent Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has been retained by The Prayer Palace. His conclusions will be made public and will confirm The Prayer Palace’s records.
-30-
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Prayer Palace offers more details
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 14, 2007, TORONTO – The Prayer Palace board of directors issued a statement responding to allegations raised by the Toronto Star. Board spokespersons Dave Ramnath and Frank Fernandes called the claims disturbing, unsubstantiated and incorrect.
The church has practices, policies and procedures in place to protect against questionable business dealings. The Prayer Palace has an independent accountant who is responsible for the books and accuracy weekly as well as a corporate lawyer who regularly attends board meetings. Neither are members of the Prayer Palace congregation.
“A close watch is kept on the church’s accounts to ensure that there are no irregularities,” says Dave Ramnath, a senior advisor to the church’s board. “The church has regular audits – both internally and by the Canada Revenue Agency – which have not identified any irregularities.”
On the issue of running the affairs of the church, the staff does not have a vote. Ramnath noted that the board conducts the business of the church.
“Directors are personally and legally responsible for the business conduct of The Prayer Palace, so we take our decisions very seriously,” says Dave. “That’s why we’ve hired a forensic auditor.”
The board of directors are confident in The Prayer Palace’s records and has retained Bruce Armstrong, a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) to exonerate the church. In the interests of having a clear, transparent and frank discussion of the issues the Prayer Palace board of directors notes they will be happy to share Mr. Armstrong’s conclusions with the media.
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2007
Prayer Palace spokespersons respond to Toronto Star allegations
March 14, 2007, TORONTO – The Prayer Palace board of directors issued a statement responding to allegations raised by the Toronto Star. Board spokespersons Dave Ramnath and Frank Fernandes called the claims disturbing, unsubstantiated and incorrect.
The church has practices, policies and procedures in place to protect against questionable business dealings. The Prayer Palace has an independent accountant who is responsible for the books and accuracy weekly as well as a corporate lawyer who regularly attends board meetings. Neither are members of the Prayer Palace congregation.
“A close watch is kept on the church’s accounts to ensure that there are no irregularities,” says Dave Ramnath, a senior advisor to the church’s board. “The church has regular audits – both internally and by the Canada Revenue Agency – which have not identified any irregularities.”
On the issue of running the affairs of the church, the staff does not have a vote. Ramnath noted that the board conducts the business of the church.
“Directors are personally and legally responsible for the business conduct of The Prayer Palace, so we take our decisions very seriously,” says Dave. “That’s why we’ve hired a forensic auditor.”
The board of directors are confident in The Prayer Palace’s records and has retained Bruce Armstrong, a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) to exonerate the church. In the interests of having a clear, transparent and frank discussion of the issues the Prayer Palace board of directors notes they will be happy to share Mr. Armstrong’s conclusions with the media.
-30-
Frank Fernandes and David Ramnath (members of The Prayer Palace board of directors) are available for interviews. To schedule an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
PRAYER PALACE RESPONDS
Statement by The Prayer Palace Board of Directors:
March 12, 2007, Toronto -- The allegations raised in last weekend's Toronto Star are troubling. While the claims are disturbing, they are unsubstantiated.
At the request of Pastor Paul and associate staff, the Prayer Palace Board has hired a forensic accounting firm to show that the Star's innuendos are entirely incorrect. The Board has also retained the services of a litigation lawyer.
The Prayer Palace looks forward to having a clear, transparent and frank discussion of the issues. Further details will be provided later this week.
March 12, 2007, Toronto -- The allegations raised in last weekend's Toronto Star are troubling. While the claims are disturbing, they are unsubstantiated.
At the request of Pastor Paul and associate staff, the Prayer Palace Board has hired a forensic accounting firm to show that the Star's innuendos are entirely incorrect. The Board has also retained the services of a litigation lawyer.
The Prayer Palace looks forward to having a clear, transparent and frank discussion of the issues. Further details will be provided later this week.
-30-
For further information contact:
Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
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