FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrities support the cold plunge on New Year’s Day
Dippers gear up to jump into Lake Ontario
ONTARIO, OAKVILLE (December 31, 2010) – Hundreds of dippers including celebrities and out-of-towners plan to run into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario at the 26th Annual Courage Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day.
The Courage Polar Bear Dip is Toronto’s most supported New Year’s Day charitable tradition. More than $660,000 has been raised to provide clean water in developing countries since the first dip in 1985. This year’s goal is to raise $150,000 which will complete the Manonga Water and Sanitation Project in Tanzania and bring clean water to 6,000 people.
"The Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip is proof of what's possible when caring people come together for a meaningful cause--like clean water for Africa,” says Michael Messenger, Executive Vice President of World Vision Canada. “The water projects funded by Polar Bear Dip supporters deliver real and lasting change to vulnerable children and their communities. We're thankful for this incredible partnership.”
Celebrities, including Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath, will be on hand to cheer on the 600 costumed dippers along with thousands of spectators.
FACTS
What:
26th Annual Courage Polar Bear Dip
Where:
Coronation Park, Oakville
(Lakeshore Road West just east of Third Line)
When:
Saturday January 01, 2011
Registration & Live Music begins at 12:30 p.m.
Costume Contest at 1:15 p.m.
Dip at 2 p.m. sharp
Visual: Celebrities, (including Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath); 5,000 spectators, 600 costumed dippers running into Lake Ontario; World Vision warm-up tent with water consumption display.
For further information or interviews contact:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Cell Phone: 905.483.0155
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SCSPR
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Peter Gilgan makes largest donation in Oakville Hospital Foundation's history
For Immediate Release
Oakville Hospital Foundation announces $10M donation
October 28, 2010, OAKVILLE -- Today, on the future site of the new Oakville Hospital, The Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF) announced its first pacesetting donation of $10 million from Peter Gilgan, founder and CEO of Mattamy Homes, and unveiled plans for the new facility.
The new Oakville Hospital will be one of the first new hospitals in Ontario built using the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's new design guidelines for hospital construction. And, with a list of more than 39,000 pieces of equipment; it will have some of the best medical equipment and technology available.
"Today, I believe we have laid a solid foundation on which our new hospital will be built," says John Oliver, President and CEO, Halton Healthcare Services. "This gift has set a new benchmark for philanthropy in our community - one that will undoubtedly inspire others. Peter, on behalf of all of us working at the hospital and those who will benefit from this new hospital, we thank you so much for your amazing generosity."
The $10 million donation announced today is the largest ever received by the hospital or any other organization in Oakville.
"Peter has been a supporter of Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for many years and as a former member of the hospital's Board of Directors he has a strong understanding of the need for this new hospital," continues Mr. Oliver. "It is an honour for us to have the Gilgan name - so clearly associated with landmark innovation and quality, community building and philanthropy - as part of our hospital's heritage. I am pleased to announce the new inpatient tower will be called the Peter Gilgan Patient Care Centre."
The Centre will be home to the Hospital's medical & surgical inpatient units which will offer a full-range of medical and post-surgical specialty care to the community. To reduce the risk of infection and enhance patient privacy and comfort, eighty percent of the hospital's inpatient bedrooms will be designed for single-patient use. The Peter Gilgan Patient Care Centre will support family involvement by including amenities such as family rooms, lounges, shower facilities, kitchenettes and much more.
"For over 10 years, I have had the privilege to be a part of the Oakville Hospital community," explains Mr. Gilgan. "I know firsthand the need for a vibrant new health care centre that will grow, live and thrive and ensure Oakville continues to be one of the most livable communities in the country."
Situated in one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, Oakville's current hospital can no longer keep up with the needs of its growing community. Building a new healthcare facility that will not only accommodate growth but has sufficient room to expand to meet future needs, is a major step to ensuring quality healthcare is available in Oakville for many years to come.
"This really is a great day for the new Hospital and for the Oakville community," concludes Tina Triano, CEO, Oakville Hospital Foundation. "Peter's contribution is a significant milestone as we embark on a capital campaign to raise $60 million to create a hospital that will set a new standard for healthcare not just in Ontario, but across the country."
For further information:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF THE OAKVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
The new Oakville Hospital will be one of the first new hospitals in Ontario built using the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's new design guidelines for hospital construction. And, with a list of more than 39,000 pieces of equipment; it will have some of the best medical equipment and technology available.
"Today, I believe we have laid a solid foundation on which our new hospital will be built," says John Oliver, President and CEO, Halton Healthcare Services. "This gift has set a new benchmark for philanthropy in our community - one that will undoubtedly inspire others. Peter, on behalf of all of us working at the hospital and those who will benefit from this new hospital, we thank you so much for your amazing generosity."
The $10 million donation announced today is the largest ever received by the hospital or any other organization in Oakville.
"Peter has been a supporter of Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for many years and as a former member of the hospital's Board of Directors he has a strong understanding of the need for this new hospital," continues Mr. Oliver. "It is an honour for us to have the Gilgan name - so clearly associated with landmark innovation and quality, community building and philanthropy - as part of our hospital's heritage. I am pleased to announce the new inpatient tower will be called the Peter Gilgan Patient Care Centre."
The Centre will be home to the Hospital's medical & surgical inpatient units which will offer a full-range of medical and post-surgical specialty care to the community. To reduce the risk of infection and enhance patient privacy and comfort, eighty percent of the hospital's inpatient bedrooms will be designed for single-patient use. The Peter Gilgan Patient Care Centre will support family involvement by including amenities such as family rooms, lounges, shower facilities, kitchenettes and much more.
"For over 10 years, I have had the privilege to be a part of the Oakville Hospital community," explains Mr. Gilgan. "I know firsthand the need for a vibrant new health care centre that will grow, live and thrive and ensure Oakville continues to be one of the most livable communities in the country."
Situated in one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, Oakville's current hospital can no longer keep up with the needs of its growing community. Building a new healthcare facility that will not only accommodate growth but has sufficient room to expand to meet future needs, is a major step to ensuring quality healthcare is available in Oakville for many years to come.
"This really is a great day for the new Hospital and for the Oakville community," concludes Tina Triano, CEO, Oakville Hospital Foundation. "Peter's contribution is a significant milestone as we embark on a capital campaign to raise $60 million to create a hospital that will set a new standard for healthcare not just in Ontario, but across the country."
-30-
For further information:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF THE OAKVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Marai Vying to become Youngest Elected Official in Halton
For Immediate Release
Marai Vying to become Youngest Elected Official in Halton
(Oakville) – Twenty-one year old Paul Marai may not have been alive when two of Oakville’s current Catholic Trustees were first elected but Marai believes that young energy and new ideas is exactly what the community needs.
He is the youngest person running for an elected position in Halton Region.
Born and raised in Oakville, Marai is in fact one of the only candidates to have actually graduated from the Halton Catholic School system.
“I have a distinct advantage in understanding what needs to be improved in our schools, as I have experienced them first hand,” says Marai. “I believe bringing a different, more collaborative approach to the board, where parents, teachers and students have more input into what goes on.”
Paul has been active in politics and as a community volunteer since he was 14 years old. In the last seven years he has been the chair of the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee, member of the Holy Trinity School Council, member of the Student Senate, a reader at Mary Mother of God Parish, the Vice-Chair of the Halton Youth Advisory Committee and a member of the Trafalgar Community Policing Committee.
“At doors across Oakville I have heard that people want change”, says Marai. “They want more communication between their representatives, more technology in the classroom and more accountability with their tax dollars – I represent all of these priorities.”
For more information contact:
Paul Marai
416-300-0947
paul@paulmarai.com
He is the youngest person running for an elected position in Halton Region.
Born and raised in Oakville, Marai is in fact one of the only candidates to have actually graduated from the Halton Catholic School system.
“I have a distinct advantage in understanding what needs to be improved in our schools, as I have experienced them first hand,” says Marai. “I believe bringing a different, more collaborative approach to the board, where parents, teachers and students have more input into what goes on.”
Paul has been active in politics and as a community volunteer since he was 14 years old. In the last seven years he has been the chair of the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee, member of the Holy Trinity School Council, member of the Student Senate, a reader at Mary Mother of God Parish, the Vice-Chair of the Halton Youth Advisory Committee and a member of the Trafalgar Community Policing Committee.
“At doors across Oakville I have heard that people want change”, says Marai. “They want more communication between their representatives, more technology in the classroom and more accountability with their tax dollars – I represent all of these priorities.”
-30-
For more information contact:
Paul Marai
416-300-0947
paul@paulmarai.com
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Garage Living says: "Reduce your stress level – organize your garage this fall"
Media Release
For Immediate Release
For Immediate Release
Reduce your stress level – organize your garage this fall
Just one of the many benefits of organizing
Just one of the many benefits of organizing
September 27, 2010, TORONTO – In the fall, it’s common for stress levels to soar, as it is back to work and back to school—organizing your garage is one great way to reduce stress and redeem time.
Could you imagine what life would be like if you were asked to get something from the garage that you hadn’t used for months and you find it in mere seconds? Why that would be utopia, like a dream come true. But reality is vastly different. The average family dreads hearing the words “it’s in the garage,” because the average garage is in chaos. Typically, a garage is cluttered with toys, tools, junk, and stuff that are no longer wanted in the home, so they get tossed in the garage with no semblance of order.
“It’s a mess – help! With a family of five, we have a lot of kid’s toys strewn about all over our one-car garage and no room for the car,” is what one family wrote to Garage Living, Toronto’s leading garage organization and flooring company.
“Getting letters and comments like this are a common occurrence for us,” says Aaron Cash, founder of Garage Living. “We live in a fast-paced society where schedules allow for so little spare time and as a result, a cluttered garage can cause a family undue stress and can lead to some nasty arguments.”
Most Canadians are aware that long-term stress can help cause a variety of health problems, a list that includes high blood pressure and heart disease. While there may be some stress-related activities that can’t be avoided, removing those that can, such as organizing a garage, can aid substantially to a living a healthier life.
“People get stressed just looking at the mess in their garage and get overwhelmed thinking about what needs to be done,” says Aaron Cash. “But we change all that by taking away their stress, as we have teams that can remove the junk, de-clutter the zone and deliver, in just days, an organized garage that most people only dream about.”
The old adage, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” should be no different for the garage. After all, a tidy and organized garage is all about lifestyle and getting more enjoyment out of life.
Could you imagine what life would be like if you were asked to get something from the garage that you hadn’t used for months and you find it in mere seconds? Why that would be utopia, like a dream come true. But reality is vastly different. The average family dreads hearing the words “it’s in the garage,” because the average garage is in chaos. Typically, a garage is cluttered with toys, tools, junk, and stuff that are no longer wanted in the home, so they get tossed in the garage with no semblance of order.
“It’s a mess – help! With a family of five, we have a lot of kid’s toys strewn about all over our one-car garage and no room for the car,” is what one family wrote to Garage Living, Toronto’s leading garage organization and flooring company.
“Getting letters and comments like this are a common occurrence for us,” says Aaron Cash, founder of Garage Living. “We live in a fast-paced society where schedules allow for so little spare time and as a result, a cluttered garage can cause a family undue stress and can lead to some nasty arguments.”
Most Canadians are aware that long-term stress can help cause a variety of health problems, a list that includes high blood pressure and heart disease. While there may be some stress-related activities that can’t be avoided, removing those that can, such as organizing a garage, can aid substantially to a living a healthier life.
“People get stressed just looking at the mess in their garage and get overwhelmed thinking about what needs to be done,” says Aaron Cash. “But we change all that by taking away their stress, as we have teams that can remove the junk, de-clutter the zone and deliver, in just days, an organized garage that most people only dream about.”
The old adage, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” should be no different for the garage. After all, a tidy and organized garage is all about lifestyle and getting more enjoyment out of life.
- 30 -
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
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SCSPR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SCSPR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stratcommsolutionspr
Monday, September 6, 2010
Slowing down the aging process - Body Form Fitness has it all figured out
For Immediate Release
Slowing down the aging process
With expert coaching it can be as simple as exercising once a week
With expert coaching it can be as simple as exercising once a week
September 7, 2010, TORONTO - As Baby Boomers age, the dreaded days of increased health issues and joint aches edge closer-what most people don't realize is that they can slow the aging process down.
While aging plays a role in the overall degeneration of health, a more significant player is our sedentary lifestyle. Our bodies were not designed to sit eight hours at a desk and several hours on a couch each day. The accumulative impact of a lifestyle like this takes its toll on the human body, eventually leading to lethargy, acceleration of muscle and joint degeneration, and greater susceptibility to injury, pain, illness, and contraction of diseases.
The good news-it doesn't have to be that way-just a small change in lifestyle. With expert coaching it can be as simple as exercising once a week.
"It's no secret that exercise is an important component to a healthy life and longevity. What's misunderstood is that after years of inactivity, how much and what kind of exercise is best - what's really needed is a planned program that rebuilds muscle strength, restores healthy muscle ratios, and helps to prevent injury," says Joe Berill, a Post Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist and Director of Body Form Fitness. "For most Baby Boomers, making exercise and strength building a weekly event is a lifestyle change, but the benefits of getting healthy and maintaining good health are huge."
Often overlooked, is how building muscle strength decreases joint pain while simultaneously heighten the immune system.
"The explanation for this is simple," says Joe Berill. "Proper exercise that builds muscle strength creates little tears in the muscle. Naturally, the body's immune system immediately goes to work to repair the muscle tears, and in doing, not only repairs the muscle, but builds the immune system-it even leads to weight loss."
Every now and then, after years of little physical activity, people will get the urge to exercise. Perhaps it's because they're frustrated by their continual weight gain, or they're under doctor's orders, or just wanting to get in shape, so they join a gym and for a short time and feverishly workout. Why a short time? Because most grow discouraged when they don't see results fast enough, or due to lack of knowledge or guidance, injure themselves.
"Our practice has shown that one-on-one coaching by an exercise specialist not only helps to prevent injury, it educates the patient and brings the necessary results to achieve their desired goals," says Joe. "No matter their age, it reinforces a lifestyle change that makes exercise an integral part of the ongoing process of building and maintaining a healthy body."
While aging plays a role in the overall degeneration of health, a more significant player is our sedentary lifestyle. Our bodies were not designed to sit eight hours at a desk and several hours on a couch each day. The accumulative impact of a lifestyle like this takes its toll on the human body, eventually leading to lethargy, acceleration of muscle and joint degeneration, and greater susceptibility to injury, pain, illness, and contraction of diseases.
The good news-it doesn't have to be that way-just a small change in lifestyle. With expert coaching it can be as simple as exercising once a week.
"It's no secret that exercise is an important component to a healthy life and longevity. What's misunderstood is that after years of inactivity, how much and what kind of exercise is best - what's really needed is a planned program that rebuilds muscle strength, restores healthy muscle ratios, and helps to prevent injury," says Joe Berill, a Post Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist and Director of Body Form Fitness. "For most Baby Boomers, making exercise and strength building a weekly event is a lifestyle change, but the benefits of getting healthy and maintaining good health are huge."
Often overlooked, is how building muscle strength decreases joint pain while simultaneously heighten the immune system.
"The explanation for this is simple," says Joe Berill. "Proper exercise that builds muscle strength creates little tears in the muscle. Naturally, the body's immune system immediately goes to work to repair the muscle tears, and in doing, not only repairs the muscle, but builds the immune system-it even leads to weight loss."
Every now and then, after years of little physical activity, people will get the urge to exercise. Perhaps it's because they're frustrated by their continual weight gain, or they're under doctor's orders, or just wanting to get in shape, so they join a gym and for a short time and feverishly workout. Why a short time? Because most grow discouraged when they don't see results fast enough, or due to lack of knowledge or guidance, injure themselves.
"Our practice has shown that one-on-one coaching by an exercise specialist not only helps to prevent injury, it educates the patient and brings the necessary results to achieve their desired goals," says Joe. "No matter their age, it reinforces a lifestyle change that makes exercise an integral part of the ongoing process of building and maintaining a healthy body."
-30-
For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF BODY FORM FITNESS
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF BODY FORM FITNESS
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Marai running for Catholic School Board Trustee
For Immediate Release
August 19, 2010
August 19, 2010
Marai running for Catholic School Board Trustee
(Oakville) - Paul Marai joined the race for Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) Trustee on Wednesday.
A lifelong resident of Oakville, Paul attended Holy Family Elementary School and Holy Trinity Secondary School. He went on to acquire an Honours B.A. in Economics and International Relations at the University of Toronto.
His family has always been active in Catholic Education in Oakville, his mother is a retired elementary teacher for the board, and his sister is a current teacher in Oakville.
Paul is a small business owner and is an active member of the Oakville community. His past involvement includes being a Member of the Holy Trinity School Council, Chair of the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee, a Member of the Halton Catholic School Board Student Senate and a reader at Mary Mother of God Parish.
"I believe trustees, parents and students are all one team," says Marai. "We are blessed to live in such a beautiful community as Oakville and we must work together to give our kids the best educational opportunities."
Marai is committed to five priorities. He is advocating for:
1. Better Communication between the school board and parents
2. Greater use of Technology in the Classroom
3. A Responsible and Transparent School Board Budget accessible to you
4. Improved Test Scores for Oakville Schools
5. Implementation of an advanced Financial Literacy curriculum
"We need to infuse fresh ideas into the Halton Catholic School Board. The HCDSB must identify characteristics of the most successful school systems around the world and implement what works," says Marai. "I want our children to not only successfully compete against their peers in Ontario but globally. Only with better schools will we have a brighter future."
For more on these policy initiatives and his campaign please visit www.paulmarai.com
For further information contact:
Paul Marai
416-300-0947
paul@paulmarai.com
A lifelong resident of Oakville, Paul attended Holy Family Elementary School and Holy Trinity Secondary School. He went on to acquire an Honours B.A. in Economics and International Relations at the University of Toronto.
His family has always been active in Catholic Education in Oakville, his mother is a retired elementary teacher for the board, and his sister is a current teacher in Oakville.
Paul is a small business owner and is an active member of the Oakville community. His past involvement includes being a Member of the Holy Trinity School Council, Chair of the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee, a Member of the Halton Catholic School Board Student Senate and a reader at Mary Mother of God Parish.
"I believe trustees, parents and students are all one team," says Marai. "We are blessed to live in such a beautiful community as Oakville and we must work together to give our kids the best educational opportunities."
Marai is committed to five priorities. He is advocating for:
1. Better Communication between the school board and parents
2. Greater use of Technology in the Classroom
3. A Responsible and Transparent School Board Budget accessible to you
4. Improved Test Scores for Oakville Schools
5. Implementation of an advanced Financial Literacy curriculum
"We need to infuse fresh ideas into the Halton Catholic School Board. The HCDSB must identify characteristics of the most successful school systems around the world and implement what works," says Marai. "I want our children to not only successfully compete against their peers in Ontario but globally. Only with better schools will we have a brighter future."
For more on these policy initiatives and his campaign please visit www.paulmarai.com
-30-
For further information contact:
Paul Marai
416-300-0947
paul@paulmarai.com
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Garage Living helps cottage owners stay organized
As we approach the long weekend, many families in the GTA will be travelling to cottage country for a relaxing get-away.
A cottage get-away can involve many activities.
- Building a campfire
- Roasting hotdogs on sticks for supper
- Making s'mores
- Going boating
- Repair and maintenance work on the cottage
The bottom line is, a cottage should be a respite from the hectic day-to-day life of living in the city or suburbs.
Having done work on many homes and garages in the GTA, Garage Living has been getting referrals to homes in cottage country - Muskoka, Barrie (Lake Simcoe), Collingwood, Orillia, etc. They've brought their garage organization and storage expertise to cottage boat houses - helping cottage owners spend less time tidying or cleaning and more time on fun family activities.
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
A cottage get-away can involve many activities.
- Building a campfire
- Roasting hotdogs on sticks for supper
- Making s'mores
- Going boating
- Repair and maintenance work on the cottage
The bottom line is, a cottage should be a respite from the hectic day-to-day life of living in the city or suburbs.
Having done work on many homes and garages in the GTA, Garage Living has been getting referrals to homes in cottage country - Muskoka, Barrie (Lake Simcoe), Collingwood, Orillia, etc. They've brought their garage organization and storage expertise to cottage boat houses - helping cottage owners spend less time tidying or cleaning and more time on fun family activities.
-30-
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions PR
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
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