Wendel Clark joins the fight against arthritis

Canadian hockey legend available to discuss his personal experience with the disease and his participation in the Walk to Fight Arthritis


TORONTO, May 29, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - This Sunday, May 30, the Arthritis Society brings the Walk to Fight Arthritis, presented by the makers of TYLENOL(R), to communities across Canada, including Toronto, to help raise funds and awareness for the leading cause of disability in Canada.

For more than four million Canadians, arthritis is a debilitating and life-changing disease. While many believe that arthritis affects primarily the elderly, most people currently living with the disease are under the age of 65.

Joining the thousands expected to show their support across the country is hockey legend, Wendel Clark, who will be participating in the Toronto Walk and proudly wearing a special Blue Badge to show his connection to the cause and the fight against arthritis. All walk participants will be given a Blue Badge to wear during the walk to demonstrate that there are multiple forms of arthritis and that it impacts Canadians of all ages and not just the elderly.

Wendel is walking for his mother-in-law, who has struggled with severe arthritis in her joints, hands and fingers for the past 20 years. He is also walking for the number of friends and former hockey teammates who have developed arthritis over the years. This is a cause that is very close to Wendel.

Wendel Clark will be available on-site to discuss how arthritis has affected his life and the importance of finding a cure for this disease, including:

- Why participating in the Walk to Fight Arthritis is so important to him;
- How Canadians can support cutting-edge research and essential programs that support those living with arthritis;
- Tips on how to manage certain types of arthritis; and,
- The best resources for patient, friends and family to find information and support.

The Toronto Walk will be held at Glendon College of York University (2275 Bayview Ave.) and will start at 11 a.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Participants can choose to walk 1 or 5 km. In addition to the Walk, lots of activities including lunch, entertainment, music and attendance prizes are planned for walkers and families.

For more information on tomorrow's Walk to Fight Arthritis, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca.

Fairways for Heroes Set to Tee Off in Support of Families of Canadian Troops

TORONTO, May 27, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The 1st annual Fairways for Heroes charity golf tournament is looking for public participation and support on behalf of the families of Canadian troops injured or killed in action.

The event, to be held at the Carlisle Golf and Country Club near Burlington, Ontario, has been organized by a volunteer committee representing the funeral, police, emergency medical services and death investigation sectors. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Military Families Fund.

Created in April 2007 by the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, the Military Families Fund assists military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs. The Fund provides grants, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a Canadian Forces member due to service, and addresses urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk. The fund continues to grow through the generous contributions of Canadians, corporations and other organizations.

"As Canadians, we all share the grief and anguish when our soldiers are injured or killed in the line of duty," says Tournament Chair Kathy Kerr. "Fairways for Heroes emphasizes the spirit of pride and respect that we have for our troops and their families, and allows us the opportunity to show our appreciation for the significant efforts and sacrifices they experience in order to make our world a safer place to live."

Individuals and groups can show their collective support for Canadian troops and their families by participating in the 18-hole event that promises to be memorable in its purpose. Organizations and agencies from both the public and private sectors can also help make Fairways for Heroes a success by contributing financially to the administration of the golf tournament, offering prizes/awards for the participants or donating directly to the Military Families Fund.

Tee-off time for Fairways for Heroes is 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 9, 2010 at the Carlisle Golf and Country Club, 523 Carlisle Road in Carlisle, Ontario, which is located 10 minutes north of Burlington.

For more information on how to sign-up, donate prizes or make a direct contribution, please contact Fairways for Heroes at 416-467-2922 or fairwaysforheroes@gmail.com.

Skating on Ever Thinning Ice, the NHL Goes Green

Reusable commemorative bags are to replace 30,000 plastic bags at this year's Stanley Cup finals.Photo Credit: National Hockey League

from TreeHugger.com
by Alex Davies, New York City

The National Hockey League is launching a new green initiative in cooperation with the National Resources Defense Council, it announced on Thursday. Unlike baseball, which revels in the dog days of summer, hockey has good reason to fight back against global warming. League Commissioner Gary Bettman said:

Our game originated on frozen ponds. Most of our players learned to skate on outdoor rinks. For that magnificent tradition to continue through future generations, we need winter weather -- and, as a league, we are uniquely positioned to promote that message. We are thrilled to be able to work with the Natural Resources Defense Council and to draw upon its vast experience and expertise in greening League events and League and Club operations.

The NRDC will provide a guiding hand for the program, called NHL Green. Early efforts will include making NHL events more sustainable, starting with the league draft at the Los Angeles STAPLES Center in June. The Philips Arena in Atlanta has been retrofitted to meet LEED standards, and the under construction CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh will do even better, achieving LEED gold standards.... read more story at TreeHugger.com

VIA Rail's Jasper to Prince Rupert Totem Train

Archive photo of The Raven Totem Pole in Jasper. (© Parks Canada)

The Raven Totem Pole Repatriation Tour


EDMONTON, May 21, 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada in partnership with Parks Canada is proud to announce the creation of a special tour package to commemorate the repatriation of the Haida Nation's magnificent Raven Totem Pole to Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). This 11-day, once-in-a-lifetime tour promises to be a rich celebration of the history and culture of the Haida nation. Built by a Haida master carver in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii in the 1870s-80s, the 12-metre (40 feet) totem was acquired by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1915 and installed at the Jasper train station to greet visitors arriving by train.

A landmark in Jasper National Park for nearly a century, the Raven Totem Pole stood next to VIA's Jasper station until April 2009 when it was removed because it had become a safety hazard. It has been photographed by hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world over the years.

Departing Edmonton on June 16, 2010, travellers on this tour will be joined by members of Jasper's community, Parks Canada and representatives of the Haida Nation as they return the Raven Totem Pole to Old Masset, BC. The tour package includes travel with VIA from Edmonton to Prince Rupert, (meals while travelling in Touring class between Jasper and Prince Rupert), 10-nights accommodation, a ferry journey along the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy, scheduled transfers between Port Hardy-Victoria and Victoria-Vancouver, in addition to a number of popular local tours in Jasper and Victoria. Prices for this exclusive opportunity start at C$2,122.

"This exciting collaborative effort between Parks Canada and VIA Rail offers travellers a very special experience. This rare opportunity allows passengers to accompany the totem pole and learn about the rich history, culture, traditions and art of the Haida Nation while discovering unique Parks Canada experiences along the way," said Alan Latourelle, Parks Canada Chief Executive Officer.

For more information on the Raven Totem Pole Repatriation package, customers can visit http://www.trainpackages.ca/en/packages/TP-1547?check_departure_city=1 or call 1 888 VIA RAIL (1 888 842-7245), TTY 1 800 268-9503 (for hearing impaired).

About Parks Canada

On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage through a vast network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas. This network is considered to be one of Canada's - and even the world's - greatest treasures. Whether it's an exciting and challenging experience, or a relaxing break away from the stresses of modern life, Parks Canada always has something special to offer its visitors.

About VIA Rail

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation - in both official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travellers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

Canadian documentary tells the story of South Africa's extraordinary journey from apartheid to the World Cup

TORONTO, May 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Next month, South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup - the most widely viewed sporting event on earth. As many as 500,000 fans from around the world are expected to visit the country, as 32 national squads - from Algeria to Uruguay - compete for a place in football history.

For South Africa's 50 million citizens, this will be the culmination of an extraordinary journey. Until 1994, the country was reviled internationally for its system of institutionalized racial discrimination, or apartheid. Few who lived under this system could have imagined that South Africa would embrace civil rights and democracy in the course of their lifetimes, let alone win the respect of the international community.

Five Roads to Freedom: From Apartheid to the World Cup is an original new Canadian documentary that looks at South Africa's revolutionary transformation through the eyes of five men and women who lived under the shadow of apartheid.

VisionTV presents the Canadian television premiere of Five Roads to Freedom on Tuesday, June 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The hour-long film repeats on Thursday, June 10 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

"This is the real, human story behind the World Cup," says Toronto-based filmmaker Robin Benger, who co-wrote and co-directed the documentary with South African colleague Jane Thandi Lipman.

Five Roads to Freedom introduces the viewer to five individuals from across the social and political spectrum: ordinary people whose experiences are representative of the profound changes of the past 15 years - and whose lives in 2010 reflect both the promise and the ambiguities of today's South Africa.

They are: a white ex-policeman who has renounced his racist past and devoted himself to the ideals of revered former president Nelson Mandela; a Zulu warlord who has escaped punishment for his murderous actions under apartheid; the sister of a slain African National Congress leader, who has waited in vain for a word of apology from the killers; a wealthy white lawyer who lost everything because of the disgrace of an interracial love affair; and a gifted young football phenom from the townships who, as goalkeeper for the national squad, symbolizes the still-fragile hopes of post-apartheid South Africa.

Five Roads to Freedom is a deeply personal project for filmmaker Robin Benger. As a South African student leader in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he was arrested three times for anti-apartheid activities, and ultimately expelled from the country.

"South Africa is a transformative place - a story with implications throughout Africa and around the world," he says.

Five Roads to Freedom was produced for VisionTV by Toronto-based Cogent/Benger Productions. The Producers are Ian Ayres, Robin Benger, Eric Ellena, Jane Thandi Lipman, Joseph Oesi and Christopher Sumpton. Joan Jenkinson is the Executive Producer for VisionTV.

As a companion to Five Roads to Freedom, VisionTV also presents Robin Benger's award-winning 2004 documentary Madiba: The Life and Times of Nelson Mandela. This two-hour account of Mandela's journey from political prisoner to the democratically elected leader of a racially united South Africa, airs on Thursday, June 10 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information on VisionTV programming, please visit www.visiontv.ca.

Spark the fun without the folly this summer with safety tips from CSA International

TORONTO, May 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Summer is a much anticipated time for many Canadians to enjoy the sun by spending more time outside, either at home or at the cottage. The warmer months can also be an opportune time to catch up on home and yard maintenance. Before cleaning out the garage, replacing the BBQ tank, or hitting the road for a camping trip, CSA International is reminding everyone to take a few moments to be proactive about safety.


CSA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS


CSA International, a global testing and certification organization, is sharing its summer safety tips with consumers to help them avoid accidents and injuries while they enjoy the summer season.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas Grills and Barbecues

- Before firing up the barbecue for the first time, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.

- Check for cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To check for leaks, apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water to hoses and fittings and turn on the main gas or propane valve while leaving burners off. Any leaks will show up as bubbles. Replace any damaged hoses or fittings.

- Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years in Canada. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.

- Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage!

- When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA International Certification Flame indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

Decorative Lighting

- When installing decorative lighting on patios or along walkways, inspect your lighting to make sure that it is certified and marked for use outdoors. Always turn off the electricity supply before working with outdoor lighting and unplug lights when possible.

- Carefully inspect lights and lamps to make sure there are no broken or cracked sockets or housings and that there are no bare or frayed wires.

- Use a timer to turn lights on and off. Turn lights off during peak summer hours to avoid strain on local electricity resources.

Yard work and Renovations: Before mowing the lawn, pruning the bushes, or building a backyard deck, keep these safety tips on hand:

Lawn Mowers

- Before mowing, take the time to walk the yard to remove objects that may cause an obstruction or be tossed by the rotating blades.

- Children under 12 years of age should never operate a power lawn mower.

- Never clear an obstruction on a running mower! If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it is gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine is not running and that all safety features have been activated.

Portable Power Tools

- Inspect all power tools and cords before each use. Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards have been put in place and are in proper working order.

- Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge - or wire size - to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock.

- Make sure the tool is turned off before it is plugged in or unplugged. Always turn off and unplug the tool before changing parts such as drill bits or cutting blades.

- Use an extension cord only as a temporary connection. Never link extension cords; instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool without stretching. When working outside, only use cords clearly labelled for outdoor use.

- Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

Camping: Whether you are at a camp site, cottage or by the lake, remember the following tips for a safer summer expedition:

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

- Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoor, in well-ventilated areas and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle! Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage

- Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org

OPP ready to use all available resources for upcoming May long weekend

ORILLIA, Ontario, May 18, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will use all its available resources and personnel this Victoria Day weekend to ensure that Ontario's highways, trails and waterways remain amongst the safest in the world.

"This weekend traditionally kicks off the summer driving season and we expect to see an increase in traffic", said OPP Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Highway Safety Division. "Safety on the highways, waterways and trails is not only a concern for the OPP but for all citizens of Ontario and our visitors. The OPP aircraft will assist officers on the ground, watching for aggressive drivers and speeders".

As in previous years, the OPP will be working with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to ensure that vehicles are safe, loads are secure and towing attachments are properly installed.

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino supports the initiative.

"Enforcement is proven to reduce injuries and save lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways", said Fantino. "Our efforts are focused on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The increase in travel of the May long weekend gives our officers an excellent opportunity to remind everyone of safe driving practices".

This week is also the beginning of Safe Boating Awareness Week and the OPP Marine Unit will be out on the waterways to help prevent drowning and other incidents on Ontario waterways this long weekend. Remember to wear a certified personal flotation device and don't drink and boat.

Last year, over the Victoria Day weekend, 2 people were killed in 2 separate collisions on OPP patrolled roads and no watercraft or ATV fatalities reported.

Make this summer count. Lead the diabetes summer surge in your community!

Canadian Diabetes Association launches coast-to-coast movement to raise funds in support of people living with diabetes

TORONTO, May 13, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - With the weather warming up and summer planning underway, the Canadian Diabetes Association has launched the second annual Diabetes Summer Surge movement to help lead the fight against diabetes across Canada.

Today, more than 3 million Canadians are living with diabetes and a further 6 million Canadians have prediabetes. Each and every day, another 480 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease. In fact, this summer alone, more than 43,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with diabetes and may see their life expectancy reduced by as much as 15 years.

The Diabetes Summer Surge is an opportunity for individuals to take action in their community by hosting a fundraising event (real or virtual), supporting an existing event or making a personal donation all while spreading the word to friends and family.

"Last year, through the generous support of individuals across Canada more than $600,000 was raised through the Diabetes Summer Surge," said Anna Kennedy, Interim President & CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association. "We are excited to launch this movement again this year and look forward to hearing about the innovative and creative activities taking place across Canada in support of those living with diabetes. We encourage everyone to make this summer count by raising awareness, raising money and having fun!"

Individuals have until August 15 to add the surge to their summer plans and the chance to win some great prizes. Get started at diabetessummersurge.ca

The funds raised from the Diabetes Summer Surge will go towards supporting leading-edge research, services, and essential programs to help the millions of Canadians who are living with or affected by diabetes.

The 2010 Diabetes Summer Surge is sponsored by Air Canada, Ocean Spray, ClubLink and Dainty Foods.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association

Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. We are supported in our efforts by a community-based network of volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners. By providing education and services, advocating on behalf of people with diabetes, supporting research and translating research into practical applications - we are delivering on our mission. Visit diabetes.ca for more information

20-Pound Propane Cylinders

The Office of the Fire Marshal and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority Warn the Public of Safety Issues

TORONTO, May 7, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - On April 1, 2010 the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) was called to investigate an explosion at a propane filling and distribution centre in Smithville, Ontario. Although the investigation is ongoing, a safety issue was identified involving 20 pound propane barbeque-type cylinders. These propane cylinders are available to the public at cylinder exchange facilities and are identified on the label with Tank Traders/Superior Propane.

The safety issue involves cylinders that have been sent to retail cylinder exchange facilities that may have their cylinder valve left in the open position. Connection of the supply hose to the propane cylinder when the valve is in the open position could result in the release of propane creating the risk of fire. The OFM and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) are urging anyone who has purchased a 20 pound propane cylinder that is identified with a label Tank Traders/Superior Propane from an exchange facility to check and ensure that the cylinder valve is in the closed position. Please note that the cylinder valve should always be in the closed position while you are connecting the tank to your barbeque and when the barbeque is not in use.

Also, if you have a 20 pound propane cylinder with a valve that is green in colour, do not use the cylinder and return it to the supplier.

For more information on this issue, please click on the Safety Order FS-179-10).

LEARN MORE

To get your barbecue ready for grilling season, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority recommends making this three-step safety check part of your spring cleaning routine:

1. CLEAN: use a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure the burner ports are free of rust, dust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.

2. CHECK: examine the hose leading from the fuel supply to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.

3. TEST: find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to all fuel and hose connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections and/or replace the damaged parts and always re-test.

Remember that barbecues are for outdoor use only. If used in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide - an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas - will gather and reach dangerous exposure levels, which can lead to serious health effects, or even death.

Weedwhacker More Efficient Than DDT When Comes to Mosquitoes

from TreeHugger.com
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California

Mosquitoes spread Malaria, and while the drug to combat the disease is relatively cheap, the distribution of it is problematic. That's why mosquito nets are such an important measure of prevention - they're cheaper and easier to dispense. But there's an even better way to combat Malaria, and without the use of chemicals, including the increasingly less effective DDT. Over the last 50-some years, we've tried to defeat mosquitoes with chemicals, but as those lose their killing power, communities are finding that the old ways of dealing with the disease-bearing pests is to get them where it really hurts - their birthing grounds. By draining bodies of standing water like puddles and irrigation canals, communities across the globe are finding it more productive to follow ecology rather than chemistry, and Mexico had ditched DDT altogether.

According to Yale 360, Mexico once used DDT and other insecticides to fight Malaria, even spraying it inside people's homes (though pesticide-soaked wallpaper seems to be slightly safer...). As much as 70,000 tons of DDT was used between 1957 and 1999 in the effort to prevent malaria. However, in 1998, Oaxaca introduced methods of clearing vegetation along waterways and it showed effective - so effective that the number of malaria cases dropped from 17,500 to 254 in two years, and Mexico incorporated the more eco-friendly methods.

By 2008, Mexico had ditched insecticides including DDT in all its anti-malaria efforts and the number of deaths from malaria reported during that year was a whopping zero.... read the full story at TreeHugger.com

Study: Mosquitoes Prefer the Blood of Beer Drinkers

from TreeHugger.com
by Jeff Kart, Bay City, Michigan

Barley and hops means more bumps and itching, according to a recent study that says mosquitoes prefer to bite beer drinkers. As if we needed more reasons to kill mosquitoes.

The bugs already spread malaria and West Nile virus. But what's the best way to control these buggers? We don't need more chemicals sprayed into the air or on our bodies. Have you ever looked at the warning labels of stuff like Malathion or Anvil used for mosquito control in the United States? On the other hand, less mosquitoes means less disease being spread. What's the balance between control, health and nuisance? It probably depends on what part of the world you're in. Read on.

Right now, it's raining in places like Michigan, and mosquitoes are getting ready to emerge and buzz on over to campsites, backyards and parks. If it weren't for mosquito control programs, their numbers would be much worse, right? The Michigan Mosquito Control Association calls mosquitoes "by far the most dangerous animals on earth."... read more on TreeHugger.com