Volunteer Fire Departments Get 'Charged Up'

Canadians asked to help "Power Those Who Protect Us"

TORONTO, February 24, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canada's volunteer firefighters have partnered with Duracell, a company with a dedicated history of supporting fire services while promoting fire safety, to develop a campaign that calls on all Canadians to show their support for the thousands of brave men and women who go the distance to protect more than 3,000 Canadian communities across the country whenever a fire emergency strikes.

"Volunteer firefighters are often unsung heroes in their communities. They donate their time and energy to help protect our homes and lives without asking for anything in return," said Martin Bell, president of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA). "This campaign will go a long way in raising both awareness and much needed support for the important work that volunteer firefighters are doing every day across Canada."

Through the new Power Those Who Protect Us campaign, Canadians can support volunteer firefighters by purchasing specially-marked AA20 packs of Duracell batteries. For every pack sold, Duracell will add two batteries to a donation that will be divided among volunteer fire departments across Canada. The CVFSA will also receive a cash donation from Duracell during 2011 to support fire services in various communities.

"Duracell is proud of its history in the area of promoting fire safety in Canada and Power Those Who Protect Us is one more way to show our support for those who do so much to protect the well-being of Canadians everywhere," said Victoria Maybee, external relations manager for Duracell Canada.

Volunteer firefighters are the heart and soul of fire departments in more than 3,000 Canadian communities across the country. They might be your teacher, plumber, home builder, or community leaders who give up their own time to train and prepare for when they are called upon in desperate times of need. In addition to their time commitment, volunteers often pay for their own fire service supplies, uniforms and training, so that they are fully prepared when trouble strikes.

"It's great to see a company like Duracell, one of our long-term fire safety partners, taking up a program to support Canada's volunteer firefighters," said Rob Simonds, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC). "The dedicated men and women who serve in a volunteer status at our many fire departments need all of our support for the work they do."

Batteries might seem like a small item but, just as they power many important devices in our homes, batteries are the key power source in a variety of firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Communication devices and life-saving equipment like flashlights, thermal imaging cameras, chemical detectors, and defibrillators are just some examples of the battery-powered tools that firefighters use to protect the communities they serve.

For more information about the fire departments involved in the program, visit www.duracell.ca/protect


About Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association

The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) is a national organization created to benefit the community by maintaining and strengthening Canadian volunteer fire services through the provision of education and training, administration and organizational standards for volunteer firefighter units.

Can Whale Strandings Help Predict Earthquakes?

from TreeHugger.com
by Stephen Messenger, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Earthquakes, like the one that struck in Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday, rank among the most devastating natural disasters, capable of leveling cities and causing extensive loss of life -- largely because they are so unpredictable. On Sunday, however, less than 48 hours before the quake, 107 pilot whales beached themselves and died along the nation's shores, a phenomenon that biologists have yet to fully understand. The proximity of the two events, in both time and location, have sent the Web in a frenzy over whether they are related -- and whether strandings can provide precious foresight before disaster strikes.

It is important to note that biologists believe whales and dolphins beach themselves for a variety of reasons, like failing health and navigational errors, though no definitive correlation has been drawn thus far. This latest incident of mass-stranding prior to an earthquake, however, is not without precedent.

A report from The Mirror points out a that some 170 whales were stranded in Australia and New Zealand prior to the devastating 2004 quake that struck in the Indian Ocean which resulted in a tsunami that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands throughout the region. At the time, Indian professor Dr. Arunachalam Kumar suspected a relationship between the two events.

Three weeks before the tsunami, he was alerted to the whales' deaths, and wrote:

"It is my observation, confirmed over the years, that mass suicides of whales and dolphins that occur sporadically all over the world, are in some way related to change and disturbances in the electromagnetic field co-ordinates and possible realignments of geotectonic plates thereof.

"I would not be surprised if within a few days a massive quake hits some part of the globe."

Scientists are currently speculating that the cause of death of New Zealand's pilot whales is due to sound reverberations in shallow water... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Canadians to select stamp design for the first time in Canada Post history

OTTAWA, February 16, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - For the first time in history, Canadians will have the final say on a postage stamp design. Beginning today, and until midnight (EST) on March 14, Canadians can vote for one of five stamp designs. The design that receives the most votes will become the 2011 Mental Health stamp. Votes can be cast by visiting www.deliverhope.ca and is limited to one vote per design, per computer, per day. The winning design will be announced in April 2011.

After more than 300 designs were received from an open design call last November, a panel of judges and the Stamp Advisory Committee (a national committee that guides Canada Post in selecting stamp subjects and designs) narrowed the selection down to five designs that best reflect the stamp's mission - to raise awareness of the mental health issue and break down the stigma attached to it.

"Canadian stamps are among the best in the world," says Honorable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transportation) and Minister responsible for Canada Post. "Opening the door to select the 2011 Mental Health stamp is a great opportunity for Canadians to understand the process and be proud of its results."

"I was very impressed by the quality of the designs we were asked to review," says Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services at Canada Post. "Not only did we see incredible talent reflected in the designs, but we were also moved by the willingness of many designers to share their very personal story, either of their own journey through the illness or of a loved one's struggles with mental illness."

The designers of the five stamps are:

...NO NEED TO HIDE, designed by Brian Blatnicki of London (ON);
...BEAUTIFUL HOPE, designed by Richard Green of Toronto (ON);
...FORECAST HOPE, designed by Marie Tomeoki of Toronto (ON);
...THE FACE OF MENTAL ILLNESS, designed by Norbert Lisinski of Courtice (ON)
...THE PUZZLE, designed by Miriane Majeau of Terrebonne (QC).

The designer of the winning design will receive a framed commemorative enlargement of the stamp and a $500 honorarium will be donated to a mental health charity of their choice.

Canada Post made mental health its cause of choice in 2008. Since then, customers, employees, suppliers and the public have raised more than $4.8 million for the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Almost $1 million of that was from sales of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 mental health stamps. A dollar from every booklet of stamps sold supports the Foundation.

Sleeman confirms it's notoriously good reputation

MONTREAL, February 17, 2011 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - Sleeman Breweries' ranking among the most admired companies in Quebec has made a spectacular leap. The brewery, ranked in the top three breweries in Canada, has moved up from position 128 in 2010 to position 66 in 2011 in the study published today in Les Affaires.

This leap is the most important of all the companies listed and represents an increase of 14 points in the reputation index, jumping from 66% to 80%. The result confirms that Sleeman stands among the most recognized and most popular brands of beer in the country. This achievement is also the result of the company's effort to increase consumer appreciation for its brand.

Stéphane Duval, Vice-President of marketing at Sleeman, declared that

All the hard work behind the scenes as well as our employees' engagement in producing and distributing superior quality beers largely explains Sleeman's success. The future of the Notoriously Good beer is as promising as ever.

About Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Sleeman Breweries Ltd. is a leading brewer and distributor of premium beer in Canada and the country's third largest brewing company. Sleeman has supplemented its core Sleeman brands, which are available in every province, with a family of exceptional regional premium brands such as Okanagan Spring and Unibroue. The company also produces Sapporo for its parent company; Sapporo Holdings Ltd. of Japan.

Veteran Canadian Sports Broadcaster Dan Shulman Joins TSN

- Shulman will work exclusively in Canada for TSN in addition to his on-air duties at ESPN -

TORONTO, February 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - One of North America's most prolific sports broadcasters returns to TSN as the network today announced that ESPN's Dan Shulman has joined Canada's Sports Leader as a regular contributor.

Shulman will work exclusively in Canada for TSN, providing analysis and reports across all platforms for the network's key properties, including SPORTSCENTRE.

Shulman will continue working for ESPN as the play-by-play voice of the U.S. network's marquee MLB game of the week, SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL, which airs in Canada on TSN2. Shulman, who also covers college basketball for ESPN, was honoured by Sports Illustrated magazine in December as the top national announcer in the U.S. for the first decade of this century.

"Dan's passion for sports is second to none and his integrity as a journalist makes him one of the most respected broadcasters in North America. He is an asset to the TSN broadcast team and strengthens our ability to deliver best-in-class multimedia sports coverage to fans in Canada. We are very pleased to welcome Dan back home to TSN," said Mark Milliere, Senior Vice-President, Production, TSN.

"It is absolutely a thrill to be returning to my television roots after all these years and working with the great team at TSN. With SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL already on TSN2, it's a natural fit for me and I look forward to interacting with Canadian sports fans once again as part of the TSN family," said Shulman.

A native of Toronto, Shulman began his career at TSN in 1995, providing play-by-play commentary for Toronto Blue Jays games. In addition to covering MLB and the World Series for TSN, Shulman also did play-by-play for NHL and NBA games on TSN, and covered the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games for CTV.

In 2001, Shulman joined ESPN as a MLB and college basketball commentator. He called Wednesday Night Baseball telecasts from 2002 to 2007, Monday Night Baseball from 2008 to 2010, and the MLB Playoffs on ESPN Radio since 2001. Shulman is currently the play-by-play voice for ESPN's flagship SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL telecasts alongside former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser and manager Bobby Valentine.

Shulman's college basketball responsibilities at ESPN include play-by-play commentary on the network's Saturday prime-time game of the week and other top games throughout the collegiate season. Shulman has also called NBA games for ESPN since 2007.

TSN is Canada's Sports Leader and Canada's most-watched specialty network. Delivering more sports coverage in High Definition than any other network in Canada, TSN's comprehensive broadcast schedule features an exciting lineup of sports including NHL, IIHF, CFL, NFL, NBA, MLB, Season of Champions Curling, Golf's Majors, F1, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Grand Slam Tennis and Championship Boxing events. TSN properties include TSN2, TSN MOBILE and the industry leading sports website TSN.ca. Official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and London 2012 Games of the Olympiad, TSN is a division of CTVglobemedia.

Canadian Dogs Have Status As Family Members

TORONTO, February 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Canadian families have gone to the dogs! According to a recent poll by Dog Chow®, 90 per cent of owners consider their four-legged companions to be members of the family. And membership has its privileges, since nearly 20 per cent celebrate their dog's birthday, and 40 percent go by "mom" or "dad" to their furry kin. With this new found family status, our dogs are included in more family outings and activities than ever before. Whether it's the daily routine or special activities like Family Day or March Break, it's clear Canadian families consider their canines to be a key member of the pack. As the family dog gains more prominence in our homes, it's even more important for training and care to be a family affair.

"Dogs can have many roles in the family and household, whether they're playmates, protectors, helpers or confidantes," says Jill Skorochod, 'Canada's Dog Trainer' and owner of Time & Patience Training. "However, we can't forget that he is also a dog and needs proper training and care in order for the family to happily live together. I have worked with thousands of dog owners, young and old, and found that success is achieved by involving every member of the family - from feeding to walking to grooming."

Not sure where to get started? Jill Skorochod and the experts at Dog Chow offer the following helpful tips:

Family Commands & Paws-sitive Reinforcement: When training your dog it's important that everyone in the household agrees to, understands and uses the same glossary of family commands to ensure positive behaviour is reinforced. This will reduce your dog's confusion and help him learn how to live with each member of the family. It's also important for all members of the family to reward good behaviour (listening, sitting, staying), and correct unwanted behaviour (chewing, barking, pulling on the leash). Use treats or kibble and lots of praise to communicate and encourage the dog to be a good family member.

Involve the Kids: Encourage kids to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, or brushing the dog where appropriate. To ensure feeding is consistent Jill recommends choosing food that offers a complete meal in every scoop, such as Dog Chow or Puppy Chow, so there is less measuring and confusion. And when it comes to kids "it's important to position them as leaders, not litter-mates or siblings, to ensure the family dog obeys and respects every member of the household."

Furry fitness: Exercise is good for the whole family - especially the four-legged members! When out and about, take turns holding your dog on the leash, and get him or her to "heel". Most children can safely control a dog on a leash by age 10 - but it does depend on the size of the child and the size of the dog. Younger or smaller children can also help hold the leash under supervision. Bring some treats or dry kibble to reward your dog when he responds positively to your training. Try exploring different areas of the city, parks or trails, and always be on the lookout for activities that can include the family dog. It's important that your dog is comfortable in public places and with other dogs - and this allows you to include your dog in more aspects of your life.

"Simple and easy routines give everyone a role in the training and care of the family dog, and result in a happy, healthy, well-mannered pup that's ready to participate in family activities." says Jill.

Yes, Canadians Love Their Furry Family Members

Find out more on how the family dog measures up across the country:
Family Goes to the Dogs: Atlantic Canadians lead the pack in considering their dog to be a family member (94%), followed by Ontarians (92%), Quebeckers (90%) British Columbians (91%), Albertans (86%), and those in the Prairie provinces (85%). A staggering 94 per cent of women consider their dogs to be a part of their family versus 87 per cent of men (just below the national average).

Playmate or Protector? No longer just man's best friend, almost of half of respondents described their dog as "playmate" (48%). Doggie playmates are number one in Quebec (55%) with Atlantic Canada (52%) and Ontario (47%) not far behind. Not surprisingly, more men then women consider their dog a playmate, coming in 10 per cent higher (53% versus 43%). "Protector" ranks second for Canadian dog owners at 20 per cent - this goes up for women (24%) but drops to only 16 per cent for men. Other descriptors include confidante (8%), companion (6%) and helper (4%).

Happy Birthday Rover: Of the 20 per cent of Canadians who celebrate their dog's birthday, more women than men (22% versus 17%) recognize, (and remember!), the date.

Doggy Moms and Dads: 40 per cent of dog owners consider themselves mom / dad to their dog. This drops slightly too only 30 percent for male respondents and increases to 46 per cent for women. Provincially, Atlantic Canada and Ontario are the highest to consider themselves pet parents, with 55 per cent and 43 per cent respectively.

Bikes for Boomers? Panasonic's Electric Bike for "Elderlies"

from TreeHugger.com
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto

If you take it for granted that bicycles are a safe and green part of the transportation system for all ages, then this makes perfect sense. Panasonic has just introduced an electric bike with 20" wheels and a "low floor design" that makes it really easy to get on, start with a boost and stand with your feet flat. Anyone could ride this. It's designed so that older people can maintain their mobility and get themselves to market.

Richard at Cyclicious writes:
It features an ultra low step through frame so stiff-jointed elderly adults can continue biking to the market. The electric assist motor and lithium battery have a range of up to 13 km (about 8 miles), which is plenty for a typical compact Japanese city. The frame geometry also allows for a flat footed stance while stopped

... read more story at TreeHugger.com

60 plus crowd are skiing for Golden Glory at this year's 2011 Canadian Ski Marathon

MONTEBELLO, Quebec, February 7, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - What an example they make! These 60 plus year old men and women skiers have visualized this two day, 160 km Canadian cross country ski tour and are ready to hit the CSM ski trail this weekend.

On February 12 and 13, they will be part of an elite group of 330 skiers who will strap on their skis with the aim of getting their Gold bar. If you haven't skied in the CSM before, to receive a Gold bar, you must first complete the 160 km tour without sleeping overnight and without carrying a backpack (bronze level). Once you get your bronze, you get to go for silver which means you must carry a 10 lbs bag but you don't have to sleep overnight. Then, once you get the silver, you can go for the gold: ski 160 kms (80 kms each day), carry a backpack (which will contain all of your sleeping gear, cooking gear, food, change of clothes), and sleep outside overnight at the Gold Camp.

Overall, Gold Coureurs des Bois registration is up 15% this year. A significant point in itself but the really interesting point is that 10% of the 330 skiers are 60 years old or older. Two impressive Canadians who will be attempting this year's Gold CdB are Ms. Sharon Crawford, who is 66 years old, and Mr. Herve LeBlanc, who is 71 years old.

The CSM isn't just a physical challenge; it is a personal and mental one. This perhaps is where the 60 plus crowd has an advantage.

They know how to focus their minds, enjoy the benefit of each glide, and the support and camaraderie of each other. With years of ski technique under their belts, they seem to conserve energy and become a centred point of balance on their skis.

When asked what the "160 km secret to success was" one gentleman simply replied "badump...badump, badump...badump"..."plant your pole, glide, plant the next one and glide. Don't over-think it, just enjoy it!"

This veteran group carries more than their big backpacks. They carry warm hearts, smiles and encouraging words.

"Way to go little guy! You can do it" was heard repeatedly as they passed a little six year old skier on the course last year. He did do it ... he skied almost 50 kms, and in part, it was because of their grace and welcoming inclusion into this great Canadian ski adventure.

This year, the CSM wishes to share a warm word of support back to every Coureurs des Bois skier but in particular to the CdB Gold veterans who have set such a wonderful example. Good luck and "you can do it"! This year, you are ski bound for Golden Glory! "See you at the finish line!" said Greg Koegl, President of the Canadian Ski Marathon

Driving Hacks to Save the Planet (and Wallet)

from TreeHugger.com
by eBay Green Team

This post was written by Danny Chang, Senior Product Marketing Manager at eBay and contributor to eBayGreenTeam.com.

In an ideal world, everyone would be able to ditch their cars, burn some extra calories, and bond with their community on electric subways, buses, and trains. However, since not all public transportation systems are created equal, it can be hard to give up your vehicle completely. So how about making those miles that you spend in the car as "green" as possible?

The average US driver produces over 10,000 lbs of CO2 every year, contributing to the quarter of all US carbon dioxide emissions that come from the transportation sector. Therefore, the most direct way to ease your car's impact on the environment is to bump up your gas mileage. Even if you can't buy that new Prius, you can still reduce your gas consumption considerably just by changing the way you drive. Here are just a few places to start.
Green your Ride

Buy a More Efficient Vehicle

If you are in the market for a new car, there are many options for a greener alternative—from Hybrid-electric cars, diesel cars, and alternative fuel vehicles (AVFs). Beyond the environmental benefits, Federal, State, and private companies add even more perks with tax incentives, access to HOV or carpool lanes, discounted parking, or even cash to their employees for purchasing a hybrid.

Share a car

If you commute on public transit and just need a car for the occasional grocery run or weekend escape, consider joining a car co-op. One of the best ideas to come forward in the move toward collaborative consumerism, each shared car takes 15-20 cars off the road, and saves an average of $1300/year for those who drive around 5,000 miles annually (vs. car ownership). Not to mention relieving you from the headaches that come along with car registration, oil changes, car washes, daily parking fees, etc.
Update your Driving Style

Easy on the Pedal

Driving aggressively is a guaranteed way to waste gas, lowering your mileage by up to 33% on highways and 5% around town. Every time you brake, you're wasting the gas used to get going. Instead of accelerating quickly and slamming on the brakes, gain speed slowly and look ahead to anticipate when you can take your foot off the gas and begin stopping.

Turn it off

Contrary to conventional wisdom, starting your engine takes the same amount of energy as idling for 6 seconds. So, if you're sitting for more than a minute, turn off the car and expend your own energy to turn that key one more time.

Navigate Smarter

Believe it or not, drivers that use GPS navigation systems are much more planet-friendly than those who don't—just by virtue of the fact that they get lost less! Driving in circles is not only frustrating for you, it takes a significant toll on the environment. Smart car manufacturers like Ford have even taken it a step further and installed systems like Eco-Routes that let you choose the most fuel efficient path. So invest in a GPS system to give you peace of mind AND a clear green conscience; and don't forget to trade it in using eBay Instant Sale when you are done with it!

Lighten your Load

As common sense would tell you, the lighter and sleeker the car, the better mileage you get. So, take off that luggage rack, roll your windows up, and empty out your trunk to lighten the load for your engine.

Be Cheap: Pass on Premium Gas

Unless your car specifically requires premium gas, most modern engines do not benefit from the higher grade of gas. Instead, it just costs you more and creates more pollution from higher octane levels.

... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Play With a Legend of Golf...in Scotland, the Home of Golf

One Golf Legend, One Round, One Trip of a Lifetime

EDINBURGH, Scotland, February 2, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Ever dreamt of taking on a Ryder Cup legend? VisitScotland is offering golf fans the chance to play a round with Scotland's Sam Torrance at the new home of the Scottish Open.

The Ryder Cup legend was a member of the first European team to achieve success on American soil, in 1987. VisitScotland is now offering the chance for one lucky winner to take on the Scot in his own country.

The once-in-a-lifetime prize at picturesque Castle Stuart, near Inverness, is part of the national tourism organisation's global golf promotion, Drive it Home, which tees off today (February 2).

The promotion comes during the year of Active Scotland, a drive to grow tourism spend in every corner of the country in the run-up to staging two of the world's greatest sporting events in 2014 - the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup.

Through the Drive it Home campaign, golf enthusiasts the world over will also have the opportunity to compete in the ProAM at Gleneagles, as well as the chance to win a luxury golfing break at courses throughout the country, from Auchrannie on the Isle of Arran and Gullane in East Lothian, to Royal Aberdeen, and the Roxburghe Championship course in the Borders.

Sam Torrance said:

"I've played golf all over the world, but nothing can match the experience of playing the game in Scotland - the undisputed Home of Golf. VisitScotland's Drive it Home campaign gives people everywhere the chance to enjoy some of this country's finest courses and, of course, pit their wits against yours truly - I can't imagine a much better prize than that!"

To find out more, visit http://www.driveithomescotland.com

Video:
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/visitscotland/47590/

The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids Tees off June 7

Tournament to support Research & Learning Tower at SickKids

TORONTO, Febuary 1, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - SickKids Foundation and The Mike Weir Foundation today announced The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, presented by Thomson Reuters, will be held in Toronto this spring with proceeds supporting the Research & Learning Tower Campaign at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

TSN and CTV sportscaster Rod Black and 11-year-old SickKids patient ambassador Tobin Haas were joined by Mike Weir via Skype to make the announcement at an event at the Hospital this morning.

The tournament will take place June 7, 2011, at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham and at the prestigious Goodwood golf course. To date, the annual Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids has raised more than $2.5 million for paediatric health care across Canada.

"I am thrilled to be coming to Toronto this spring and help raise additional funds for SickKids," says Mike Weir, professional golfer. "Hosting the past four tournaments across Canada has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to the prospect of getting closer to our $10-million goal to support children's health."

A special evening reception for VIP guests and sponsors will be held on June 6 to kick-off the tournament. Nigel Hollidge, Vice President, Business Development, Angus Glen Golf Club, shared his excitement about the tournament coming to Angus Glen and the Goodwood course at the announcement this morning.

"Hosting The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids is a great honour for Angus Glen Golf Club," said Hollidge. "Participants will get a unique opportunity to play on a beautifully maintained, challenging and exciting golf course, while having an impact on the health of future generations of aspiring golfers."

The Mike Weir Foundation works in support of Children's Miracle Network to benefit paediatric hospitals across Canada. The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids was most recently held in Winnipeg in June 2010 and raised $625,000 for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

"This event will have a tremendous impact on SickKids and we are so grateful for that," says John Francis, SickKids Foundation Board Chair-Elect. "The Mike Weir Foundation has created a unique fundraising initiative and SickKids is fortunate to be the beneficiary in 2011 with an important boost to the SickKids Research & Learning Tower campaign."

The SickKids Research & Learning Tower Campaign kicked off in May 2010 with a special groundbreaking ceremony. When complete, the Tower will be a 21-storey, 750,000-square-foot hub for paediatric health research and education in Toronto's Discovery District. The $400-million Tower will bring together 2,000 scientists and staff from SickKids Research Institute and is slated to be completed by 2013.

In addition to the tournament, SickKids is organizing a Kids Putt for SickKids event preceding the tournament on June 4 at Ontario Place. This is one way the community can help support the patients and families who rely on SickKids. Children have the opportunity to play mini golf, compete for prizes and fundraise for the chance to meet Mike Weir. Individuals are invited to register now at www.sickkidsfoundation.com/page/kidsputt.

About The Mike Weir Foundation

The Mike Weir Foundation is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children in Canada. Since its inception and through the support of our generous sponsors and donors we are proud to report that more than $5 million has been raised for children's wellness. Over the past five years, The Mike Weir Foundation has provided more than $3 million in support of children's health care and related causes as well as a wide variety of other children's issues. Hundreds of local and national children's charities have received support from The Mike Weir Foundation to assist their causes. Beyond direct monetary contributions, the Foundation also helps charities raise money through a Mike Weir memorabilia charitable giving program which helps charities obtain auction items for fundraising purposes.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, health care and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

About SickKids Foundation

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation is the fundraising organization for The Hospital for Sick Children - one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country. The Foundation's fundraising is driven by the belief that improving the health and well-being of children is one of the most powerful ways to improve society.

Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for The Hospital for Sick Children. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $52.5 million in children's health research, education and care. A direct result of community support, this is one of the largest investments in paediatric health care and one of the largest contributions to a hospital anywhere in Canada. In addition to its support of The Hospital for Sick Children, the Foundation has a mandate to support children's health on a national basis. Through its National Grants Program, SickKids Foundation has directed more than $75 million to paediatric researchers across Canada over the past 38 years.