Walter Gretzky named Canada's 2011 Father of the Year

TORONTO, June 13, 2011 /CNW/ - In recognition of his extraordinary life, Walter Gretzky, one of Canada's most famous fathers, is being honoured as Canada's 2011 Father of the Year by Doro, a world leader in easy to use cell phones and devices designed especially for seniors. Walter and Doro are encouraging Canadians from coast to coast to "make the call" on Father's Day, and tell our dads and father figures how much they mean to us.

A modest man from humble beginnings, Walter Gretzky raised five children in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario inspiring and mentoring his son Wayne to become one of the greatest hockey players in the world. A fighter in his own right, Walter battled back from a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1991 and today devotes his time to helping charities and fundraisers - raising millions of dollars for worthy causes across Canada during the past 20 years.

"Being named Canada's Father of the Year is an incredible honour for me. Reminding sons and daughters to make the call on Father's Day is a message that's close to my heart," said Walter Gretzky from his Brantford home. "Over the years I have relied heavily on the phone to keep in touch with all my children, particularly Wayne who would call from the road after almost every game to let me know how things went, and of course to just to stay in touch."

Father's Day is an important day for loved ones to celebrate the men in their lives who have made a difference with their love and support. For those who cannot get together in person, Doro encourages Canadians to make the call on June 19, and tell someone special how much they mean to you. Although any day is the right day to tell someone you care, Father's Day is the perfect reminder to thank the man who has provided so much ongoing love and support.

"Walter Gretzky is the ultimate dad - an encouraging motivator whose hard won wisdom continues to inspire generations of youth," said Doro CEO Jerome Arnaud. "In honour of Father's Day, we are proud to name him Doro's 2011 Father of the Year. We admire him for his commitment to his family, unfailing positive attitude, and his dedication to improving the lives of others.

Doro's award winning phones are sold in over 30 countries around the world and are distributed exclusively in Canada by Rogers Communications Inc. Rogers offers the Essential Connect package - an affordable monthly package featuring rates as low as $15/month.

About DoroDoro (http://www.doro.com/) is a Swedish company that focuses on developing, marketing and selling telecom products targeted particularly at seniors. With over 35 years of experience in telecom and sales in more than 30 countries on five continents, Doro is today the world-leading brand in simple, easy-to-use mobile phones. Doro created the Care Electronics segment and has in recent years received several international design awards. Doro phones are distributed exclusively in Canada by Rogers Communications Inc.