Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Moosehead Breweries and Roots Canada toast the Holidays in Style


LCBOs to offer a Limited-Edition Gift Pack

TORONTO --- October 28, 2009 --- This Holiday Season Ontarians are invited to raise a glass in the company of two Canadian icons – Moosehead Breweries and Roots Canada. Known for their proud Canadian heritage, the two companies are coming together to spread holiday cheer with a limited-edition gift pack available exclusively through the LCBO.

Recognized the world over as leading Canadian brands, the two are ideally matched to offer beer lovers the best of Canadian quality and heritage.

With its heritage dating back to the birth of Canada in 1867, Moosehead has been enjoyed by generations of Canadians. “Moosehead has built its distinctive reputation based on our commitment to tradition, independence and product excellence. As the largest independent national brewery, we are pleased to align with a partner like Roots Canada who is equally dedicated to quality and tradition,” said Moosehead President Andrew Oland.

Also known for creating superior products that reflect the spirit of Canada, Roots Canada offers items that people love and enjoy, year after year. “Roots is proud to work with a brand like Moosehead that shares our passion for Canada,” says Michael Budman, Co-Founder of Roots. “We respect their incredible heritage and their commitment to quality and social responsibility. The Roots/Moosehead collaboration reflects the strong connection we both have to Canada and is a celebration of our home country and the Holiday Season.”

The exclusive holiday gift pack contains two Moosehead collector glasses, two 341ml bottles of premium Moosehead Lager and a limited edition Roots scarf in black, charcoal or army green. It will be sold exclusively at select LCBOs across Ontario starting November 2 and will retail for $27.95 while quantities last.

Media Contact:

Michelle Di Rocco
Account Director
t: 416-360-6522 x 251
d: 647-837-1266
e. michelle@punchcanada.com


Friday, October 23, 2009

The Bahamas adds some PUNCH to TV spots broadcast in China

PUNCH Canada’s television commercials promoting vacation travel to The Bahamas were broadcast in China’s Travel Channel Sunday evening as part of a rebroadcast of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant from Atlantis in Nassau.

Originally developed for the U.S. market, the four 30-second spots showcase the natural wonders, attractions and the people of the islands of The Bahamas in the popular sun destination. They were also adapted for WestJet’s in-flight broadcast service.

“We’re extremely excited The Bahamas pieces were shown in the world’s largest country. As their marketing and public relations agency for Canada, it’s the first time The Bahamas is using television advertising to promote travel from China,” said PUNCH Canada President and CEO Stewart MacPhee.

Contact:

Stewart MacPhee

PUNCH Canada

416-360-6522 ext. 264

Thursday, October 22, 2009

KICK OFF YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE GARDINER MUSEUM’S 21ST ANNUAL TWELVE TREES OF CHRISTMAS GALA AND EXHIBITION

KICK OFF YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE GARDINER MUSEUM’S 21ST ANNUAL TWELVE TREES OF CHRISTMAS GALA AND EXHIBITION

TORONTO (October 21, 2009) –- Get into the spirit of the holiday season by joining the Gardiner Museum at its signature fundraising event, the 21st Annual Twelve Trees of Christmas Gala on November 19th. Emceed by Canadian actor and director Albert Schultz, and featuring a cocktail supper by renowned chef Jamie Kennedy, guests are invited to participate in the excitement of a silent auction of professionally-designed Christmas trees.

This year, Toronto’s top designers and architects were asked to complete the phrase “My Christmas is…” They have created one-of-a-kind trees that express their personal approach to the holiday for participants to purchase via silent auction as a magical addition to their own home or for donation to the charity of their choice. Stunning wreaths and edible creations, donated by local florists and bakeries, will also be for sale, that evening.

The trees will be on view at the Gardiner Museum, interspersed amongst the permanent collections, through December 10th.

“The Twelve Trees of Christmas is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit and mark the beginning of the holiday season.” said Gardiner Museum Executive Director, Alexandra Montgomery. “Our gala is a festive and social evening that attracts a sparking crowd of designers, artists and Gardiner Museum supporters, and the exhibition attracts families who come to visit the trees as part of their annual holiday tradition.”

The 21st Annual Twelve Trees of Christmas’ participating designers include: Annabelles Interior Design; Anne Hepfer Designs; AT Design Group; BOYCHUK+FULLER; Del Weale Interior Design with Suzanne Davison Interior Design; Julia West Home; Norma King Design; Reid & Lyons; Robert Tanz Interior Design; Susan Taylor Interior Design with Katherine Burke Design; Thomas Sparling Inc. with Ellen Harrington Design; TM Design; and Upper Canada House.

Presented by Etherington & Vukets, all proceeds from Twelve Trees of Christmas Gala support programming and education at the Gardiner Museum. Tickets ($150 before October 31st, $200 from November 1st on or $150 for 3 or more) can be purchased by calling the Gardiner Museum (416-586-8080).


ABOUT THE GARDINER MUSEUM
The Gardiner Museum offers an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest and most universal art forms -- ceramics. The collection spans continents and time, giving a glimpse into the development of ceramic processes, decoration and form. Year-round the Museum mounts special exhibitions, events, lectures and clay classes to complement its permanent collection.

The Museum also features a café that serves delicious local fare prepared by Jamie Kennedy Kitchens as its executive chef, and the Gardiner Shop, which specializes in artist-designed, artist-made merchandise. More information about the museum and its exhibitions can be found online at www.gardinermuseum.com

Members of the media can register to access the Gardiner Museum’s online media room (www.gardinermuseum.com/mediaroom) where they may review and download images and additional media materials.

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For more information, contact:

Mary-Margaret Jones
PUNCH
416.360.6522 ext. 241
marymargaret@punchcanada.com

Danna Barak

PUNCH
416.360.6522 ext. 240
danna@punchcanada.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Toronto Motorcycle Show showcases best products on two wheels


Riders to kickstart plans for next season


TORONTO --- October 21, 2009 --- If you’re dreaming of an adventure onboard a new ride, the Toronto Motorcycle Show is sure to get your motor running.

The show is the place to see the
latest motorcycles, ATVs and scooters before they hit dealer floors. The Toronto Motorcycle show will feature over 150 exhibitors including motorcycle manufacturers, such as BMW, BRP, Buell, Ducati, Harley- Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha.


“We’re excited about the new 2010 models that will be on display,” said Bob Ramsay, President of MMIC. “Our members, who are the major manufacturers, are committed to showcasing their newest models at the Toronto show because this gives potential buyers a firsthand look at the new lineups for the coming year.”

Some of the new products at this year’s show include:

· BMW Motorrad Canada will feature four to five new or updated models including the new F800R, a chain driven naked version to accompany the F800GS and F800S/ST models. They will also introduce the production version of the 2010 BMW S1000RR, the most powerful production bike BMW Motorrad has ever built. This new supersport category motorcycle is the first true superbike built by BMW Motorrad and will be well placed in the market with a claimed dry weight of 183 kg and 193 hp.

· Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada will display a variety of bikes including the new 2010 CVO Softail® Convertible model (a new limited-production factory custom motorcycle) and the 2010 CVO Street Glide™ bike. In addition, the 2010 Ultra Classic Electra Glide® bike and 2010 Fat Bob® are two CVO models that have been upgraded with new paint and features.

· Victory Motorcycles is showcasing two new models, the Cross Country™ and Cross Roads™, to broaden their reach into the luxury touring market segment and complement their Vision line of luxury touring bikes. Victory is offering 24 models in 2010, including two additions to the stylish 8-Ball family and the Ness Signature Series limited edition models.

“There are very few places in Canada where you can see all of these motorized products in one place. You can speak to the experts, ask the manufacturers questions and learn about the advances in safety. We’ve always said the Toronto Motorcycle Show is the premier two-wheel show in Canada,” said Darryl Bond, Show Manager.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show, one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, December 11th until Sunday, December 13th, 2009.

The Toronto Show is the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries official launch of its cross-Canada, seven-city show tour where the leading manufacturers and distributors offer the riding community a first glimpse of their new 2010 models. Complete show information is available at: www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.

Where:
The Toronto Motorcycle Show
South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
222 Bremner Boulevard (beside the CN Tower)

When:
Friday, December 11th, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13th, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission:
Adults: $16.00
Juniors (Ages 6 to 15): $10.00
Children (under six years): Free when accompanied by an adult
Family Pass (two adults & two juniors): $38.00

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About MMIC
The MMIC is a national, non-profit industry association whose members include the major manufacturers, distributors and retailers of motorcycles in Canada. The MMIC member companies account for more than 90 per cent of all new motorcycles sold in Canada each year. Information on the MMIC is available at
www.mmic.ca.

About CNSS
CNSS is a non-profit corporation and the largest producer of boat, fishing, sportsmen’s, ski, outdoor and motorcycle shows in Canada. Through its family of shows, the corporation raises funds to ensure that generations of young Canadians can benefit from Canada’s outdoors. Since the first show held in 1948, more than $30 million has been committed to these causes.


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

PUNCH members join Emirates airline and Olympic Gold hopeful at Woodbine Racetrack


A Day at the Races

Olga Petrycki and Andrea Lukac of PUNCH joined client Mary Heron, Manager Canada, Emirates airline at Woodbine Racetrack for the drawing of positions for the Breeder's Cup 2009 Pattison Canadian International. Event sponsor Emirates treated guests to a tasty lunch and a meet and greet with Canadian figure skating champ and Olympic Gold hopeful, Patrick Chan.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The 2009 Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show Offers Mountains of Exhilarating Entertainment


Toronto’s biggest ski and snowboard super show


TORONTO – October 2009 – The temperature might be dropping but excitement levels are rising as the 2009 Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show prepares to take over the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place. The exhibitors are busy getting ready to showcase the latest fashions, equipment and vacations for eager snow enthusiasts. With this year’s lineup of thrilling entertainment, the show offers the perfect remedy to avoiding those pesky winter blahs.

Gravity Defying Altitude Show

The headliner of this years’ entertainment is Altitude, a performance that certainly lives up to its name. Featuring the gravity defying Sky Riders, mile high ramps, and endless quarter pipes, onlookers are certain to be blown away by this extreme show. Spectators will also get a glimpse of the coolest winter fashions as the altitude acrodancers heat up the Better Living Centre with their awesome acrobatic dance moves.

Be sure to leave some time to catch the Sky Riders in their full glory on:

Thursday, October 15. 6pm, 8pm

Friday, October 16. 3pm, 6pm, 8pm

Saturday, October 17. Noon, 3pm, 6pm 8pm

Sunday, October 18. 12:30pm, 2pm, 4pm

Cool Carvings

Some winter skills extend beyond the slopes. New at this year’s show is the award winning ice sculptor Laurent Godon. Viewers will be amazed as they watch Godon transform blocks of ice into majestic winter wonderlands carvings. As the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the fastest ice sculptor, Godon will be sure to impress audiences with his swift and precise art.

Catch this creative phenomenon on:

Thursday, October 15. 7pm, 8:30pm

Friday, October 16. 6:30pm, 8:30pm

Saturday, October 17. 1pm, 3 :30pm

Thrills and Spills

Snowboarding through an avalanche might seem like a bad idea to you, but tackling moguls, turn pipes and rigid slopes are just everyday challenges for the pros. Get a glimpse at some of the most outrageous snow maneuvers at The Free Ride Film Fest. This theatre, presented by Tourism Ontario and Ryeka Sport Extreme Videos, will let visitors watch the latest international ski and snowboard films on the big screen. These movies by industry giants like Burton, Billabong and Warren Miller will show off the professionals as they try and conquer mother natures’ elements.

What: The 2009 Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show

When:

Thursday, October 15. 3pm – 10pm

Friday, October 16. noon – 10pm

Saturday, October 17. 10am – 9pm

Sunday, October 18. 10am – 6pm

Where: Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place

Details:

Adults: $16.00; Juniors: $11.00 (Ages 6 to 15); Seniors: $11.00 (Age 60+)

Children (under six years): Free when accompanied by an adult

Family Pass: $40.00 (two adults & two juniors)

The Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show features the latest in equipment, fashion, resorts and travel advice. Visitors can check out the newest equipment from retailers representing Head, Burton, Rossignol, Atomic, Flow, Columbia, Phenix, Avalanche, Sims, K2, Salomon, Dalbello, Nordica, Carrera, Spy, Oakley and Kombi. More than 100 resorts from around the world are represented at the show, offering vacations of a lifetime to skiers and snowboarders.

Complete show information is available at: at www.torontoskishow.com and www.snowboardshow.ca

For more information and to receive show updates contact:


Danna Barak

PUNCH Canada

T: 416-360-6522 x240

E: danna@punchcanada.com


About:

The Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show is produced by the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS), a non-profit corporation that has provided ski related grants to organizations including the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance; the National Recreation Skier Development Fund and Canada Ski West safety brochures. Major contributions have also been made to the Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA) and the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS).

About CNSS:

Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS) is a non-profit corporation and the largest producer of boat, fishing, sportsmen’s, ski, outdoor and motorcycle shows in Canada. Through its family of shows, the corporation raises funds to ensure that generations of young Canadians can benefit from Canada’s outdoors. Since the first show held in 1948, more than $30,000,000 has been committed to these causes.

Club Grand Bahamas Launch

Here's some of the PUNCH team with Mr. Morris and Mr. Strachan of the Bahamas Tourism Office

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Hand washing top priority for Canadians as flu defence

Hand washing top priority for Canadians as flu defence

Survey finds message hitting home about H1N1 threat

TORONTO, Oct. 8 /CNW/ - Canadians are washing their hands in record numbers as a primary defence against flu infection, a national survey finds.

The survey, conducted by Harris/Decima for Dial Complete(R) Foaming Hand Wash found 89 per cent of Canadians wash their hands to protect their family's health. However, 92 per cent of women say they are more likely to wash their hands than men (85 per cent).

Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, and faced with the threat of H1N1, taking the proper precautions has never been more important.

In addition to questions about cold and flu prevention, the survey asked Canadians about their fears regarding the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Quebecers were the most laissez-faire about H1N1. Three out of ten Quebec respondents said they are not at all concerned about the virus' spread. In contrast, as many as six in ten Prairie residents are moderately or very anxious about it.

"Winter is right around the corner and we wanted to know if Canadians are taking precautions to guard themselves against cold and flu, including H1NI," said Roxanne Gregory, Henkel Consumer Goods Canada, Inc. "No one likes to get sick. It's good to see Canadians are taking charge of their health and using anti-bacterial hand washes to help prevent the spread of these illnesses."

Beyond washing their hands, how far will Canadians go to minimize the risk? Dial Complete asked participants if and how they would curb their lifestyles in the face of an H1N1 outbreak.

Half of Albertans say they would cocoon when faced with the flu -- they would stop being with friends (49 per cent), eating at restaurants (59 per cent) and even skip work (47 per cent) if there were an outbreak of H1N1. Known for their joie-de-vivre, French Canadians disagreed with such drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, Quebecers say they would be more likely to wear a mask (52 per cent) than refrain from a bite at their favourite restaurant (37 per cent).

    The survey also revealed:

- Ninety-three per cent of Canadians wash their hands properly and
frequently, regardless of age or income level
- Women are better judges of cold and flu symptoms than men. Forty-two
percent of women were able to indentify body aches and pain as a
difference between a cold and flu while only 27 per cent of men could
say the same
- Retirees are more proactive than younger Canadians with preventative
health measures. Ninety-two per cent wash their hands properly,
91 per cent get plenty of rest and 82 per cent minimize contact with
sick people

The survey polled 1,000 Canadians from September 17 through September 21, 2009.

About Henkel

For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas - Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesive Technologies - and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 per cent of Henkel's sales are in fast-moving consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 per cent of the company's total sales. Henkel Consumer Goods of Canada, Inc. is based in Oakville, Ontario. For more information about Dial Complete(R) Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash visit: www.dialcomplete.ca.

For further information: Michelle Di Rocco, PUNCH Canada, (416) 360-6522 ext. 251, michelle@punchcanada.com; Mary-Margaret Jones, PUNCH Canada, (416) 360-6522 ext. 241, marymargaret@punchcanada.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fabutan Sun Tan Studios Kicks Off 8th Annual 'Ray of Hope' Campaign for Breast Cancer Research

CALGARY, Oct. 1 /CNW/ - During October, Fabutan Sun Studios is asking its customers to give a Ray of Hope to the one-in-nine Canadian women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Each October, Fabutan studios across Canada work together to help support the Vitamin D Society's fight against this disease: the fundraiser coincides with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

"Fabutan became involved in the fight against breast cancer through the Ray of Hope campaign eight years ago," explained Doug McNabb, Fabutan president. "We are proud of the contribution our franchisees, employees and customers have made in their communities, to help end such a devastating disease."

For only $10, Fabutan clients can add 125 minutes to any tanning package: that $10 will then be donated to the Vitamin D Society by Fabutan, for the fight against breast cancer. Last year Fabutan raised over $97,000 for the Vitamin D Society. This brings the total amount raised by the Ray of Hope campaign to $433,000.

The Vitamin D Society is an independent non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds research relating to Vitamin D and its possible affects on breast cancer.

About Fabutan Sun Studios

For over 29 years Fabutan has encouraged a balanced, moderate approach to indoor tanning. Educating our customers to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks of too much or too little UV exposure, along with a strong emphasis on avoiding overexposure and sunburn, is the core foundation of Fabutan's "Smart Tanning" philosophy.

Fabutan Sun Tan Studios is part of the International Smart Tan Network, committed to the research and education of responsible and moderate sun tanning, Fabutan is Canada's largest indoor tanning company, with 150 franchises and over 700 employees. Please visit www.fabutan.com to find out more about Fabutan.

For further information: Dora Urban, Fabutan Sun Tan Studios, (403) 640-2100, urban@fabutan.com; Mary-Margaret Jones, PUNCH Canada, (416) 360-6522 ext. 241, marymargaret@punchcanada.com

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