Here Come the Brides!

The 2012 Total Wedding Show is back!

PUNCH is excited to be part of the show again this year and can’t wait to meet all of the brides-to-be who will be joining us at the GTA’s biggest bridal show.

PUNCH team member, Katherine Griggs, joined Omni TV’s Lucy Zilio (in full bridal attire) to dish on all that the show has to offer this year.

Regardless what you envision for your big day – whether it be a large, lavish affair or an intimate backyard wedding – the show has something for all brides. Show goers will have the chance to sample products, compare prices, view the hottest trends for 2012 and even find their dream dress at the giant bridal gown sale.

So brides, bring your girlfriends and get ready to have a day of bridal bliss!

What:              The Total Wedding Show

Date/Time:   Friday, January 20, 2012 – 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

                        Saturday, January 21, 2012 – 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

                        Sunday, January 22, 2012 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where:            International Centre

                        6900 Airport Road

                        Mississauga, ON

Cost:               At the door: $15 (cash only)      

                        Online: $14

Saturday night special: $10 (with a coupon) after 4 p.m.

Children under 12 years: FREE with an adult

Website:         Tickets and more information available at: www.totalweddingshow.com

Parking:         FREE! With over 5,000 spaces available

Big Moves for Physiomed!

Physiomed Group Inc., one of the largest franchisee networks of paramedical health clinics across Canada, today announced its acquisition of a number of locations of the Premier Fitness chain of health clubs and the launch of its new Physiomed Fitness brand. 

The clubs purchased were mainly those locations where the new owner/operator of the club, a healthcare professional in most cases, had already been running a Physiomed clinic. With its newly acquired clubs, most of which are located in Southern Ontario, now operating as Physiomed Fitness locations, the company is looking forward to bringing its dynamic, whole health model to its new members. "When the opportunity came up for us to extend our clinic operations to the club itself, it was an easy decision since we have been tenants in these locations for over 15 years and we know that they are exceptional facilities," Dr. Scott Wilson, Chairman and CEO of Physiomed. 

"We're very excited about the opportunity we have to help change the way that the Canadian health and fitness industry operates" says Dr. Wilson. "With our model, everyone can now have an unparalleled level of access to professional health and fitness support; the likes of which was previously only available to the wealthiest Canadians at executive health clinics." 

The company's model brings together the best elements of traditional health and fitness centres. It includes expansive and well-appointed facilities, a full range of equipment and a variety of group fitness programs combined with a scientific approach to health and fitness; originally developed through its interdisciplinary health clinics that each have on staff a licensed physiotherapist, chiropractor, kinesiologist, nutritionist and registered massage therapist.

"We're focused on ensuring our members achieve their health and fitness goals; whether that means losing weight, improving athletic performance, recovering from an injury or managing a chronic or metabolic condition," says Dr. Wilson. "That's why we employ trained health professionals and a proprietary, comprehensive, individually focused Health Assessment process." 

"In addition to extending our owner/operator and whole health model, we're also focused on client-centric business policies and best practices," continued Dr. Wilson. "In the operation of our current franchised Physiomed clinics, we have made it our mission to build a reputation for integrity, fairness and outstanding customer service." 

When asked what a new member can expect when they walk into Physiomed Fitness, Dr. Wilson said: "Our goal is to show people that we're a different kind of fitness club. In fact, we are so confident that we're offering a 30-day free membership and Physiomed Health Assessment to all prospective new members!" 

Doro and Walter Gretzky's Connect at Christmas campaign

Walter Gretzky helps seniors stay connected this Holiday Season

Kudos to Walter Gretzky on helping Canadian seniors stay "connected" over the holidays!

This time of year is about spending time with family and reaching out to loved ones. This year, Canada's favourite hockey dad Walter Gretzky is launching the Connect at Christmas campaign with Swedish cell phone manufacturer Doro® to ensure families can be connected at this special time of year.

Walter and Doro, will be presenting the Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG) with cell phones to give to seniors to help them stay connected and minimize the isolation and loneliness that often becomes more pronounced during the holidays. While more seniors than ever are using cell phones and computers, a technology gap threatens to keep many older adults in the dark.

"With my children spread out across Canada and the US, staying in touch is difficult at the best of times. During the holidays, we try our best to get together, but when we can't connect in person, we at least connect over the phone," said Walter. "Doro is making it easy for seniors to stay connected this holiday season by gifting seniors with these phones," he added.

"These are grandmothers and grandfathers who are already so thrilled to be learning about technology, and it's all because they want to be able to share and feel connected to their grandchildren and families. To be able to give a gift to them at one of our technology workshops is wonderful," said ETAG Executive Director Christopher Bint.

Massive Facebook Travel Sale!

Countdown to Thomas Cook's MASSIVE Facebook Travel Sale!

After recently launching thomascook.ca, Thomas Cook Canada is following up with their first ever Massive Facebook Travel Sale - featuring the magical Mexico! 

The two hour event will be hosted on Thomas Cook's Facebook page - thomascook.ca/fb, this Wednesday, December 7 from 7 to 9 p.m., and will offer amazing discounts, upgrades and exclusive deals!

Simply join the Thomas Cook Facebook page and click 'Like' to get in on the action. A brand new deal will be uploaded every 15 minutes during the sale!

The Thomas Cook Facebook page is a thriving online community - with nearly 11,000 'Likes' and regular posts by travel bloggers, experts and enthusiasts.

Thomas Cook, PUNCH and some of our favourite Toronto travel bloggers will be stepping out to celebrate the Mexico travel sale live at Milagro! Join the fiesta as we blog, tweet and "Facebook" @Milagro_Cantina!

Viva México!



Where: Milagro Cantina, 783 Queen Street West, Toronto

When: December 7, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

PUNCH promotes Olga Petrycki to Vice President

PUNCH Canada Managing Partner Jeff Lake is pleased to announce the promotion of Olga Petrycki to Vice President.

Formerly a Senior Account Director, Petrycki is the longest-serving employee of PUNCH’s PR practice. She is responsible for managing some of the agency’s primary accounts including The Bahamas, Emirates, Thomas Cook and the Canadian Sportsmen’s Shows.

“We are extremely pleased to promote someone that brings so much energy and experience to our business. Olga has tremendous client skills and is an extremely competent manager,” Lake said.