“Safari Soiree” to Raise Funds for Rotary Mission to Ghana on Feb. 27, 2014

A Safari Soiree hosted by Kim Spirou and Laura Joy will take place on Thursday, February 27^th at The City Grill Restaurant (375 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor). Doors open at 5 p.m. The goal of this uniquely themed event is to raise funds for the Rotary humanitarian mission trip to Ghana, Africa. 


The event includes hors d’ouevres, cocktails, a raffle and a silent auction. Tickets are $100. Proceeds from this event support the mission to Ghana by funding the purchase of mosquito nets, eye glasses, school backpacks, medical supplies, a water well, and school renovations.

On March 7, 2014 a group of dedicated Rotarians and volunteers will travel to Assin-Bereku, Ghana, each at their own expense, to complete a number of critical projects to help improve the conditions of the people there living in abject poverty. While in Ghana the team will be renovating a dilapidated school, drilling a water well, providing of primary health care, medicines and medical equipment, eye glass clinics and mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria, Africa’s number one killer.

“We are so blessed to be living in Canada and I think people realize that everyone has the power to make a difference if they choose. I am amazed at the generosity of people in our region who continue to respond and reach out across the globe to alleviate the suffering of people in Ghana who they will likely never meet. It is absolutely astounding to witness the extent of empathy our community has demonstrated for the people living in this impoverished, remote region of Ghana,” says Kim Spirou, mission team leader.

The Rotary team has been raising funds in a variety of ways since the summer and still requires about $20,000 to reach its $75,000 goal for the trip. Team members have witnessed first-hand the tremendous impact that even modest investments can make upon the lives of underprivileged African children and hope that people in Windsor Essex will help with their mission to enhance the lives of these children and their families by attending this event.

For more information or to reserve your tickets for Safari Soiree please contact by Kim Spirou at 519-551-3747 or 519-253-0111.

by Richard Rosenthal

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Vote For Your Favourite Local Company Who Supported United Way by Feb. 17., 2014

CAST YOUR VOTE BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014

Every year, United Way recognizes workplaces, individuals and unions at the "I Believe in My Community Awards."  And this year, we want to hear from you!  We have a new award—"THE INNOVATION AWARD," sponsored by Netmon Incorporated.  The award recognizes a group or business that has supported their community through United Way by implementing a fun, creative, unique and engaging event or activity. 

Check out the nominees below, and cast your vote on the poll shown on United Way’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/unitedway.windsoressex?v=app_126231547426086&app_data=%7B%7D).   And the nominees are:

DAVE HITCHCOCK CHEVROLET DRIVE FOR A CAUSE

In October, Dave Hitchcock Chevrolet teamed up with United Way, Community Living Essex County and the Town of Essex to host ‘Drive for a Cause’.  For every test drive taken, the dealership, in partnership with GM, donated $25 to the Essex Area Food Bank and the Salvation Army Essex through United Way.  Mayor of Essex, Ron McDermott, participated in the event and urged the public to support the local community.  The dealership also organized a food drive, and promoted their initiatives through Facebook and their partners. 

LOCAL BANKS PARTNERING TO PREVENT POVERTY

Partnering to Prevent Poverty was collaboration between the following financial institutions: RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank and HSBC. During the month of November and December, over 90 banking branches in Windsor-Essex County sold Kernels brand popcorn at their teller wickets. For $2, a family of 4 will be provided with a nutritious food basket.

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE TRIVIA CONTEST

In January, St. Clair College, OPSEU Local 137 and 138 organized a Trivia Night for United Way.  Forty-five employees from staff, management and students participated in the event.  Nine teams competed for trophies and raised funds for United Way.  It was a great way to get the staff involved in a fun activity, while supporting the community through United Way!

ODETTE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FASHION SHOW

Students from the Odette School of Business organized a “Dress to Impress” fashion show in November to raise funds for United Way.  They held the event on campus, promoted it to their peers, and brought together 75 students!  In the end, they were able to raise awareness make a donation to United Way on behalf of the students. 

SCOTIABANK SHOES FOR SCHOOLS

The Shoes for Schools Campaign is a partnership between Scotiabank and United Way to benefit students within the Catholic, French and Public School Boards in Windsor-Essex.  Scotiabank employees reached out to customers to donate $25 for a pair of shoes to be purchased for students who could not otherwise afford them.  Students were identified from each school board, and gift cards were distributed.  Scotiabank even matched all of the funds raised by their customers!

THE JOB SHOPPE SNOWMAN CAMPAIGN

In December, The Job Shoppe personally delivered 75 snowman kits to their clients as a holiday gift.   Their clients — local workplaces — were then asked to participate in a Snowman Challenge for United Way.  They were asked to make a snowman, take a picture, and post it to the Job Shoppe’s Facebook page.  For each snowman, the Job Shoppe donated $20 to United Way.   They promoted the  campaign heavily on social media and on CTV, and  in the end, they even decided to double their donation to United Way! 

by Richard Rosenthal

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Stilt Guys Looking For Stilt Girls!

Stilt Guys Mark Lefebvre and Kyle Sipkens, Biz X Award Winners

 announce Talent Search to find

The Next Stilt Girl(s)

Registration at www.stiltguys.com/NextStiltGirl

 

Open Auditions started Feb. 1^st and end Feb. 28^th to combine tryouts in dance, improvisation and singing with public appearances as popular troupe looks to expand their roster of performers once again. Professional contracts will be offered to those who successfully make the cut.

Sipkens states “Bringing enthusiasm and likeability are qualities as important as proficiency with dance, music, improvisation and circus arts. ‘Street theatre on the tradeshow floor’ is what our corporate clients expect with audience interaction being our core strength. All ages and demographics respond to our larger than life charm and the ability to cleverly deliver corporate messaging in various characters will help us determine who to hire and train.“ He also says “And we DANCE!  This is physically demanding work and our motto ‘Charisma + Stamina’ means bringing Wow Factor every time.”

 The initial audition took place Saturday, February 1^st at the Dance Studio at Absolute Fitness for Women where hopefuls tackled basic choreography as well as having a chance to improvise. On Thursday, February 6^th they will have fun singing karaoke at Carparelli’s Sound Lounge. Wrapping up the tryouts at the end of the month they will appear at the Windsor Express basketball team’s final regular season home game at the WFCU Centre on Friday, February 28^th.

 “In 2012 we hired three new performers and our business just keeps on growing!” says Lefebvre “Lindsay Bellaire has been a fan favourite and a role model for many young girls. She is now concentrating on training in Toronto as an aerialist and we want to find a few more talented women who live up to our (literally) high standard.” He says “This 10th season for Stilt Guys has been awesome with us entertaining crowds at major festivals and appearing at the opening ceremonies for the International Children’s Games. We easily doubled the number of event bookings and have just recently cut a long-term deal with Motor City Casino in Detroit. Expanding into the US is a game changer!”

Those wishing to audition must go to www.stiltguys.com/NextStiltGirl for full details.

For interviews/bookings, contact  stiltguys@stiltguys.com or Mark Lefebvre by phone at (519) 903-4751.

by Richard Rosenthal

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