Punch Canada - News!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:18:00 +0000

The Steven and Chris Show:
Trip giveaway to The Bahamas

The Steven and Chris Show announced a luxury prize giveaway to the beautiful Atlantis in The Bahamas. The giveaway was featured in the Valentines Day episode of The Steven and Chris Show. Is there anywhere more romantic than the pristine beaches of the beautiful Bahamas?

The contest is featured on the Steven and Chris website and will be awarded to someone who comments with one item they would never leave on vacation without.

Watch the episode here for a peek at the beautiful Atlantis resort and comment here for a chance to go!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Escape for Family Day with Thomascook.ca!

Save some of those precious vacation days with a quick escape this Family Day! It’s the perfect time to take a much needed vacation without using many of those precious days off! Thomascook.ca is offering deals on 2,3,4,5 or six night escapes, so families can get away for a week, or just the weekend.

Low U.S. demand means more vacancy and cheaper rates on hotels. For the ultimate in family fun, Thomascook.ca is offering 30 per cent off at Walt Disney World resort hotels. Or, head to Las Vegas – it’s not just for adults! Vegas is laden with water parks, theme parks, illusion shows and all sorts of other family fun at affordable rates!

For families that want to venture a little further south – more planes than ever are flying to the Caribbean which means a stunning vacation for a minimum buck. Spend some quality time on the beach in Mexico, Cuba or The Bahamas and beat those winter blues as a family!

Visit t homascook.ca and book your Family Day getaway asap!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000

Congrats to PUNCH CEO Stewart Macphee

PUNCH CEO Stewart MacPhee married long-time girlfriend Robyn on January 27, 2012, at the Coral Sands Beach Resort on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. The fabulous event was heightened by the gorgeous natural surroundings and amenities found at the Coral Sands Beach Resort.

Everyone at PUNCH would like to offer their congratulations to the happy couple.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Greg Payce: Illusions at the Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum will celebrate the New Year by recognizing Canadian ceramic artist Greg Payce with a solo exhibition. Greg Payce: Illusions (February 2 - May 6 2012) features the signature ceramic installations that elevated Payce to superstar status in the ceramics community and brought him to the attention of the contemporary art world, as well as his more recent large scale lenticular photographs and video works. Payce’s work is steeped in history and also very contemporary. Technically brilliant, it surprises and delights by playing with our perceptions.

Greg Payce: Illusions is the first exhibition to be presented by the Gardiner Museum under the auspices of the Raphael Yu Centre of Canadian Ceramics. The Yu Centre is a virtual destination accessible via the Gardiner Museum’s web site, (www.gardinermuseum.com) which was created to celebrate Canadian ceramic art and artists.

Brides to be hit the Total Wedding Show!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Total Wedding Show

Here come the brides... in droves!

The Total Wedding Show, now with more than two decades of happily ever afters under its belt, celebrated another successful year!

Brides to be were out in full force last weekend at the Total Wedding Show at the International Centre in Mississauga. The show ran from Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22 and featured over 350 retailers ranging from bridal boutiques to banquet centres.

Line-ups could be seen as brides entered the International Centre first thing Saturday and Sunday morning to be one of the first 100 through the front doors to get their free Total Wedding Planner.

One of the highlights of this year’s show was the fashion show where the audience was wowed by some of this year’s hottest trends in bridal, bridesmaid, groom and mother of the bride fashions.

Show-goers were also entered to win a grand prize $5,000 home décor package from The Bay, and brides-to-be could sign up on-site for their wedding registry at the Bay/Home Outfitters.

PUNCH Goes South...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:26:00 +0000

PUNCH Goes South... to The Bahamas!

Just a short three hour flight from Toronto lays the undiscovered treasure that is Freeport, Grand Bahama Island – where the opportunities for affordable and breathtaking travel experiences are abundant.

PUNCH representative Jessica Patriquin took down a very special group of journalists for a few sun-drenched and fun-filled days on Grand Bahama Island! The group experienced authentic Bahamian culture, and enjoyed decadent cuisine, like traditional conch dishes and tasty island cocktails like the Bahama Mama and Goombay Smash. The group explored Grand Bahama Island’s diverse eco-system on a Jeep Safari Nature Tour, galloping through the island’s terrain on horseback, and swimming with dolphins in exquisite turquoise coloured waters.

With so much to see and do, the PUNCH team is already excited to start planning the next Bahamian adventure!

Colour Care Across Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Benjamin Moore and The Canadian Women's Foundation Team Up to Make a Difference

PUNCH is super excited to be a part of Benjamin Moore’s Colour Care Across Canada program, an initiative that is transforming women’s shelters across Canada with uplifting colour paint makeovers, in partnership with The Canadian Women’s Foundation.

“Abuse against women is increasing at frightening rates in Canada, and it has contributed significantly to driving women and their children from their homes, onto the streets and seeking safe havens like those The Canadian Women’s Foundation works with,” said Mike Kolind, market general manager for Benjamin Moore Canada. “For those in shelters, it can be a demoralising, and in some cases, a de-humanising condition breaking the spirit of any family. The shelters are being taxed and strained by the growing numbers. Although there’s no simple solution to this troubling occurrence, Benjamin Moore’s aim in launching ‘Colour Care Across Canada’ is to bring attention to the situation, and at the same time try and brighten, with the power of colour, the living environments of those who seek this basic human need for safe housing and a community of support.”

Brandon (Manitoba) Mayor, Sheri Decter Hirst and Shelter Representative, Cat Arnold in one of the newly renovated and painted rooms.
Learn more about “Colour Care Across Canada” here

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:44:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:58:00 +0000

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.

Find out why “Its Better In The Bahamas”: CHUM FM is giving away 25 trips!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:15:00 +0000

We have good news for all the sun lovers who are counting the days until next summer: The Bahamas is giving away a trip-a-day on air, for 25 days, on CHUM FM.

Listen to CHUM FM, now until November 11, and you could be working on your tan while everyone else works on shoveling the driveway. Draw qualifying happens every weekday at 6 am, 10 am, 11am, 12 pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4 pm, 6pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10 pm, so wherever you are, turn your radio to 104.5 CHUM FM with your phone ready to dial 416-870-1045. The 25^th caller qualifies for the next daily draw!

The winners and their guests will be the envy of all their friends when they leave to spend 7 nights at the all-inclusive Grand Lucayan - located in Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island with return air courtesy of WestJet.

Tune into CHUM FM for a chance to see why “It’s Better in The Bahamas”.

For more details visit CHUM FM

Let it Snow! Toronto’s Ski, Snowboard and Travel Show

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:56:00 +0000

PUNCH recently spent a weekend in a winter wonderland at the 39th edition of the Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show. The Better Living Centre was taken over by many of the best ski, snowboard, winter travel vendors in North America.

The show was stuffed to the brim with brand new, top of the line gear, and the crowd- pleasing ski and board swap was back for another successful year and still holds the title of the largest ski and board swap in Canada. No one left empty-handed!

The entertainment factor was taken up a notch with the debut of the Jib Jam – an indoor trick park – where local talent showed off on their boards and skis, with mind-blowing tricks for show guests.

Another new and notable feature this year was the 15 trips given away once every two hours for the entire show! Guests simply had to get their TSki Passport stamped at the various travel vendors then submit it for a chance to win. The 15 lucky winners are going from Banff to Mount Tremblant and everywhere in-between.

The Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel show got everyone geared up for the slopes, now it’s up to Mother Nature to bring us the snow!

Sweet Success: Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:50:00 +0000

PUNCH managed communications for Canada’s first Baking and Sweets Show in Toronto. Headlining the show was Buddy Valastro, better known as TLC’s “Cake Boss”, Erin “The Happy Baker” Bolger of the Food Network, The Cupcake Girls and Bonnie Gordon of the prestigious Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts.

Buddy Valestro gets a hug from Erin "The Happy Baker" Bolger

The crowds couldn’t wait to experience the sweeter side of life as a lineup began to form before the show doors even opened. Once inside, guests were seduced by scrumptious samples from nearly every booth, both sweet and savory – no one was counting calories!

Local talent was showcased at the show with the cake competition. From traditional wedding cakes to Alice in wonderland inspired, each cake was more unbelievable then the next.

The show sweetened up the learning process with master classes led by Bonnie Gordon and Michelle Bommarito where they revealed coveted tips and tricks. The classes filled up faster than cupcakes disappear, but there were also demos happening in the test kitchen the entire weekend covering everything from working with fondant to how to decorate a wedding cake. Everyone left inspired to go home and whip up what they learned.

The show was a sweet success. We can't wait to see how they top this next year.

Hands-on workshop shows Revera residents how they can bridge the Digital Divide

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Residents of Revera’s Donway Place were treated to an intimate seminar on technology yesterday, hosted by Doro, a Swedish cell phone manufacturer specializing in products for seniors, and the Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG), a non-profit organization committed to bringing computer-based skills to seniors.

Prompting the session is the ever increasing need for seniors to get online, to keep pace with today’s technologically saturated environment. “As we age, our memory, attention, cognitive speed and visual acuity decrease – all of which are essential to use a computer. So it's no surprise seniors typically take longer to learn digital skills and are more prone to errors when they go online. As a result, senior citizens often decide the results are simply not worth the effort when trying to learn on their own,” said Christopher Bint, Executive Director of ETAG.

The room was filled with eager elders as Bint led a captivating presentation designed to educate seniors who want to keep up with today’s tech savvy youth. Popular devices such as the iPad, iPod, iPhone, Kobo e-reader and Doro phones were highlighted.

These ‘senior friendly’ technologies and hand-on workshops, like the ones hosted by ETAG, are helping to reduce the Digital Divide and make it easier for seniors to stay connected.

Applications such as Skype were very intriguing to the group, with many of the seniors wanting to use the program to stay in touch with relatives around the world. A large number of participants felt that Skype and easy-to-use phones like Doro’s were essential tools to stay connected to their grandkids.

Emirates and PUNCH hit the races… and meet NBA hall of famer Dennis Rodman!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Emirates is once again a major sponsor in the Breeders Cup Challenge and to kick off this weekend’s horse races at Woodbine Racetrack, Don McWilliam, the airline’s country manager, took part in the Post Draw Luncheon yesterday afternoon.

Emirates has been supporting this race for six years now, according to McWilliam, who addressed the crowd of jockeys, owners, trainers and other horse racing fans.

“Strength, determination, world class,” he said. “These are all characteristics of making a true champion, not just in thoroughbred racing but also in the success of an award-winning airline.”
McWilliam described the “tremendous inroads” Emirates has made in Canada, noting that just last week, they announced an interline partnership with WestJet which he said “makes global travel more accessible for passengers who can now connect to the Emirates network via WestJet.”

The airline currently operates the two-story A380 three times a week from Toronto to Dubai. At the end of September, Emirates also announced that a daily non-stop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Dubai will be launching on March 1, 2012, which McWilliam said is another option to connect Western Canadians especially to the Emirates network.

The event was also attended by NBA legend Dennis Rodman who spoke candidly on his personal life and struggles he has faced.

LPIA launches new and improved website!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:57:00 +0000

LPIA launches new and improved website!

It's better in The Bahamas... and now their main airport's website is better too!

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, is the largest airport in The Bahamas and recently opened it's new 247,000 sq. ft. U.S. departures terminal. The space is part of a larger redevelopment project which will see the addition of two more terminals (international and domestic) by the end of 2013, and will provide travelers with a world class airport that is beautiful, functional and service focused.

PUNCH designed the airport's logo and created all of its interior signage, which encourage travelers to shop, dine and relax prior to boarding. PUNCH also created LPIA's new website, which launched October 12 and reinforces the tagline No Ordinary Airport.

LPIA's revamped website (http://www.nassaulpia.com/) was a collaboration by PUNCH's advertising and design guru's and the development masters at yFactor.

Doro Monthly Flash Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:22:00 +0000

In the PR-spotlight: Canada

Doro’s public relations team at PUNCH Canada has some exciting initiatives coming up this fall and into next year.

The team will build on the success of last spring’s Father’s Day campaign by continuing to engage Canadian celebrity spokesperson, Walter Gretzky (former professional ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky’s father) and make him the Canadian “face” of Doro.

A successful and ongoing partnership with Rogers Communications (the main distributor in Canada) and the Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG) will help promote Doro’s products in key markets across the country. Upcoming initiatives focus on national media relations; overall awareness and brand-building; establishing Doro as an A-brand within the care electronics category and as the dominant senior cell phone leader in Canada; and demonstrating a connection between Doro and seniors.

Here’s what the PUNCH team has planned:

ETAG Seniors Technology Workshop at Revera retirement residence in Toronto – Doro, Rogers and ETAG collaboration
- Special event for seniors and media. This one-day program aims to help seniors use communications technology to enhance their everyday lives and stay “connected” as they age. The program leverages the “digital divide” media angle – helping to remove the technology gap that isolates many older adults from younger, tech savvy generations.

Digital Divide Symposium – Doro, Rogers and ETAG collaboration
- Special event for healthcare professionals, caregivers and other relevant audiences and media. This morning symposium focuses on professional development with the aim of bringing awareness to the “digital divide” issue. The format will include a high profile keynote speaker and/or moderator, and learning sessions conducted by three experts on the subjects of seniors, ageing and technology.

Walter Gretzky Christmas Campaign – Doro and Rogers collaboration
- Christmas/holiday promotion with Walter Gretzky leverages Mr. Gretzky as a beloved Canadian icon and key user of Doro’s product to stay connected over the holidays.

PUNCH busts a move at Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:57:00 +0000

PUNCH danced, grooved and moved to the rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goat skin drums, brass instruments and whistles with The Bahamas Junkanoo Legends – a band featuring 50 of the world’s top Junkanoo-ers at the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival on July 30. In its 44th year, the festival is a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America.

With a total of six masqueraders (two from PUNCH) and 50 band members showcasing a kaleidoscope of colour and sound, we are proud to say, The Bahamas Junkanoo Legends WON the B band category and as a result will perform in the top rated A band group in 2012!!

Great experience and great memories!

Olga Petrycki and Jessica Patriquin pose as masqueraders supporting The Bahamas Junkanoo Legends

PUNCH helps Moores kick off the second annual Canadian Suit Drive across Canada!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:13:00 +0000

The Suits Came Off... for a Great Cause!

The PUNCH team had a great time helping Moores launch their second annual Canadian Suit Drive, which kicked off across the country on July 27.

Scantily clad men took to the streets of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, causing major interest among rush hour walkers and encouraging them to donate their gently used professional clothing to help men with barriers to employment across the country transition into the workforce.

Moores has teamed up with charitable organizations across the country to help distribute donations to men in need.

More suit-less men will hit the streets of Calgary to promote the drive this Friday!

Donations are being accepted at the 117 Moores stores across Canada from now until August 31.

Bahamas Summer Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Greetings –

It’s officially the first day of summer and time to kick-back and enjoy this special edition of The Islands of The Bahamas’ newsletter. This season forget about staycating – the summer is a perfect time for a true tropical getaway to The Bahamas. Discover the best places to tee off and learn about the island known as “the jewel of The Bahamas,” plus find out how to bring out your inner-Bahamian – wherever you may be!

*Click on the newsletter title to preview all the articles

Walter Gretzky named Canada's 2011 Father of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:32:00 +0000

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.

The family that plays together, stays together

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Attendees of National Home Show 2011 had the chance to win a trip for four to the Bahamas, courtesy of The Islands Of The Bahamas and Our Lucaya Resort.

With a week in the Bahamas behind them, this year’s winner, Pam Ohashi & family (husband David and four boys - John, Douglas, Daniel and Jeff) had the

opportunity to spend the last week of April enjoying the resort and area’s spa, golf courses, ocean, snorkeling, swimming, eating beachside, drinking in the swim up bar and much more.

THIS MOTHER’S DAY - THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE ONTARIO

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 03 May 2011 21:15:00 +0000

From Bruce to Barrie, Ontario offers unique ways to spoil Mom

Whether she has a green thumb or a sweet tooth, the Ontario counties of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe offer endless ways to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day. With activities and locales ranging from decadent to unique, this year is your chance to do something a little different that is sure to be appreciated.

In the spirit of giving her the special treatment she deserves, the following list of Top 10 Mom-approved selections are sure to make her feel special - today, tomorrow and forever.

1. Feed her soul – For many, Mother’s Day brunch is a much anticipated ritual. This year, why not shake up the tradition with brunch in the country? Five-star dining and cozy local hotspots are only a short drive away and provide a great change of scenery from the usual city fare. Whether dining in or out, some of our favourites include a fabulous three-course meal, complete with fresh flower takeaway at Era 67 in Orillia; or the quality catering of Delicious Dishes in Wiarton - bringing fresh and local Mother’s Day goodies straight to your doorstep.

2. Pamper her spirit – Parenting is tough work no matter what age your kids are. Offer Mom the ultimate thank you with a pampering package from one of Ontario’s many luxury spas. The spas at Cobble Beach Resort, Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain and the Shizen Spa at Horseshoe Resort are just a few locales that offer utterly-over-the-top experiences.

3. Apple of my eye – For once, there really is no rush. Tell the woman who means the world to you that she deserves some time away from schedules and deadlines. Spend a relaxing day in Grey County exploring some of the Apple Pie Trail’s more than 20 vendors. Only a couple of hours outside of Toronto, this trail is perfect for foodies and of course, serious apple-lovers.

4. Stop and smell the roses – Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift doesn’t have to break the bank. This year tell the special woman in your life to take a “hike”, or rather a leisurely stroll, at one of Central Ontario’s many picturesque gardens or trails, such as: The Ganaraska Trail, which highlights sections of Orillia, Barrie, Wasaga, Midland and Oro-Medonte; or the Bruce Trail, which starts off in Tobermory, and heads south towards Wiarton and beyond.

5. A little R&R – With hundreds of choices, Central Ontario’s cozy B&Bs offer ideal R&R options for Moms in need of some downtime. Taking the guesswork out of planning a perfect getaway, lodgings like Between The Maples in Grey County and Orillia’s Cavana Inn & Spa, offer views of Ontario’s picturesque landscape that can’t be beat.

6. A gift above par – Mom’s everywhere are taking pleasure in spending the day on the green, especially when they don’t have to stray too far from home. Whatever her handicap, there are a number of courses to choose from throughout Central Ontario - Simcoe County alone has more than 50 courses for her to play.

7. Satisfy that sweet tooth – From home-grown maple syrup to decadent, locally produced fudge & fresh honey, Central Ontario offers no shortage of sweet confections. Many of the area’s local producers and stores, including Kemble Mountain Maple Products, Lazy J Ranch Honey and the family-owned and operated Holly’s Sweets & Eats, welcome visitors – an ideal experience for any true foodie.

8. What she wants, baby we got it – You don’t have to wander far to find unique, charming and often hand-crafted gifts this Mother’s Day. Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties offer a wide variety of one-of-a-kind craft, antique and home-made specialty stores. Some of our favourite places include The Handcraft House in Wiarton, The Pastorale in Owen Sounds and Carousel Collectables in Orillia.

9. Nourish her mind – For the mom looking for a little food for thought, Central Ontario offers an endless list of activities to do and see this May – perfect for moms looking to make a weekend out of Mother’s Day. From art festivals and classes with award winning artists to museums, birding locales, open-air markets, film festivals and more, there’s an activity for every interest in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties.

10. Off the Beaten Path – Moms with a sense of adventure will surely love a day spent on horseback, especially if you join her on the trail. Saddle up your ride at Whinny Acres in the Grey Highlands for a memorable Western riding trek through the winding trails. Stop for a picnic and take in parts of Ontario only seen on horseback. Stay for the day, the night or even the week at the property’s bed and breakfast.