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PRIDE OF THE ‘ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE’ TO BE HONOURED AT EASTER SEALS TORONTO’S TRIBUTE GALA
| Toronto, ON, November 19, 2008 – Easter Seals Ontario is proud to announce that Roger Abbott and Don Ferguson of CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce will be honoured as recipients of the prestigious Easter Seals Toronto’s Tribute Award, for their outstanding support of Ontario’s children and youth with physical disabilities. Peter Mansbridge will host the gala, which takes place on Wednesday, December 10th at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, beginning with the soulful singing of performer and former Easter Seals kid, Justin Hines.
“I am pleased to continue the work of the Honourable Brian Tobin by accepting this leadership role in helping children and youth with physical disabilities and their families,“ said the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Honourary Chair of the Easter Seals Toronto’s Tribute Committee. “During my time as Canada’s Minister of Human Resources Development, I worked to better serve the needs of Canadians with disabilities. Now in public life, I’m honoured to continue this important work.” The hit comedy series, Air Farce, is wrapping up after 35 years with a New Year’s Eve special. Starting in radio and with 16 live broadcast seasons, this “final flight” presents Easter Seals with an opportune time to honour Roger and Don for their longstanding support. The Toronto’s Tribute Gala marks the last time the entire Air Farce Troup will be together for one last live performance. As always, joining them will be the musical comedy duo, Maury Lafoy and Dave Matheson of the ‘The Ground Crew’. The annual Easter Seals Toronto’s Tribute Gala has raised over $ 2.1 million, with all proceeds going directly to help families of children with physical disabilities across Ontario. Past honourees include: 2007 - Murilo Ferreira, President and CEO of Vale Inco Ltd. and Mr. Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO, Bruce Power; 2006 – The Right Honourable Paul Martin; 2005 - Joseph J. Barnicke and David S. O’Brien, 2004 - Mayor David Miller and 2003 - former mayor Mel Lastman. Since 1922, Easter Seals Ontario has been serving and representing kids with physical disabilities. Today, more than 20,000 kids in Ontario live with physical disabilities. Easter Seals assists families of children and youth with physical disabilities to help purchase essential specialized equipment for mobility, communication or accessibility aids, like ramps and lifts. Easter Seals also provides valuable information and resources to families and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized recreation programs for kids with physical disabilities at Easter Seals camps. The evening will also acknowledge our 2008 Canadian Paralympians, especially the thirteen individuals who are Easter Seals Ontario Alumni. For more information on the 2008 Toronto’s Tribute Gala Dinner or to donate, please visit www.easterseals.org.
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