KITCHENER – PEER Group, a leading software engineering firm that supplies automation and integration solutions for manufacturing companies around the world, has established a new record for collecting food for the needy in the local community. The company, which has participated in the annual Food Drive of Waterloo Region since 2001, this year collected 9,641 pounds of food, a remarkable total that works out to 129 pounds of food collected for every company employee who took part.

PEER Group, based in Kitchener-Waterloo, has 80 employees and 75 of them were involved in this year’s Food Drive. PEER Group also has an office in Germany with another 30 employees.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to do,” said Robert Harris, President of PEER Group. “This is the sixth year we’ve been involved in the Food Drive and it’s a great cause. Our people really pulled out all the stops in setting a new record.”

The company had an internal competition with four teams of employees each trying to outdo the other. The total weight of food collected by the winning team was matched to the tune of $1 per pound by the two men who founded and own the company -- President Robert Harris and Michael Kropp, Vice President of Engineering. Members of the winning team then used the additional funds to go out and buy more food. The result was almost 10,000 pounds collected. There was so much food that organizers from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region had to take several trips to get everything moved from the company’s offices at 72 Victoria Street South. PEER Group has finished in the top three, in terms of total food collected, every year that it’s been involved in the drive.

“The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is grateful for the efforts of everyone at PEER Group to make this year the most successful food drive ever,” said Ruth Friendship-Keller, Manager of Community Partnerships, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “Their contribution of over 9,600 pounds of food is by far the largest food drive by a company in our community this Thanksgiving. The food raised by these employees will make a big difference in the lives of approximately 25,000 of our neighbours who will need food assistance in the coming months.”

Two years ago PEER Group collected 7,959 pounds of food after Harris and Kropp again matched in dollars the volume collected by the winning team. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has collected more than 3,000 pounds of food. In 2001 and 2002 it just missed that total.

“We have a lot of fun doing this every year but the real winner is the local Food Bank,” said Tracy Martin, Sales and Office Administrator at PEER Group and the one who organized this year’s drive at the company. “When we saw all the piles it was really something. We actually collected the equivalent weight in food of two full-size SUV’s. This is definitely a company with a big heart.”

“The region of Waterloo is well known for post-secondary education, science and technology, and the arts.

It’s important that we don’t lose sight of the contribution that the arts make to a vibrant community,” said Rosehart. “Because of Laurier’s role in the community, as well as our faculty of music, we feel that the community needs a symphony orchestra. It’s for that reason that we would like to support the symphony in whatever way we can.”

The faculty of music routinely uses its own concert revenues to fund its entrance scholarships. The level of competitiveness in attracting the best students into music programs has shot up in the past few years, so a healthy entrance scholarship program is important. Thus, it is not without some risk that the faculty pledges its concert revenues to an external cause.

“But,” Morrison added, “we are talking about a bigger issue here, and when a major contributor to the musical-cultural life of our community is faced with a crisis, we have to look beyond our immediate needs and do what we can for the larger institution of live orchestral music. We will find other ways to take care of our scholarship fund; right now, we must do what we can to save one of the jewels in the crown of this community.”

The WLU orchestra concert will take place on Saturday, October 14 at 8:00 p.m. in the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, and will be repeated on Sunday, October 15 at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students from other universities, and free to all Laurier and high school students.

Waterloo – The Kitchener Waterloo Symphony announced October 4 that it is faced with raising $2.5 million by the end of October in order to remain a viable organization in Waterloo Region.

“The Symphony has enjoyed a rich history of providing spectacular and memorable live performances to our community,” said KW Symphony Board Chair Bob Astley. “However, we have reached a point where the Symphony is in a serious financial situation that threatens our future in the Region.”

To meet the financial shortfall, the Symphony is launching a month long fundraising campaign called Save our Symphony. Through this campaign, the symphony will be calling upon supporters and everyone in this community to act immediately and help ensure the Symphony’s legacy continues now and into the future.

Save Our Symphony is a multi-level campaign that will utilize direct mail, e-newsletters, media advertising, and a phone campaign. There will also be direct appeals to symphony supporters, community leaders, local governments and provincial and federal arts bodies.

“The Symphony has reached a critical stage in its evolution,” said Astley. “Our goal is to make every member of the community aware of the seriousness of this financial situation and to ask them to give whatever they can to help Save Our Symphony. If commitments totaling $2.5 million aren’t realized then the Board will have little choice but to declare bankruptcy and the Symphony will cease to operate.”

Astley noted that while the Symphony has been able to sustain its financial security to this point, the organization has faced a number of challenges over the past 10 years. Heading into the 2005/2006 season, there was an accumulated deficit of approximately $580,000. Through our 2005/2006 season, there was also a shortfall of approximately $600,000 leading to an accumulated deficit of $1.2 million.

Between 2002 and 2006, total revenue has declined by more than 6%. During the same time, expenses have increased by close to 11%. The main reasons for the deficit are declining ticket sales, a cut in grants from the Ontario Arts Council, and shortfalls in special fundraising initiatives.

Said Astley, “The situation we are currently facing is not unique to Kitchener Waterloo. In fact, arts organizations across North America have faced similar financial challenges and have emerged and been able to continue in their home communities. I am confident that, with the community’s support, we can overcome this situation and remain viable in Kitchener-Waterloo.”

Save Our Symphony – SOS – will run throughout the month of October, targeting all members of the community in an effort to raise the $2.5 million required. To generate strength and prosperity for the KW Symphony, Astley called on the immediate support and commitment of KWS employees, players, subscribers, sponsors and the community.

“We realize that this is an ambitious target, but we are confident we can band together as a community and save the Symphony for future audiences to enjoy,” Astley said. “The future of the Symphony, a valued community treasure, is riding on the support and participation of all of us. The Board is confident that we can overcome this obstacle with the cooperation and support of our community.”

As a sign of that commitment 100% of the 18 Board members have pledged their financial support for a total of $230,000, which is close to 10% of the overall community goal.

In addition to launching the fundraising campaign, the Symphony has developed a plan to reduce expenses and is identifying other short-term cost-cutting measures as part of its response to the financial issue. Earlier today, staff and players were advised of the situation, and were informed of a 15% reduction in fixed pay.

“We must continue to reduce costs and generate support in order to save our symphony. And with that process, regrettably, comes some difficult decisions that affect our employees and players,” said Astley. “Management has asked for a reduction in fixed pay, with a potential to restore this cut through variable pay measures and other means. We understand the toll this will take on our staff and players and appreciate their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time”

In announcing the reductions, Astley also noted that the Symphony is considering a number of options that could help raise funds to restore some of the cut in pay, and that management is working closely with players and staff to evaluate and implement ideas that would help address this shortfall.

Other steps taken by the Board to improve the Symphony’s financial position include narrowing the search for a new Music Director and focusing on innovative ways to enhance the symphony experience for the community that will in turn expand the audience by attracting a new and younger listener.

In spite of the financial challenges facing the Symphony, Astley expressed confidence and optimism in the community’s ability to respond and support the SOS campaign.

“This is a difficult time for the Symphony,” he said. “I believe that the Symphony can and will be saved through the participation of our community. In order for the Symphony to survive tomorrow, we need the community’s commitment this month.”

Individuals interested in supporting the SOS campaign are asked to visit the Symphony’s Web site at www.kwsymphony.on.ca or to call 519-745-4711 ext. 267. Throughout October, the Symphony will be taking pledges, which will be called on when the Board is certain there is a sustainable future for the Symphony.

Remarks of Bob Astley, Chair of the Board of Directors,

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony - at the Press Conference held on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 1:00 p.m. in The Embassy Room at Bingemans, Kitchener.

I want to thank you for coming today. I am pleased by your interest and by your attendance.

Today, our message is a difficult one. The Symphony has enjoyed a rich history of providing spectacular and memorable live performances to our community, and I’m sure there are few among us who have not enjoyed an afternoon or evening with the Symphony.

However, we have reached a point where the Symphony is in a serious financial situation – a situation that threatens our future in the Region.

While we have been able to sustain our financial security up until now, over the past 10 years, there have been a number of financial challenges.

Heading into the 2005/2006 season, there was an accumulated deficit of approximately $580,000. Through our 2005/2006 season, there was also a shortfall of approximately $600,000 leading to an accumulated deficit of $1.2 million. Between 2002 and 2006, our total revenue has declined by more than 6%. During the same time, our expenses have increased close to 11%.

The main reasons for the deficit were declining ticket sales and a cut in grant from the Ontario Arts Council, and shortfalls in special fundraising initiatives.

I want to assure you that the situation we are currently facing is not unique to the KWS. In fact, arts organizations across North America are facing similar challenges for a number of reasons. And other Symphonies in Canada have faced financial challenges and, though it was no doubt a tough battle, they were able to survive and indeed, they continue to thrive in their home communities today.

While the situation is not unique, it is serious. The challenge we are currently facing is to generate strength and prosperity for the KW Symphony. To do that, we need the immediate support and commitment of our community, our employees, our players, our subscribers and our sponsors.

Commitment is what helped build and strengthen this organization over the past 60 years. Commitment is what will ensure a continued future for KWS in our community.

Today, in response to our situation, we are launching Save our Symphony – SOS. This initiative has been developed to raise $2.5 million by the end of October 2006 – funds needed to help ensure a viable and successful Symphony for all of us to enjoy now and into the future.

$2.5 million is required to allow the Symphony to replenish its operating capital, to fulfill this season’s commitments, and to provide flexibility for the future. If commitments totaling $2.5 million aren’t realized then the Board will have little choice but to declare bankruptcy and the Symphony will cease to operate.

$2.5 million. We realize that this is an ambitious fundraising target. We are also confident that we can band together as a community and save the Symphony for future audiences to enjoy.

Throughout this Region, we have heard a lot of talk about vision, about the type of community we can aspire to be. Whether we’re talking about a smart city or an intelligent community, the presence of the arts and the presence of cultural organizations is an integral part of any vision for the Region.

University of Waterloo President David Johnston recently offered 10 goals that would help Waterloo achieve the status of knowledge capital by 2010. In doing so, he urged the community to make the area a cultural centre, and to support Kitchener’s application to the federal Cultural Capitals of Canada program. I’d suggest that a strong, sustainable symphony is a key component in creating that cultural centre.

What can the community expect to see over the next few weeks? Save our Symphony – SOS is a multi-faceted campaign that will involve several stakeholder groups. We will be using direct mail, e-newsletters, media advertising, and a phone campaign for starters. There will also be direct appeals to symphony supporters, community leaders, local governments and provincial and federal arts bodies. In fact, the Symphony Board and the players are committed to doing whatever it takes to make this campaign successful, to Save Our Symphony.

Through SOS, we’re calling upon our supporters and everyone in this community to act immediately and help ensure our Symphony’s vibrant and rich legacy continues now and in the future.

In addition to the campaign, we have been examining all aspects of the business model to provide a sustainable platform for the future. This will require contributions and sacrifices from all of us in different ways.

Management has also proposed a plan to reduce expenses and is identifying other short-term cost-cutting measures as part of our response to this issue.

We must continue to reduce costs and generate support in order to save our symphony. And with that process, comes some extremely difficult decisions that affect our employees and players.

Earlier today, we advised our staff and players of the situation. With deep regret, our Board must ask for a 15% reduction in fixed pay, with a potential to restore this cut through variable pay measures. We understand the toll this will take on our staff and players and appreciate their cooperation and understanding during this difficult time. We are considering a number of options that could help raise funds to restore some of the cut in pay. We are working closely with players and staff to evaluate and implement these ideas.

In spite of the challenges we face, we are optimistic about the future, and are focused on moving forward. We are confident that we can be successful in our campaign, and in looking ahead, will implement several exciting developments and changes to enhance our Symphony and create a renewed sense of excitement for our community and subscribers.

We have narrowed our search for a new Music Director and look forward to making an announcement very soon. This new addition to our ensemble will breathe new life into our organization, and build a sense of excitement in the Symphony as we progress into what we believe can be a prosperous and exciting new year.

Another goal for our Board is to find innovative ways to enhance the symphony experience for our community and attract a new and younger audience.

This is a difficult time for the Symphony – for our Board, for our staff, and for our players - I believe that the Symphony can and will be saved through the participation and support of our community. In fact, without that commitment and participation, the KW Symphony will not be able to continue.

In conclusion, I want to let you know that we realize that there may be some concerns about investing in our organization during this time when our future is uncertain. But we want to assure our potential donors that their investments will be investments in a sustainable symphony.

I am also pleased to tell you that 100% of the 18 Board members have pledged their financial support for a total of $230,000 - close to 10% of the overall community goal.

To survive tomorrow, we need the community’s commitments this month.

Thank you again for your interest and attendance today. That concludes the formal portion of our announcement. I will be available for any questions you may have. Dan Donaldson, KWS General Manager is also available should you have questions for him.

Cineplex Entertainment announced September 26 the launch of its annual Spotlight on the Cure fundraising campaign. The five year-old, signature event has been tremendously successful in surpassing its funding target each year since its inception. This year, theatre employees aim to raise $300,000 or more along with the generous support of theatre guests.

The 2006 Spotlight on the Cure campaign includes a number of elements that direct funds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Each of Cineplex Entertainment's 132 nationwide theatres will sell "Message of Hope" buttons for $2.00 each with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Foundation. There are three different buttons available, each with its own message: Give Hope, Give Courage, or Give Strength. A portion of every ticket sold in each theatre during the month of October will also be directed to the Foundation. Finally, a specially-created Spotlight on the Cure Combo Package is available exclusively at Cineplex Entertainment theatres. The package includes a regular popcorn, regular fountain drink, pink M&M's chocolate candy and a three month subscription to any of the Style Group magazines (including: Wish, Fashion and Fashion 18).

"Cineplex Entertainment is extremely proud of the fundraising work we do in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation," said Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations. "Each year, we expand the program to offer more value-added promotions and interesting and fun ways for our guests to support the cause, and each year we set a new record for funds raised. This year is our most exciting year yet as we offer our guests the unique opportunity to see their name on our giant screens," said Marshall.

"Put Your Star on the Big Screen" is a new program element this year that enables theatre guests to put their name, or the name of someone they love, on the big screen. Guests can register on-line at www.Cineplex.com and for a minimum donation of $5.00, will see their name appear during the month of November on Cineplex Entertainment's giant screens in communities across the country.

"Cineplex Entertainment is a tremendous champion of the breast cancer cause," said Mark Hierlihy, Director of Development, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, National Office. "Through their enthusiastic, committed efforts, Cineplex Entertainment enables the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to contribute thousands of dollars a year to breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. The Spotlight on the Cure campaign helps Canadians do something about breast cancer just by going to the movies during the month of October."

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

As the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer. Founded in 1986, the Foundation has chapters in BC/Yukon, Prairies/NWT, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.cbcf.org.

The new partnership that will be announced and explained on the 30th involves rare Charitable Research Reserve, in Blair, the new headquarters of Zerofootprint Waterloo Region.

“What rare is doing for the environment in our community is a real life example of what we are demonstrating to children and their families in the Museum,” says Jill Snider, Curricular Advisory Team, Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum. “Our Kids Inspiring Change - Energy Awareness and Conservation program – has been endorsed by both school boards and will run as a pilot program, starting this winter. Kids are agents of transformation and they are keen to protect and improve their environment.”

The Museum is also acting as a role model for kids and the community. The CO2 emissions resulting from the travel of attendees on the 30th, the electricity used during the event and the energy used in the production of event materials will be mitigated through carbon offsetting. The event is also natural resource responsible: the trees and water used to produce event materials will be restored to the environment through tree planting and watershed protection. These offsets will be carried out by rare Charitable Research Reserve, helping to clean the air and water for all of the Region’s residents.

The partnership of the Children’s Museum, rare Charitable Research Reserve and Zerofootprint will also be soliciting feedback from Museum-goers and Founders on the 30th. It will discuss the next stages of its plans, which include retrofitting the building to become a green exhibit itself and developing a “footprint” calculator that will allow kids to calculate the impact of their daily activities on the environment, as well as suggest ways to reduce these costs to our earth.

At 10am, the Museum will open to the public with a special back-to-school celebration. A series of workshops, called the Art of Language, will allow visitors to make connections among a variety of symbol-using activities, including Drumming – the Language of our Ancestors; Diamonds & Gems Jewellery – A Language of its Own; Little Hands Talking –Sign Language; Hieroglyphics; Cody/Binary Matrix and Techno-Poetry.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Noon to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is $7 and children under 3 always get in free. Parking is available immediately behind the museum in the Duke Street parking garage. For further information, visit the museum website at www.wrcm.ca or contact Visitor Services at 519-749-9387 x239.

I encourage you to go visit the home. The third floor loft with the wide screen tv and Bowflex is my favourite room. Tickets are available at the home or I would be pleased to drop by and deliver one to you. Good luck and thanks for supporting Rotary and this year’s recipients, KidsAbility.

Brian Hunter
President, Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club & Director & District Manager Roynat Capital
101 Frederick Street, Suite 605
Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 6R2
Tel: 519.742.5774
Fax: 519.742-1300
E-Mail: hunterb@roynat.com

Guelph - Robert Milton, Chairman, President & CEO of Ace Aviation Holdings Inc. and Key note speaker at the first Moving Business Forward Conference, September 13, 2006, at the River Run Centre in Guelph, has directed his honorarium for presenting at the conference to support Autism Ontario – Wellington Chapter. The $10,000 donation will almost double the funds available to local families affected by autism and will make 2006-7 a banner year for the association.

“I am pleased to support a worthy cause in the local community,” said Milton. “I appreciate that Moving Business Forward has given me the opportunity to direct these funds and I hope the donation will make a difference to the lives of autism affected families in Wellington County.”

For Autism Ontario – Wellington Chapter, this donation will mean that they can reach twice as many families and support them through the Summer Funding program which allows families to send their family members with autism to camp, provide on-to-one workers to accompany them to camp or just to help provide trained one-to-one workers to stay with them during the summer months when official schooling or programs are on break.

“We are very grateful for this donation and are thrilled that Mr. Milton considered us,” said Sharron Staniforth, President of Autism Ontario – Wellington Chapter. “The impact this donation will make on local families will be incredible, and the improvement in quality of life for these families will be immeasurable.”

All speakers at the upcoming Moving Business Forward are directing their honorariums to the charities of their choice, including Change Now, the Kitchener Waterloo Food Bank, Princess Margaret Hospital and the Bridges Capital Campaign in Cambridge.

Moving Business Forward is a not-for-profit venture with additional proceeds to be donated to the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s Millennium Scholarship Fund, supporting skilled trades development.

For more information on Moving Business Forward and the scheduled list of presenters, or to purchase tickets for the event, visit the Moving Business Forward Web site at movingbusinessforward.ca or contact the River Run Centre in Guelph at 519-763-3000 or 1-877-520-2408. Tickets are $169 and include a catered lunch by Appetizingly Yours Catering.