News
Toronto’s Ad industry unites to support underprivileged children in Africa
Annual inter-agency Baseball Tournament raises funds for the Hanne Howard Fund
TORONTO, September 9, 2009 – On Sunday, September 13th, 16 Toronto advertising agency assembled teams will gather together at Toronto’s Coronation Park to participate in the Kenya Cup - the 4th Annual Inter-Agency 3-Pitch Baseball Tournament to support the Hanne Howard Fund. Expecting to raise over $8,000 this year for the cause, the participating agencies include BBDO/Proximity, Cossette, DDB, Draft FCB, GJP, John St., JWT, Leo Burnett, MediaEdge, Naked Creative, NewAd, Taxi2, TBWA, and Y&R.
“The baseball tournament initiative came to life four years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since,” explains Steve Groh, Vice-President, Account Director, BBDO/Proximity. “Since we’re such a small industry, the tournament serves as a great way to get out and meet our colleagues over a friendly baseball competition while uniting the industry to raise funds for a good cause.”
The Hanne Howard Fund (HHF), a registered Canadian charity, is a grassroots organization that focuses on feeding, educating and treating children in Lenana, a slum community in Nairobi, Kenya in Africa. The organization was founded in 2006 by Ted Horton (an advertising industry veteran of over 30 years and formerly Omnicom’s Group Vice President and General Legal Counsel), his wife Hanne Howard and family friend Marianne Florijn.
The HHF cares for approximately 120 HIV/Aids affected orphans and vulnerable children at the Lenana site and offers an early childhood development program and an orphanage that is home to 26 children. The HHF also provides education, nutrition and healthcare for children ranging from 2 to 21 years of age.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support the ad industry is giving to our organization,” says Horton. “We’re expecting a great turnout on Sunday and the funds raised will be used to send up to 10 more children to secondary school next year. This effort alone will make such a difference in their lives.”
“We’re always looking for spectators and everyone is encouraged to come out and support their agency teams on Sunday,” adds Groh. “It’s going to be a fun and friendly competition and a great way to give back to a worthy cause.”
Soft drinks and snacks have been generously donated by Pepsi-QTG Canada, Frito Lay Canada, Wrigley’s and Mars and will be available for sale at the game along with barbequed food provided by BBDO/Proximity. All proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Hanne Howard Fund. A donation box will also be set up on site for those who wish to make additional contributions.
For the last four years, BBDO/Proximity has organized the Inter-Agency 3-Pitch Baseball Tournament. In addition to the barbequed food, BBDO/Proximity also covers the cost of the field rental and arranges additional donations for the event.
This year’s tournament was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11th but was postponed due to the Toronto Garbage Strike.
To participate in or become involved with next year’s tournament, please contact Steve Groh (steve.groh@bbdo.ca) or Scott Griffith (scott.griffith@bbdo.ca).
About the Hanne Howard Fund
Founded in 2006 by Hanne Howard, her husband Ted Horton and Marianne Florijn, the Hanne Howard Fund (HHF) is a grassroots organization focused on a single mission: to feed, educate and treat the most vulnerable children in Lenana, a slum community in Nairobi, Kenya in Africa. The organization operates under three guiding principles: that educated, well-nourished, and healthy children are empowered; that empowerment offers children the best chance to break the cycle of poverty; and that education gives children the necessary tools to make the best choices for their futures. The HHF is a registered Canadian charity #85558 1195 RR0001. For more information on how to become involved with the HHF or to make a donation, visit: www.hannehowardfund.org.
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For further information, please contact
Shari Balga
BBDO/Proximity Canada
416-972-5306 / 416-727-4101
shari.balga@bbdo.ca
Hanne Howard
Hanne Howard Fund
416-481-1312
hannehowardfund@yahoo.ca
