Sponsorship roundup
By Adnews Staff
Financial company Desjardins Group has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival. The company will sponsor a gala event on Sept. 21 for the presentation of the film “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.” “The Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival has matured into one of the most popular events among film lovers today,” said Alban D'Amours, president and CEO of Desjardins Group. “This is largely due to its top-notch organization and the richness and diversity of its content. That is why Desjardins is proud to be associated with the festival and to contribute to its success.” The festival will take place from Sept. 16 to 24.
Toronto-based video rental chain Blockbuster Canada will sponsor a national literacy promotion in September called “My Bee in a B-o-x.” The program is a joint initiative between Blockbuster, the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation, Maple Pictures and Sharp Electronics of Canada. The bilingual program will encourage children, families and teachers to participate in a non-competitive spelling bee at their schools, libraries or homes on Sept. 8, International Literacy Day. The program is tied to the Aug. 29 DVD release of the film “Akeelah and the Bee,” which is about a girl participating in a spelling bee. Customers who pre-purchase a copy of the DVD between Aug. 8 and 29 will receive a “Spelling Games and Activities Toolkit” to help them host home spelling bee. Blockbuster will host simultaneous spelling events at its 445 stores in Canada on Sept. 9 as part of its support for the program.
Hilton Toronto will be a sponsor the 12th annual Toronto Marathon as a host hotel. As part of its participation, the hotel will offer special rates to marathon runners. Approximately 10,000 runners are expected to participate in the marathon, half marathon, 5K and relay events. The run will raise funds and awareness for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, the Canadian Institute for Cultural Affairs and the Canadian Athletes Now Fund, among other causes. The marathon will take place on Oct. 15.