The Creepy Calculations of Halloween
If you have been following our blog lately, you’ll know that here at EDPR we are very excited for Halloween. For most, Halloween is a time to dress up and relive your party years, but from a financial stand point, Halloween means big bucks. As with any major holiday, it presents lot of opportunities for retailers to rake in some extra cash. From candy makers and distributers, to thrift shops, pet stores and even your local farmer, the creepy festivities impact a lot of industries.
HalloweenCostumes.com shows us that 2013′s Halloween brought in some impressive sales. It’s safe to say that in 2014, the frightening amount of spending will continue.
Check out EDPR’s 2014 costume ideas here!
#FilmFriday: Carla Collins ‘Wines’ Through The Ice Challenge
If you use the internet, it has been impossible to miss the ice bucket challenge that has been sweeping across the world. As of August 27th, ALS foundation has recieved $94.3 million in donation since the Ice Bucket inception on July 29, 2014.
We’re pleased to share with you today a fabulous video from one of our favourite clients; comedian, actress and writer, Carla Collins. Watch Carla’s intoxicating take on the ALS challenge below! Thanks for the laugh, Carla.
Top 10 #PRTips Of The Week: September 3rd, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
“Your brand name is only as good as your reputation.” Richard Branson #PRTips #Reputation
— Compass PR (@CompassPR_Mex) September 2, 2014
prtips Businesses are built on referrals & everyone is a potential source of new biz. Attend events. Build your customer base. prtips
— Byton Leyla (@bytonfmdcleyla) September 1, 2014
prtips Host your own event. People do business with people. Face time. prtips
— Manolo Azarria (@azarriamanolo1l) September 1, 2014
Leverage what makes you different or more memorable. Build your #brand http://t.co/BjyCJCBrYE #brandingtips
— Springboard PR (@PRtips) August 29, 2014
Should you pitch a reporter via social media? No! Learn the real role of social within the newsroom: http://t.co/OKHsJmtIW5 #prtips
— @serena (@Serena) August 29, 2014
If you’re holding an event, take pictures…the local press could use them and you can use them in other marketing materials #PRtips
— Cerub PR (@CerubPR) August 29, 2014
#PRTip Before the pitch to reporter know (and understand) what they report on:
— Sharyn Smith (@eventfulpr) August 31, 2014
Networking is a great opportunity to develop business relationships and generate new business. Take full advantage of it. #PRTIP
— Leonard & Finco (@thePRexperts) August 29, 2014
When taking part in a press conference, think about facial expression and body language #prtip
— Ann Wright (@roughhouse01) August 28, 2014
“You are what you tweet.” #socialmedia #socialmedia101 #twitter #PR #PR101 #Prtips #prwork #agencylife… http://t.co/0vOWvjEq8o
— Etched Communication (@EtchedAffect) August 27, 2014
Toronto’s Best Fall Cooking Classes
With so many amazing workshops in Toronto, we decided to follow up on our fall class blog post with a post dedicated completely to cooking classes. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or terrified of preparing anything other than toast, we assure you there is a class in Toronto that will suit your needs.
George Brown College: Culinary Arts I
For those of you looking for a challenge, George Brown College’s introduction to culinary arts is the perfect course for you. This intensive four hour 14-week course (yeah, that’s 56 hours of cooking!), will help students develop fundamental skills, including using commercial kitchen equipment, knife skills and safe food handling principles. However, it isn’t cheap! This course costs $718.00, but includes food and uniform.
President’s Choice Cooking School: Pasta Making 101
Chef Lorraine Powell teaches students the incomparable tastes and textures of fresh pasta. In this class, students will make Egg Fettuccine, Ricotta Cheese-stuffed Ravioli and Potato Gnocchi along with the accompanying sauces. This 3-hour class is located at Loblaws (60 Carlton St. in Toronto) and is a great introduction to cooking with classic skill!
The Chef Upstairs: Friday Night Cooking Classes for Couples
What better way to enjoy a date night with your sweetie than a cooking class! The Chef Upstairs hosts Friday night themed classes in which couples work together to make a dish from scratch, then taste their creation. Some upcoming classes include Spanish Tapas Night (September 5th), TGIF… Thai One On Friday (September 26) and Ontario Fall Harvest Delights (October 3rd). At $149.50 for two, this is an affordable way to enjoy an evening together and learn some great skills (such as getting along with your sous-chef)!
The St. Lawrence Market: Fall Cakes
The St. Lawrence Market has a wide variety of classes, including one on September 13th for only $40 called Make & Take: Fall Cakes. This class will teach the basics of baking through the preparation of seasonal cakes, using the best fall ingredients. The best part? You get to take everything you make home!
Marni Wasserman: Thanksgiving Dinner with Marni
Thanksgiving is an amazing occasion to enjoy friends, family and of course a big feast. This class is composed of 5-courses that will demonstrate the comforting harvest flavours from fresh local ingredients. You will walk away from this class ready and confident to prepare this year’s Thanksgiving meal.
The Big Carrot: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
In some cases, a change in diet can easily remedy common health concerns. The anti-inflammatory diet has increased in popularity with it’s benefits for those suffering with arthritis, IBS or chronic pain. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a number of harmful bacteria or viruses however, when inflammation becomes chronic (the body doesn’t shut it off) it can lead to numerous diseases such as cancer, heart disease, alzheimer’s and type II diabetes. This course will introduce students to proper food choices as well as tips to help the immune system recover. Get healthy, educated and have a great time doing it!
Sure Chef: Fall Jr. Chef Programs
Looking for an after-school program for your kids this fall? This fun and educational course will teach kids (aged 6 to 12) techniques, vocabulary, etiquette, safety and nutrition all while introducing them to nutritional yummy foods leading to a healthy appetite. For $320, your kids will be occupied for a 6 week period and who knows, maybe by the end they will be cooking you dinner (one can dream)!
Have other cooking classes to share? Leave them in the comments below.
Film Friday: Dee Bronte – Wonder
This week, singer-songwriter Dee Bronte (proudly represented by EDPR) took a moment out of her busy schedule to talk about the new video for her song, Wonder. ”It started off as something different, and ended up turning into a beautiful ballad…It’s unpretentious, it’s honest and it’s vulnerable,” says Dee.
Filmed in an abandoned Detroit church, the video truly reflects the spirit of the song. Dee was initially hesitant about the location but, videographer Jay Baskey, convinced her that the building was indeed the perfect backdrop for her soulful lyrics. “At first I was reluctant, I’m not a religious person, so I didn’t want people to get the wrong idea, but, when we found this church in Detroit, it spoke to me… it had it’s own story, it was tragic and beautiful.”
Shot in only a few hours, the results represent a beautiful, raw side of Dee. Check it out!
Have a look at Dee’s first video for “Same Mistake” ft. VITAL.
Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada invites families to take the ‘ride of their lives’ at 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles
For Immediate Release
Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada invites families to take the ‘ride of their lives’ at 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles
MONTREAL, QC (August 28, 2014) – On September 21, 2014, hundreds will gather at Circuit ICAR (12800 Henri Fabre) in Mirabel, Quebec to participate in The UPS Store’s 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles benefiting Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada. The event will provide an opportunity for Starlight families to enjoy a fun-filled day on the track, while interacting with luxury cars and participating in a variety of distractive entertainment.
Highlights of the day’s activities include a parade procession of luxury vehicles, followed by Starlight children experiencing the thrill of a lifetime on the Circuit ICAR track. After lunch, families will be invited to take a ride on a helicopter, try their hand at the 1 km go-karting track or watch as drivers show off their best moves on the track.
“We’re so grateful to The UPS Store for assisting us in providing these children and families with an escape from their everyday health concerns,” says Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “Events like Drive For Smiles help families enjoy a day out without the stress of planning, organization and cost.”
Starlight’s mission to provide distractive entertainment spans from hospital to home, by providing programming such as Starlight Escapes (holiday parties, movie premieres), Day Brighteners (unexpected outings), Fun Kits (child essentials for unexpected hospital stays) and Fun Centers™ (equipped with a dvd player, Nintendo Wii, games and movies) for seriously ill children and their families.
“Starlight understands what families go through when a child is sick, and how important it is to find relief from constant worry and isolation,” says event chair Larry Plotnick. “Their programs, such as Drive For Smiles, are designed to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families who are facing similar challenges so they never feel alone. Those who have the ability to donate their luxury cars are just as enamoured with the event as the children. Spending time with these amazing kids in an intimate environment is truly a life-altering experience.”
Also taking place on the Circuit ICAR track, Starlight families will participate in a “Walk For Smiles”. The annual fundraising walk provides children with the unique chance to give back to the foundation. General public is able to contribute to families participating in Walk For Smiles via online donation at http://www.walkforsmiles.ca.
To participate or sponsor the 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles, please visit http://www.driveforsmiles.ca.
For more information, media accreditation, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
o: 416.963.9857 c: 647.638.1586
About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
Website: http://www.starlightcanada.org/
Twitter: @StarlightCanada #DriveSmiles
Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada
Youtube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight
About The UPS Store:
The UPS Store in Canada is a network of over 360 independently owned and franchised locations providing convenient and value-added business services to the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market, corporate “road warriors,” and consumers.
Website: http://www.theupsstore.ca
Twitter: @TheUPSStore_CAN
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUPSStoreCA
La Fondation Pour l’Enfance Starlight Canada, invite les familles à faire le tour de piste de leur vie, à la deuxième édition de “Conduire pour un Sourire”
MONTREAL, QC (Août 28, 2014) - Le 21 Septembre 2014, des centaines de gens se rassembleront au circuit ICAR de Mirabel, situé au 12800 Henri Fabre, Mirabel, Quebec, pour participer à la deuxième édition de “Conduire Pour Un Sourire”, organisé par “The UPS Stores”, au profit de La Fondation Pour L’enfance Starlight Canada. À cet événement, les familles de la fondation auront l’occasion de vivre une journée de piste avec les voitures exotiques, en plus de participer à toutes sortes d’activités et divertissements.
Parmi les nombreux moments forts de la journée, il y aura le défilé des voitures exotiques, suivi par des tours de piste, ou les enfants pourront vivre un moment de rêve à bord des bolides, ainsi que des courses d’accélération 1/4 de mille. Après le dîner, les enfants et familles seront invités à faire une promenade en hélicoptère, expérimenter la piste de karting de 1 km de long, ou regarder les pilotes de voitures tout donner sur la piste d’accélération.
“Nous sommes extrêmement reconnaissant à The UPS Store, pour sa collaboration à fournir aux enfants et familles une évasion unique à leurs préoccupations de santé quotidiennes”, affirme le Directeur exécutif de la Fondation Brian Bringolf. “Des événements comme Conduire Pour Un Sourire aident les familles à apprécier une journée de détente, sans le stress, la planification, l’organisation et des coûts afférents à de telles activités”.
La mission de Starlight est d’offrir du divertissement, tant dans les hôpitaux qu’à la maison, en offrant des programmes tel que Les Évasions Starlight (un spectacle, une fête, la première de film), Les Journées Surprises (des sorties inattendues pour l’enfant), Des Trousses d’Amusement (des jeux et des produits essentiels pour un séjour à l’hôpital), Les Stations de jeux (ces stations sont équipés d’un lecteur DVD, une console Nintendo Wii, des jeux et des films). Ces activités, accessoires et événements ont pour objectifs d’aider non seulement l’enfant atteint de la maladie, mais également sa famille.
“Starlight comprend l’épreuve traversée par la famille quand un enfant est gravement malade et à quel point il est important trouver du réconfort face aux inquiétudes et au sentiment d’isolement”, affirme le Président de l’événement, Larry Plotnick. “Leurs programmes tel que Conduire Pour Un Sourire, sont spécifiquement organisés pour distraire les enfants de leur souffrance, les aider à mieux comprendre et s’adapter à leur condition, ainsi que de favoriser le contacte entre les familles qui font face à des défis semblables et, par conséquent, faire en sorte qu’ils ne se sentent pas complètement seul. Les propriétaires de voitures qui participent à cette activités sont tout aussi émerveillés que les enfants. Passer un moment d’intimité avec ces enfants uniques et surprenant, est une expérience qui change notre perception de la vie”.
Par la même occasion sur le circuit ICAR, des familles participeront à l’événement La Marche Des sourires. Cet événement de levée de fonds annuelle, procure une occasion unique aux enfants, de redonner à la fondation. Le grand publique peut contribuer à l’effort des familles qui participent à la Marche Des Sourires, en effectuant un don en ligne au http:// www.marchedessourires.ca.
Pour participer ou commanditer la deuxième édition de Conduire Pour Un Sourire, visitez le http://www.conduirepourunsourire.ca
Pour plus d’information, une accréditation média, des photos ou entrevues, vous pouvez contacter:
Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
t: 416.963.9857 c: 647.638.1586
À propos de la Fondation Pour l’Enfance Starlight Canada:
La Fondation Pour l’Enfance Starlight fait partie du réseau Global, qui aide les enfants et familles en partenariat avec plus de 130 établissements de santé. Depuis les dernières 30 années, Starlight est devenue un organisme caritatif de premier plan, qui collabore avec des experts pour améliorer la vie et la santé des enfants et familles partout dans le monde. Cette collaboration avec des gens qui innovent en soins de santé pédiatriques, des spécialistes du divertissement ou en technologies nouvelles, permet à Starlight d’offrir un mélange unique de programmes et de services spécifiques aux familles, tant à l’hôpital qu’à la maison. La Fondation Starlight travaille en partenariat avec plus de 1750 établissements de santé et hôpitaux pédiatriques en Australie, au Canada, en Nouvelle Zélande, au Royaume-Uni et aux États-Unis, pour aider des millions d’enfants chaque année.
Site web: http://www.starlightcanada.org/
Twitter : @StarlightCanada #DriveSmiles
Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada
Youtube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight
À propos de UPS Store:
Au Canada, The UPS Store est un réseau de plus de 360 établissements franchisés indépendants. Ces magasins fournissent des services d’affaires à valeurs ajoutées aux petites entreprises, au travailleurs sur la route et aux consommateurs.
Site web: http://www.theupsstore.ca
Twitter: @TheUPSStore_CAN
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheUPSStoreCA
Top 10 #PRTips Of The Week: August 27th, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
@marshafriedman: Have you set up Google Alerts for news about your industry? #PRTips
— Jose Javier Garde (@jose_garde) August 26, 2014
Solicit testimonials & use them. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) August 25, 2014
Photos receive more #engagement than any other type of content posted on Facebook and Twitter. http://t.co/n9jbqtvhuL #socialtips
— Springboard PR (@PRtips) August 25, 2014
When employing humour in #PR, avoid in-jokes unless your whole audience will find them funny – http://t.co/4da3XzPdbr @UKinUSA #PRTips
— Dan Large (@DPLarge) August 25, 2014
“In crisis management, be quick with the facts, slow with the blame.” – Leonard Saffir #crisismanagement #PRTips
— Compass PR (@CompassPR_Mex) August 25, 2014
The value or PR can not be measured in sales, not directly anyway and not immediately. #PRTips
— Marsha Friedman (@marshafriedman) August 22, 2014
Never take the media for granted. Just because you think it’s newsworthy, doesn’t mean it is. #PRTIP
— Leonard & Finco (@thePRexperts) August 26, 2014
#PRTip: #Social media isn’t just for the young & traditional media isn’t only for the older; incorporate mix to reach your audience.
— IndraPublicRelations (@indraPRGroup) August 21, 2014
#PRTip: Post each article in your newsletter with an independent URL or anchor tag so people can share individual stories on #SocialMedia
— Elliott Smith (@soundslikepuget) August 19, 2014
“It’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows you.” – Vusi Thembekwayo #PR101 #PR #PRTips #ThePRCoach
— Rams Mabote (@ThePRCoach_) August 21, 2014
Our Early 2014 Halloween Costume Predictions
It may seem far off, but Halloween will be here before you know it. If you’re anything like us, you’re already brainstorming costume ideas. We’ve come up with some EDPR predictions on the costumes we think will be hottest in 2014. Be sure to check back for more updates leading up to the big day!
For Couples
For the Creative: Katy Perry and Riff Raff paying tribute to Britney and Justin
Katy Perry and Riff Raff brought back Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears’ 2001 (ya.. it was that long ago!) infamous matching jean ensemble at this year’s VMAs. You and your sweetie could look this tacky with just a little extra effort! So hit up a Value Village and load up on jeans to make your gown, and hit up a craft store (Michaels is always a great option) for rhinestones and whatever else you want to add to this hilarious get up.
For the time strapped: Kimye
This one’s almost too easy.. dress monochromatic. Lots of makeup will ensure people know who you are. Oh yea, and don’t smile Kanye!
For the effortless: Prince William and Princess Kate (plus baby George)
For an easy costume that people are sure to recognize, dress as the most popular couple in the world! Wear modest clothes, make your hair look as perfect as humanly possible and for bonus points, carry around a baby. A crown wouldn’t hurt, either.
For Men
For the Creative: Sharknado 2
This one will take a bit of creativity and crafting, but with the recent release of the Sharknado sequel, it’s bound to be a popular pick. Check out this video tutorial for instructions.
For the time strapped: Rob Ford
Alright, we admit it. This whole Rob Ford mockery has gotten a little tired, but this mask is pretty hilarious. Malabar is selling Rob Ford masks for only $26, pair it with a suit and you’re good to go!
For the effortless: Tinder
If Tinder isn’t working out for you, maybe the app will work as a costume. Grab a cardboard box and some markers and you’re all set! A halloween party is a good excuse to mix and mingle, and this costume will make it clear you’re on the market.
For Women
For the Creative: Nicki Minaj
This year’s MTV VMAs serves as the perfect inspiration for Halloween, especially Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda performance outfit. This costume will take a bit of effort, but with the right materials we would be shocked if it didn’t impress. Materials required include green sequinned fabric for the shorts, along with green body paint or painted nude tights. You can use an old bra and layer the fabric on it to make the top — then just throw on a pair of black kicks! Maybe it’s time to start the Ab-Challenge now? If not, body paint can help you there too!
For the time strapped: The Chandelier Girl
This is quite possibly the easiest costume of the bunch. Grab a pink leotard, platinum wig and smear some blue marker on your hands. But remember, Halloween in Toronto is notoriously chilly — so plan to party inside!
For the effortless: Maleficent
Candy’s has a “Witchy Woman” costume that is absolutely perfect for Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent. Do some contouring, big red lips and green contacts and you’re good to go! However, no effort means you will pay for it, with this costume being $98.00.
Have any other predictions to share? Let us know in the comments below.
The Common Cold: Things You Need To Know [INFOGRAPHIC]
Now that we’re approaching the fall season, it’s natural that many are going to be affected by coughing, sneezing and drippy noses. With a few of our staff members being inflicted with the common cold over the weekend, we thought it was more than appropriate to share a little information about this pesky seasonal virus.
Some things you should know:
- A high fever generally means you’re headed to flu-town.
- Wipe down that smart phone frequently — invest in some sanitizing wipes!
- Avoid touching your nose at all costs.
- Increasing fluid intake will help your body combat the virus faster.
- Colds can progress to pneumonia, bronchitis, an ear infection and sinusitis, so for goodness sake: take some time off work to recover. Yes, you too, PR peeps.
See more facts in the INFOGRAPHIC (from Health Watch Center) below:
#Film Friday: #TimsDark Experiment
On August 15th, Canada’s beloved Tim Hortons introduced their new Dark Roast coffee by inviting coffee lovers to “Get into the Dark” with their most recent marketing campaign. Customers were welcomed into a dark restaurant and greeted by a voice guiding them to the front counter, where they were handed a Dark Roast coffee. Soon after, the lights were turned on and all was revealed.
While this campaign is a little unconventional for Tim Hortons, it definitely worked. Any PR or marketing professional knows that associating the campaign with the product is very important, and Tims pulled this off in a spectacular way.
Check out this campaign for yourself and tell us what you think!
