Two Seriously Ill Brothers Help Create Teddy Bear To Raise Funds For Charity

Brothers Matteo and Nicco are newest designers of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s 6th collectible bear, “Hiya”.

TORONTO, ON (November 25, 2014) - Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada in collaboration with Toys“R”Us Canada is proud to release their 6th Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear, Hiya. Designed by brothers Matteo and Nicco, Hiya is sold in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the nation. A portion of Hiya’s sales will fund Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programs, brightening the lives of seriously ill children across Canada.

Both brothers, Matteo (five years old) and Nicco (three years old) have been battling cancer. At 16 months old, Matteo was diagnosed with the rare form of bladder cancer, Rhabomyosarcoma. During Matteo’s 3.5 years of treatment (resulting in the removal of his bladder and prostate), his brother Nicco was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Nicco now begins his chemotherapy treatment with Matteo by his side in remission.

Matteo, Nicco and their family bonded over the creation of the 2014 bear. Hiya is the name of Matteo and Nico’s favourite blankey; a double sided cozy and warm blanket they take everywhere.  The bear was crafted to feel just like that same blankey, and named after a term their grandmother uses meaning “sleepy sleepy”. The brothers included a gold and purple ribbon on the bear’s foot, representing childhood cancer awareness, and the fight of thousands of other children living with life threatening illnesses.

“The Starlight bear provides the opportunity to share stories of strength and courage with our supporters across the nation,” said Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “We feel honoured to share Matteo and Nico’s moving story through our important and meaningful partnership with Toys”R”Us Canada.”

With the support of both employees and customers, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight in the last 15 years.

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s collectible bear Hiya is $14.99 and available in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across Canada and online at http://bit.ly/hiyabear

For photos of Hiya, the brother designers and their family, please follow: http://bit.ly/hiyaphotos

For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR

p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com

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, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

Website: http://starlightcanada.org

Twitter: @StarlightCanada             #Hiya

Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

YouTube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight

About Toys“R”Us, Canada:

Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca.

So, you’re willing to go outside and brave the Zombie Apocalypse in search of supplies Black Friday shopping crowds and risk being trampled by a stampede of angry shoppers on a mission to get the newest Xbox 50% off. No problem – as long as you’re prepared. There are a lot of articles telling you why you shouldn’t go shopping on Black Friday (such as this one). But, if you insist, we’re going to advise caution, as this event is no joke and should not be taken lightly. Read our guide if you want to emerge from the mall with great deals and a sense of accomplishment (or, at the very least, alive).

Plan Ahead/Organize Your Shopping List

We know it’s difficult to plan too far in advance, as some deals aren’t posted until the day before — or at all. Make a list of the things you need to buy, and try to stick to that list only. It is very easy to get carried away when you see items on sale that you want rather than need. Again, stick to your list! Then once you’ve finished it, you can browse for other deals. Save your energy for when it matters most: in the beginning of your quest. Extra tip: clip or print out all of the deals you found in case the store employee isn’t aware of a discount that was advertised.

Set a Budget

As we mentioned previously, it is very easy to get carried away on Black Friday. With so many dirt-cheap deals going on, it’s hard to resist temptation. You will be extremely surprised to see how much all those little things cost once you add them up. Be smart when you head out. Go for big-ticket items (like that certain kitchen appliance you really need) that have been reduced to a much lower price, rather than 20 shirts that cost $10.00 each. Setting a budget also makes it easier to throw down $200 in one transaction when you’ve planned and prepared yourself for it. That said, do your research. See how much it was retailed for originally, compare with other stores, see if it was on sale at any other time during the year, and see if the deal is really worth it. As this LA Times article points out, some Black Friday deals are very misleading and not, in fact, a bargain at all.

This is no family affair

Leave the kids at home. Sorry moms, but Black Friday is not fun or safe for kids. Unless you’re shopping at Ikea and can leave your kid in a ball pit for 4 hours (even that’s questionable), spare them the agony. There is too much commotion happening, and young kids cannot process the craziness and do not cope well in these situations. Plus, you never know what to expect from other shoppers. People push, shove, and get a mob mentality. Just watch this video and you’ll see why it’s a good idea to leave your child (or even your pregnant self) at home.

Pack your essentials

You will most likely spend a few hours shopping, so you need to come prepared in case your stomach starts rumbling halfway through the trip. You most likely won’t want to stop at the food court to have a meal (and even if the food court is open, be kind to your stomach and don’t have it struggling to digest a Big Mac). Pack a sandwich, fruit, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Bring a Friend

Having somebody with you on the Black Friday shopping trip can make the experience much more enjoyable (or at least tolerable). Be sure to make a plan in advance, so you don’t end up fighting with your friend over the last PS4 on the shelf. Compare your lists and see if there are any items that are the same, so you can hit up the same stores at the same time and buy what you need. Splitting up can make the process even more time-efficient. If you plan it accordingly, you can split up the list so that one person can head to the electronics section and pick up two of the same items, while the other can head to the appliance section and do the same. Afterward, it’s easy to split the items and the cost between the two once you’ve left the store. Also, bringing a friend ensures that you have back-up in case of a fight (Just kidding. Please don’t get into any fights!).

Remain Calm

If somebody took the last digital camera that was on sale, don’t try to pry it out of their hands. Black Friday shouldn’t be the reason for us to regress back to some caveman/primitive ways. It’s not the end of the world if you didn’t get that deal you expected, so try to be courteous to people around you, even if they’re not reciprocating. To get an idea of what you’re dealing with on Black Friday, we recommend reading this list of the most brutal Black Friday injuries and deaths ever recorded.

Set yourself up for failure

You might walk away empty-handed, and you should come to terms with that. With so many people rushing to get the deal, there just aren’t enough items to please everybody. Have realistic expectations and don’t become emotionally invested in certain items you plan on buying (you’d be surprised at how many people do). Accepting the possibility of failure makes it easier to actually cope with it.

All jokes aside, exercise caution when you go shopping on Black Friday, especially in stores like Target, Best Buy, Future Shop and Wal-Mart, where there might be massive store-wide savings that will attract lots of customers. If you see a potential mob or stampede about to happen, it’s just not worth it. Get out of line and leave. Your health and safety is more important than saving twenty bucks on a gaming console.

It seems the older we get, the harder it is to figure out what gift to get for our loved ones. To avoid stressing over what to buy and last-minute shopping trips to the mall (please, anything but the madness of malls in the month of December!) here’s our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide to make him, her or a little one you know happy this holiday season.

For Him

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5. MacPro - $3,099 -$4,099CAD

If you want to really excite a loved-one who loves tech, buy him (or her – this one isn’t exclusive to just men) the MacPro. This beast of a machine (it really is a beast) boasts quad-core (or six-core for the pricier version) processor, 12 GB DDR3 ECC memory, Dual AMD FirePro D3000 graphics processor, four USB 3 ports, Dual Gigabit ethernet port, and a bunch more specs we’re drooling over. The design is gorgeous, as well. Set to be released in December, you might have to spend a night in front of Apple in order to pick one up in time for the holidays.

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4. iPega Wireless Bluetooth Controller – $29USD

This awesome Bluetooth joypad for iPhone, iPad, iPod and Android devices is easy to remove and easy to use. Simply connect via bluetooth and play away! This is the perfect gift for the mobile gamer at a price that won’t break the bank.

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3. Mophie Juicepack Powerstation - $79.95USD

Charge your electronics on the go with this compact 4,000 mAh device. It’s compatible with most USB-enabled devices, charges your device quicker with a 2.1 amp outlet, has four LED lights showing how much charge it has left, and it also comes equipped with built-in short-circuit, overcharge and temperature protection.

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2. CTA Digital Pedestal Stand for iPad with Roll Holder - $44.99

This iPad stand is both hilarious and functional. Make his next trip to the toilet more amusing by giving him the CTA Digital iPad Pedestal Stand with attached toilet paper roll holder. At first we chuckled and thought it wouldn’t be a gift that anybody would use. But, alas, we’re human. It has a stable, heavyweight base and a 10″ bendable neck to position the screen in any direction or height. So, you don’t necessarily have to be sitting on a toilet. You can put on your favorite show while taking a relaxing bath. Available online only on Sears.ca.

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1. Olloclip Quick-Connect Lens Solution for iPhone 5 – $69.95CAD

This lens clip for iPhone 5 (is also available for iPhone 4 and 4s) allows you to take macro, fish-eye and wide angle lens photos quickly and easily. It’s the perfect gift for the avid iPhone photographer and Instagram lover. The lens clip works well with most apps and also has a live-shooting mode function.

For Her

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5. Wine Purse - $40USD

You know how sometimes you scramble to find a gift bag to put that bottle of wine in before a party? Usually it’s regifted, and sometimes you face the horror of realizing the person who gave it to you signed that card that’s attached on the bag. Well, this adorable bag has solved your problems. Its cylindrical shape holds any bottle of wine, and the bag is designed to look like an ultra stylish purse. It’s also practical, with metal feet at the bottom to prevent the bag from rolling around. The perk – it’s re-usable and very eco-friendly.

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4. Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask - $65CAD

We all work long hours and most of the time those hours are spent in front of a computer screen. No matter what we do, no matter how many hours of sleep we get, we’re still sometimes cursed with the dreaded “eye-bags.” We found a product that actually gets the job done by releasing 3 different types of oxygen while it brightens, de-puffs and re-hydrates your undereyes. It’s a bit costly, since you only get four applications in a box. However, if you or someone you know has an event coming up and wants to look flawless, get them this gift. They’ll look flawless in every photo and they’ll love you for it! Available at all Sephora stores.

Side note: If this product is too rich for your blood, then go for Sephora’s “Instant Depuffing Eye Mask.” At $7, it’s much easier on the wallet and makes for a fab stocking-stuffer!

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3. Luxe Cozy Robe – $116.65CAD

This luxurious, soft and durable robe is a gift that will definitely last. With the option to monogram her initials on the robe, you can make her truly feel special and like everyday is a day at the spa. It a soft brushed microfiber in a knit weave that is easy to wash and doesn’t wear.

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2. MARC JACOBS Showstopper 7-piece Holiday Set – $107

If you know a girl who loves to be pampered and loves her beauty products, this is the perfect gift. The set includes a mini rollerball in Honey Eau du Parfum, Style Eye-Con No. 3 in The Star, Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl in Kiss This, Magic Marc’er Precision Pen, Lash Lifter Gel Mascara and mirror all in an adorable Showstopper makeup bag specially designed by Marc Jacobs.

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1. The Petite Pizzeria – $129.95USD

This is the most adorable and versatile kitchen gift to give. Don’t worry, the person receiving this gift doesn’t have to be a master chef. This petite pizza maker can make frozen pizzas as well as homemade pizzas. It heats up to 315 degrees (celsius) in just minutes, and its lightweight and portable design make it easy to store when not in use (however, it’s stylish enough to keep on your kitchen counter as well). Keep in mind if you want to have it shipped to Canada, you must call 800-243-0852 to place your order, as there is no option to check-out online using an Canadian address.

 For a Little One

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5. Owl Keep You Warm Blanket – $17.99USD

A super warm, cuddly blanket is disguised by this adorable Owl. It’s folds out to 45×30 inches and is perfect to cover up your little one on a cold winter night. When not in use, it could be used as an adorable stuffed addition on your child’s bed.

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4.Glow Crazy Doodle Dome – $29.99CAD

What kid doesn’t love to scribble all over the walls? That is, until they get in trouble for scribbling all over the walls (or furniture, or carpets..sorry mom and dad!) With this genius product, your little one can now scribble away inside the Doodle Dome. The drawings are glow-in-the-dark and eventually fade, which means you can reuse the fabric without washing it. It comes with a pen, travel bag, 4 stencils and instructional book.

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3. Sno-Paints – $9.98-$18.98USD

Now you don’t have to beware of yellow snow! These environmentally-friendly tinted snow powder paints are perfect for having your little one have fun and get creative on snow days. Sno-paints are safe for pets, people and the environment, and they dissolve in warm water and melt along with the snow.

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2.BarkBox - $20/monthUSD (6 mo. subscription)

Ok, for the ones who don’t have or don’t know any human littles ones we have the perfect alternative. If you or a friend have a dog, try this adorable new service that sends treats, toys and a variety of products for the pup. All you do is choose the size/weight of the dog and the subscription length (Choose from 1, 3 or 6 months) and they will send over fun new products every month that cater to their specific size. 10% of the proceeds go toward a rescue group, so you won’t feel bad about the purchase (not that you would!). You can subscribe to BarkBox for yourself, or give it to a friend as a gift.

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1. Beario - $14.99CAD

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s fifth limited edition bear was specially designed by Dylan, who suffers from spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and his brother Connor. Beario was modelled after Dylan’s favourite video game character, Super Mario (hence the red star on it’s little foot). A portion of Beario’s sales go toward funding Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programming to help families in need. Available at all Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores across Canada.

Look forward to

Our office hours over the next two weeks:

December 24: OPEN UNTIL 1PM

December 25-28: CLOSED

December 31, January 1 & 2: CLOSED

Embrace Disruption PR thanks you from the bottom of our hearts, and wishes you a safe and HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Since their first video, Jib Jab has posted many a politically driven parody as well as “Years in Review” that are just as snicker-inducing.

Over the years Jib Jab has branched out to include a whole e-Card division, so sending your special someone a card for any occasion is super easy. Plus, you can make them feel famous by putting their face in the card. Maybe you’re friend has a bachelorette party coming up & you want to send out her invites in the style of Chippendale dancers. Who wouldn’t like that?

Dancing Elves, Silly Santas & Partying Penguins

Since it is the holiday season, let’s take a look at what Jib Jab has cooked up to entertain us. First, you can use your personal photos or Facebook photos to cast your favourite people in a music video for some of the most popular holiday songs. Maybe your friends are a bit more… adventurous with their festive cheer. In those special cases Jib Jab lets you star in such classics as “Farting Carol” or “Tree Slaughter.” I bet either will become an instant classic to be enjoyed for generations.

The holiday “Elf Yourself” tradition is also back. Started in 2006 in partnership with Office Max, users are able to cast themselves in 3 different elf-themed songs/videos this year: Snowball Fight, Christmas Tree & Office Party.

And after you’re finished casting everyone from your Facebook you’ll probably have no time for Christmas shopping anymore which is okay because Jib Jab has teamed up with Amazon to offer the option to send Amazon gift cards with any e-Card.

We’re all faced with going to countless engagements and parties over the holiday season – it’s inevitable. These engagements are amazing opportunities to network with new people, and build a larger list of professional contacts. However, let’s face it – not everyone is blessed with networking talent. Sound like you? Well, we’ve taken a moment to compile 5 things that you should keep in mind when heading out to your next holiday party:

1. ASK “GOOD” QUESTIONS

The typical “so what do you do?” won’t ever make you a memorable person to meet. Make sure you think up some interesting and creative conversation starters that will engage the person you’re talking to. Construct those questions as though you’re constructing a tweet: 140 characters or less!

2. LISTEN MORE THAN YOU TALK

Take in what the other person is saying. People innately enjoy talking about themselves – allow them to do it. The more you listen, the more you know about the person – and how you might be able to leverage your newly found connection.

3. DO FOR OTHERS FIRST

When you meet someone new, and get a good idea of what they’re all about-  identify how you can help. Keep realistic expectations of your time, but offer a helping hand. What you do now will come back to you tenfold in the future – and you never know where your ‘good deed’ could take you!

4. OFFER YOUR BUSINESS CARD AFTER THE CONVERSATION

Don’t lead with your card – it’s just awkward. Make sure you fully engage your new found friend, and if it makes sense to: hand them your card.

5. SET FOLLOW-UP EXPECTATIONS

After a great conversation, let the other party know when you’re going to get in contact again (ie. “I’ll shoot you an email tomorrow”). If you follow through on your promise, this shows an extremely valuable character trait – accountability.

So, when you head out this season – tuck these 5 tips into your seasonal socks, and let your inner networking rockstar SHINE!

- 66% of social users made purchases on Black Friday/Cyber Monday as a direct result of social interaction

- Recommendations of social users are 2 times as likely to lead to a holiday gift purchase

- 52% of users are willing to pay more for a brand they trust

- Brands are only responding to half of the posts they receive (jeesh!)

Read all this and more in the festive image below:

Start early

If you know work is going to be required during your time off, set yourself up for success. There’s always ways to prep yourself, whether it’s to-do lists, or preliminary email drafting – doing this will help you keep your head above water.

Map out your days

If you’re headed to engagements and dinners, try to set aside a dedicated time in the morning to accomplish your tasks. If you take a couple of hours at the start of your day – you can successfully relax and enjoy the duration (with the help of your smartphone).

Schedule your social

No one wants to spend their holidays looking for content to tweet or writing blog posts – make sure to plan ahead by crafting a few posts, scheduling a few tweets, and using your smart phone for reactive social networking. Trust us, this will be a lifesaver, and will help relieve that sense of obligation.

Buy your gifts online

Something that will save you SO much time. Try checking out sites like Amazon or Well.ca to get something for each of the people on your list. You can even have everything gift wrapped, so the items arrive at your door ready to give away.

Remember to have perspective

Your work will never be done, regardless of how much you have on your plate. Take into perspective what’s really important – and seize the time you have with your family. Work will always be there when you get back to it, so fulfill obligations to clients or customers – and put the rest on hold. You (and your family) deserve it.

Happy holidays!