WINNIPEG - February 19, 2010 - Mayor Sam Katz, joined by Susana Scott, founder and President of Brematson & Associates, today announced a Sponsor Winnipeg contribution of $25,000 to build a collection of adapted and talking books for the Millennium Library’s Children’s and Teen Services Area.

Brematson’s $25,000 contribution to the community will assist children with disabilities to learn to read through symbols. Adapted books provide a much-needed literacy choice for parents and teachers of youth who are non-verbal. These unique books combine the original printed text with picture symbols and added to the page and can be combined with a communication board device to assist children who struggle to speak functionally, as well as those who may never learn to talk, to express their understanding of the story. The titles donated by the sponsor are not available commercially for purchase and adapted books are available at only a few public libraries across Canada.

“Sponsor Winnipeg was created in the spirit of connecting all of those who want to give back to the community that has given to them, and I believe Mrs. Scott truly encompasses that community spirit,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This generous contribution from Brematson & Associates provides children with unique learning needs and their families the opportunity to access alternative literacy resources right here at the Millennium Library in the heart of our downtown.”

“Brematson & Associates is proud to be part of the Sponsor Winnipeg initiative – as the mother of a disabled child I know first-hand how vital it is for resources to be made available that enrich the quality of life,” said Susana Scott, president of Brematson and Associates. “The City took the time to find out what was important and special to me so that my contribution could have an impact in the lives of the disabled. Helping a child to read and enjoy the world of books can certainly make a huge difference. The Adapted and Talking Book collections provide a wonderful opportunity for disabled children to explore literature and I am very happy that my contribution will be used in this way.”

Sponsor Winnipeg is an innovative program offering individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations, the opportunity to directly sponsor the delivery of public services and facilities in return for recognition and/or naming rights, as a partner in Sponsor Winnipeg, citizens and businesses can help make a direct impact on improving our City for all citizens who live, work, invest and play here. Sponsor Winnipeg continues to offer naming-rights to arenas, parks, community centres and libraries, and lists numerous entry level price options on the website, www.sponsorwinnipeg.ca.

WINNIPEG - February 19, 2010 - Committed to investing in local charities who make a tremendous impact on our City, Mayor Sam Katz today joined by Dave Angus, President and CEO for The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and Rick McMillin, Vice President of Retail for MTS Allstream, presented Agape Table and Osborne House with a cheque of $10,500 each from funds earned at the Mayor’s 6th State of the City Address.

“I am proud that by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, we can again make a significant donation to some worthy charities in our City who work hard on the frontlines to make Winnipeg a better place,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “By improving the lives of those who face domestic violence and providing food services to those who need it in the inner city, we can continue to make a positive difference in our community.”

“The Chamber has a long history of giving back to the community and we are very proud to play a part in helping these very deserving organizations continue the work they do in strengthening our community,” said Angus.

The Mayor and Chamber began a partnership by honoring the memory of Rev. Harry Lehotsky with proceeds in total of over $8,500.00 from the 2007 and 2008 State of the City addresses going towards New Life Ministries. Last year, the Mayor and Chamber raised $20,000 that benefited the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, Siloam Mission, and New Life Ministries.

The State of the City address has traditionally been the best attended event that The Chamber holds on an annual basis.