Launching at the Woodbine Mile Post Position Draw on September 10, WEGCares will showcase special announcements, events and an online charity challenge. The 11-day campaign will culminate on September 20 with the annual Woodbine Turf Races, the popular fund-raising event where WEG employees and their families, along with business partners, and community organizations, participate in a series of races, contested on the world-famous E.P. Taylor Turf Course, to raise money for United Way Toronto & York Region.
The goal of WEGCares is to amplify and spotlight the spirit that drives Woodbine Entertainment Group's "Strong Community Partner" program, a multi-faceted initiative that invests in organizations and programs whose mandate is in building healthy and prosperous communities, educating, engaging and empowering children and youth, protecting the welfare of race horses, while preserving, promoting and celebrating diverse cultures and heritages, among others.
"We are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with the people and organizations who work tirelessly and unselfishly to improve the quality of life within our communities," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment Group. "WEGCares embodies our commitment and support of the fantastic work being done by our coveted partners. We hope all fans and supporters join us throughout the 10 days to celebrate these wonderful causes and charities."
As part of WEGCares celebrations, Woodbine will once again offer the popular "Charity Challenge" event online at www.wegcares.ca. Through WEGCares Week, 17 of WEG's cherished charitable and community partners will be profiled and spotlighted on the site. Racing fans and customers, along with charitable supporters, will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite cause. The charity that gets the most votes by September 18 will be awarded a $7,500 donation by Woodbine Entertainment Group. The cause that garners the second-most votes will receive $2,500.
Fans can take to social media for updates and to show their support by following @WEGCares, using the hashtag #WEGCares on Twitter throughout the campaign, or on Woodbine Racetrack's Facebook page.
About Woodbine Entertainment Group (www.woodbineentertainment.com)
WEG is the largest horse racing operator in Canada offering world class horse racing at both Woodbine (Toronto) and Mohawk (Milton) racetracks. WEG also operates off-track wagering through its Champions teletheatre network throughout Ontario, which includes WEGZ Stadium Bar in Vaughan, and Greenwood in the Beach area of Toronto. Remote wagering is also available to customers through HPIbet (formerly HorsePlayer Interactive), the company's telephone, internet and mobile account wagering service. WEG operates HPItv, a CRTC licensed digital television channel that broadcasts its racing product into homes across Canada.
A "Caring Company" since 1997, Woodbine Entertainment Group is a member of Imagine Canada, a national program that promotes public and corporate giving, volunteerism and support to the community.
Campaign Partners and Charities
Pathways to Education Rexdale – www.pathwaystoeducation.ca
Albion Neighbourhood Services – www.albionneighbourhoodservices.ca
Community MicroSkills Development Centre – www.microskills.ca
Ernestine's Women's Shelter – www.ernestines.ca
Rethink Breast Cancer – www.rethinkbreastcancer.com
Arts for Children & Youth – www.afcy.ca
Youth Without Shelter – www.yws.on.ca
Horizons for Youth – www.horizonsforyouth.org
Trust15 – www.trust15.com
Arts Etobicoke – www.artsetobicoke.com
Community Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD) – www.card.ca
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society – www.longrunretirement.com
Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society – www.osas.ca
Racetrack Chaplaincy of Canada – www.racetrackchaplaincyofcanada.com
Standardbred Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada-www.srtchaplaincyofcanada.com
Halton Women's Place – www.haltonwomensplace.com
Conservation Halton Foundation – www.conservationhalton.ca
John Siscos