Canadian technology leader to provide entranceway monitoring and communication solution to support safe business openings and operations during COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, governments are starting to allow businesses to re-open amid strict new guidelines that will see many companies seeking innovative solutions to protect their workers and the public.
Big Digital will provide SafeChek™ at grocery stores, malls, commercial buildings and offices to enable queue management (including wait times and number of people inside), product and service messaging, (such as store hours and out-of-stock items) and visitor SafeChek™ sensors (including mask and fever detection) in order to support best practices for social distancing.
"Our team launched one of Canada’s first digital signage and safety networks, Onestop Media Group, in the Toronto Transit System in 2005 and later expanded to airports, malls, residential and commercial high-rise networks,” says Michael Girgis, co-founder of Big Digital, based in Toronto. “Our passion and expertise in providing real-time, contextual information to people "on-the-go" translates naturally to the solution SafeChek™ provides today to businesses and consumers.”
Big Digital is partnering on the SafeChek™ project with A1 Innovation Group, a pioneer in people-counting solutions.
"The combination of A1 Innovation’s 25-plus years in people- and vehicle-counting systems and BIG Digital's credibility in transforming commercial areas with real-time digital communications is unmatched in providing technology for today's circumstances,” says John Plainos, president and CEO of A1 Innovation Group “We are pleased to provide an industry-first collaboration."
BIG Digital’s SafeChek™ entranceway technology allows organizations to maximize safety through people counting systems to control occupancy levels and real-time communication with customers at indoor and outdoor entranceway locations such as malls, retailers, airports, walkways, elevators, project and construction sites. This technology keeps the public informed with important messages on safety as the economy starts to cautiously re-open.
Some of SafeChek™ entranceway technology’s extra customer communication features include reservation / appointment messaging, out-of-stock items, current wait times and promoted items to help consumers make informed decisions and ease anxieties around visiting or getting back to work in public spaces.
For business owners, key data and analytics provided by SafeChek™ entranceway technology includes: real-time building occupancy, visit duration, frequency and customer traffic which can help support effective pandemic planning and operations.
For 20 years, the BIG Digital team has been a leading North American provider of pop-up and permanent interactive digital technology solutions. BIG has supported governments, agencies and brands of all sizes in conceiving, planning and executing world-class digital communications solutions. Our latest entranceway technology SafeChek™ is designed to help support business owners safely re-open and operate during the pandemic. For more information visit: https://www.bigdigital.ca/safechek/, https://www.bigdigital.ca, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
The A1 Innovation Group provides people-counting, smart parking guidance, Internet of things, and security systems solutions. Serving many prominent brick-and-mortar sites throughout North America, it is one of the very first companies to offer advanced, accurate and reliable systems in these areas. Specializing in multi-level and multi-block facilities, its real-time systems can be found in major shopping centres, big-box retailers, residential and office towers, transportation hubs, casinos and racetracks around the world. For more information visit: https://a1innovationgroup.com/, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Simple, Healthy Recipes for Home Cooking Pantry Items as Base for Tasty, Nutritious Meals
Albany, Ga. (May 12, 2020) – Today, more than ever, it’s important for adults, children and seniors to focus on healthy eating and healthy habits. To provide simple, tasty and nutritious mealtime ideas, The Peanut Institute has curated a collection of recipes that include a number of pantry staples.
Nutrition scientist Dr. Samara Sterling recommends building meals around foods that help support a strong immune system.
“Whole grains, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense so finding ways to integrate them into a daily diet is important,” says Sterling. “They are also versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes or to round out a meal.”
To boost whole grain consumption, Sterling suggests whole grain breads and pastas, as well as oats.
“Oats are a good source of fiber and protein. Plus, they are rich in thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium and iron,” says Sterling. “They’re a wholesome ingredient for an oatmeal breakfast or can be used as the base for a healthy granola mix. To up your nutrient intake even more, add peanuts and dried fruit to the mix.”
Peanuts and peanut butter are another nutritional staple since they’re packed with nutrients and can be incorporated into either sweet or savory dishes.
Peanuts are known as a superfood because they deliver significant nutritional value in a small amount. Just one serving packs seven grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and heart-healthy fats. One serving of peanuts is an ounce or approximately 35 peanuts and a serving of peanut butter is two tablespoons.
Dried or canned beans, such as lentils, chickpeas or kidney beans, also deliver protein and fiber.
Plus, since peanuts and beans are high in fiber and protein and low in fat, they’re a healthy substitute for meat. They can be made into a hearty and filling side dish, salad or soup to create a meal that’s full of protein and fiber, which will help you feel full longer and avoid the urge to snack.
While intentional, healthy snacking is fine, Sterling warns against the unhealthy habit of mindless eating.
“When reaching for something in between meals, think about the motivation for eating,” advises Sterling. “Is having a snack in response to hunger? Or, is it related to stress, anxiety or boredom? Pausing for a moment before snacking is a good way to evaluate whether it’s actually your body that’s looking for something to eat or if it’s your emotions that are driving your urge.”
Fruits and vegetables are another key ingredient for optimal health; and it’s important to remember they’re available fresh, frozen and canned.
Sterling says it’s vital to eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to get a mix of different nutrients. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients a body needs.
“A smoothie for breakfast is a great way to fit a serving, or more, of fruits or vegetables into the day,” adds Sterling.
For breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack recipes that incorporate peanuts, peanut butter, and other pantry staples, visit peanutinstitute.com.
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Dr. Samara Sterling is a Nutrition Scientist with expertise in the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. She currently serves as the Research Director for The Peanut Institute and has also worked as a nutrition consultant for various community-based nutrition projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, a master’s degree from Andrews University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Based in Albany, Ga., The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization supporting nutrition research and developing educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. The Peanut Institute pursues its mission through research programs, educational initiatives and the promotion of healthful lifestyles to consumers of all ages. As an independent forum, The Peanut Institute is uniquely positioned to work with all segments of the food industry, the research community, academia, consumer organizations and governmental institutions.
Emotional Brain Training – A New Antidote to Pandemic Stress
San Francisco, CA, May 12, 2020 — We urgently need two vaccines, one for COVID-19, and another for the overwhelming stress the pandemic has caused. Bestselling author and health psychologist Dr. Laurel Mellin in her new book, "What's my number?" One Simple Question that Unlocks Your Brain's Power for Health, Happiness & Purpose, maps out a simple, scientific way to protect ourselves from the stress overload of our time.
“To be truly safe, we need 2 vaccines; one for COVID and the other for stress for 3 reasons: Stress suppresses immunity, making us susceptible to catching the virus. It is an underlying cause of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which increase COVID severity and its stress, resulting in an epidemic of mental health issues,” says Dr. Mellin.
When stress is triggered, harmful chemicals are activated by a ‘stress reactive wire.’ Using simple tools, we can switch off that wire and activate a ‘stress resilient wire’ that spews healing chemicals. “Using this system, stress can be good for us,” says Mellin. “The stress reactive circuits only change when activated and we switch them off.”
Consider the following:
1. Why is a stress vaccine so important for all Americans to have now? Stress suppresses the effectiveness of the immune system and is a root cause of the co-morbidities that make COVID more lethal. Stress hormones activate unhealthy habits like overeating, drinking, sitting and sleep problems, and stress is the underlying cause of our epidemics of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
2. What was the scientific breakthrough that led to EBT? We discovered that the emotional brain has 5 resiliency pathways that mirror the emotional processing res-ponse mothers use to encode resilience in their children. We made techniques that enable anyone to use these 5 simple pathways anytime to release stress. 3. Why does our nation need to reboot our approach to stress with EBT? Research shows that traditional methods only use 2 of the 5 resiliency pathways, and work well in low stress but fail the test even at pre-COVID levels. Stress levels are more extreme now and our nation is ill-prepared to deal with these overwhelming levels. As a public health effort, we need to reboot for high-intensity stress effectiveness, and there is no better time to do it than right now. 4. Why does the EBT system make stress good for us? By resetting our brain to become highly stress-effective, we bring out its natural healing powers. It's only during high-stress times when we’re connected to our feelings that we automatically update the brain with expectations that are in harmony with our changing world. If we are stress-effective, our daily dose of stress strengthens our resilience, which is the foundation of health and happiness and enhances our capacity to live a more purposeful life.
Dr. Laurel Mellin is the founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), a neuroscience-based solution to stress. She is a health psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Mellin is a New York Times bestselling author/researcher, speaker and clinical trainer. EBT is the only method that maps the emotional brain; the seat of health, happiness, spirituality, relationships and productivity in a structured way that empowers people to self-direct their own emotional health and well-being.
Canada's Technology and Aging Network welcomes renewed federal funding
AGE-WELL will receive $21.9 million to improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers
TORONTO, May 12, 2020 /CNW/ - AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to Support Wellness, Engagement and Long Life) welcomes today's announcement that AGE-WELL's funding has been renewed through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program to the end of fiscal year 2022-2023.
AGE-WELL will receive $21.9 million over three years—a significant investment that will help Canada respond to the needs and challenges of an aging population through technology-based solutions that enable older adults to maintain their independence, health and quality of life, and support their caregivers.
A poll commissioned by AGE-WELL and conducted by Environics Research last year found that 8 in 10 Canadians over the age of 65 believe technological advancements can help older adults stay safe, in their own homes longer and independent. And, 7 in 10 Canadians over 65 agree that technological advances can help older adults stay active and manage their health better as they age, and can reduce social isolation.
"Technology has a significant role to play in supporting older adults and caregivers in the current challenging times related to COVID-19 and in the future," said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Co-Director and CEO of AGE-WELL, Canada's Technology and Aging Network. "This vital funding from the Government of Canada will allow AGE-WELL to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that support older Canadians and caregivers, and to continue to build a thriving AgeTech sector in Canada."
In five short years, the pan-Canadian AGE-WELL network has grown from an initial 80 partners to include almost 400 industry, government and non-profit partners. AGE-WELL has 42 member universities and research centres across Canada. Over 4,700 older adults and caregivers are involved to ensure that products are practical and useful.
To date, AGE-WELL has supported 126 research teams at work on more than 100 technologies, services, policies and practices. From smart-home sensors to remote therapies and communication systems, the goal is to increase safety and security, support independent living, and enhance social participation. Some products are already on the market and making a difference in people's lives.
AGE-WELL is transforming the culture of research in the field of technology and aging. The "AGE-WELL way" of doing research brings together different disciplines to solve real-world problems, and focuses on the co-creation of technologies with older adults and caregivers. AGE-WELL teams also apply themselves to privacy, ethical and regulatory issues.
In its second phase, AGE-WELL will continue to fund strong, solution-driven science and will drive innovation across eight Challenge Areas designed to "move the dial" when it comes to supporting older adults and caregivers in Canada—and achieving social and economic impact. AGE-WELL will place an even greater focus on innovative startups. It currently supports 36 Canadian startups that are commercializing products, generating jobs and creating wealth. AGE-WELL's unique training program which includes more than 750 trainees will continue to prepare the next generation of leaders in the sector.
"The next phase of AGE-WELL represents a singular opportunity to continue the growth of Canada's leadership in technology and aging," said Dr. Mihailidis. "AGE-WELL has succeeded in bringing everyone together to address fragmentation in the AgeTech sector. The renewal funding will allow us to drive the sector forward so that everyone is pulling in the same direction, ensuring the greatest benefits possible for Canadians."
Mimi Lowi-Young, Chair of AGE-WELL's Board of Directors, applauded the renewed federal funding for AGE-WELL.
"COVID-19 has underlined the need for technology-based solutions that can help older adults and caregivers, during and after the pandemic," she said. "AGE-WELL innovations offer ways to keep people connected, to receive care remotely, to be safe at home—these are just a few examples among many." AGE-WELL startups and network partners are also delivering much-needed technologies and services, she said.
"AGE-WELL has fostered an engaged community of stakeholders and we look forward to working with researchers, trainees, commercial enterprises, community organizations, government, older adults and caregivers in coming years to deliver a strong and sustainable AgeTech sector for Canada," said Dr. Andrew Sixsmith, AGE-WELL's Scientific Co-Director.
AGE-WELL is grateful to the many stakeholders who took part in its renewal application process. The network held public consultations in five Canadian cities and engaged over 1,000 stakeholders from different sectors as part of a strategic planning process to define network priorities for 2020 and beyond.
In its first phase (2015-2020), AGE-WELL received $36.6 million through the federal NCE program. AGE-WELL is hosted by the University Health Network (UHN).
About AGE-WELL:
AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca.
SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
Temporary Isolation Can Be TheOpportunity To Permanently Transform Your Weight And Health
Los Angeles, CA, May 12, 2020 ̶ Not sure how to eat and stay healthy this quarantine season without resorting to your familiar diet of spaghetti, bread, pizza, and sugar? Candice Rosen, R.N., MSW, and author of the upcoming book Forget Dieting: It’s All About Data-Driven Fueling! encourages "trophology," or "food combining," which is one of the foundations of Rosen's Data-Driven Fueling Plan. As you combine foods, Rosen adds that "monitoring blood glucose is the key to weight gain vs. weight loss; good health vs. poor health."
1. Make Wednesdays and Fridays Vegan Days. According to Rosen, avoid dairy! Try vegan yogurts, cheeses, and milks. Dairy is inflammatory and will deplete your bones of calcium (it’s true!). There are unsweetened milks of almond, hemp, cashew, etc., and all are available in grocery stores. A low blood glucose breakfast idea would be a sprouted grain English muffin, spread with a tofu or nut-based cream cheese, some sliced tomatoes, and topped off with sea salt or Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
2. Eat fruits that are high in fiber. Apples, bananas, oranges, berries ̶ the list goes on! You will still want to avoid sugary fruit juices, as well as very sweet fruits like pineapples and mangos while trying to lose weight. Fruit is always eaten alone with two exceptions: they can be added to a vegan smoothie and they can be eaten with a nut or seed butter. These healthy fats reduce the chance of a blood glucose spike.
3. Nothing white. To lower blood glucose, do not eat or combine animal proteins with any white potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta… EVER. Sorry!
4. Eat More Sweet Potatoes. Think wholesome, nutritious, responsibly grown, pancreatic-friendly foods (food that doesn’t raise your blood glucose) like sweet potatoes and yams, which are an incredibly nutritious carbohydrate that are low in sugar levels and provide fiber. They’re best consumed baked or steamed, but can also be cooked in a variety of other ways. A great lunch or dinner option (and it is inexpensive) is a baked sweet potato, split down the middle with a large spoonful of black beans, a tablespoon of tomatillo salsa, and a side salad. To lower blood sugar, eat them with veggies and plant-based protein together… NOT MEAT!
5. Try Fish. Give your body a break from animal protein. Red meats increase inflammation and provide poor sources of fat. However, if you crave protein, try fish! For those who aren’t allergic, fish is a fantastic source of protein that’s low in carbohydrates and contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, one of the few consumable healthy fats! If consuming fish raw, remember only sashimi-style – no white rice! To lower blood sugar, combine fish with veggies, not starches or fruit.
About the author:
Candice P. Rosen, RN, MSW, CHC, is a registered nurse based in Los Angeles, CA. As the founding member of Gilda’s Club Chicago and its first executive director and program director, she created and coordinated a diverse array of wellness-related programs. She was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley to serve as Chair of Healthcare Initiatives for Chicago’s Sister Cities International Program (CSCIP). CSCIP provided an opportunity to advocate for preventive medicine, improve maternal and infant healthcare, stress disability access, promote nourishing diets, and bring awareness to the obesity and diabetes epidemics that now affect populations on a global level. She is married and the mother of four adult children and grandmother to a precious granddaughter. For more information on Candice, please visit https://candicerosenrn.com.
Both Feet on the Ground Shares Profoundly Therapeutic Benefits Of Immersion In The Natural World
Denver, CO, May 11, 2020 — You’re stressed out, tired of looking at the same four walls, drained by the negativity on social media, and exhausted from juggling work with homeschooling and entertaining your kids. No matter your age, location, or financial standing, there is a simple, effective therapy that is abundantly available, and it’s right outside your door.
“Get out and stay out—as often and for as long as you can,” champions Marshall Ulrich in his latest release, Both Feet on the Ground: Reflections from the Outside.
Ulrich, an ultrarunner who has also scaled the Seven Summits and competed in multi-day adventure races,shares stories of his expeditions in such far-flung places as Borneo, Tibet, and South Africa, as well as his lifelong commitment to farming his land in Colorado. Ulrich has climbed Mount Everest, run through the searing heat of the Gobi Desert, and ridden the huge waves off Morocco. But there’s no need to be an extreme athlete to reap the benefits of forming physical connections with the natural world.
Ulrich urges readers to simply unplug, plant their feet firmly in the earth, fill their lungs with clean air, and dream of bold and personally compelling outdoor adventures.
“Your adventures in natural places—even if, for now, it’s just sitting outside or walking around your neighborhood—can put you back in touch with who you are; how resilient, resourceful and hardy you can be,” Ulrich says.
Throughout Both Feet on the Ground, Ulrich shares valuable insights from his endeavors, along with useful findings and recommendations from other experts, all organized around themes of earth, air, fire and water. His hope is that you’ll be inspired to find new ways of engaging with these natural elements yourself to experience the healing powers of the outside world.
Author Marshall Ulrich is an extreme endurance athlete—ultrarunning icon, Seven Summits mountaineer, and adventure racer—who loves sharing his exploits to entertain and help motivate others to reach their goals. He’s raced, led expeditions, or climbed mountains in nearly 30 countries, and visited 30 more, so his stories are about more than just physical accomplishments. Cutting his teeth running across Death Valley, he’s also climbed Mount Everest, run in the jungles of Fiji, and completed a record-setting run across America. Dubbed the Endurance King, he defies the ideas of “too far,” “too old” and “not possible.” Revered among athletes, Marshall is also the author of Running on Empty. An acclaimed speaker, he’s lectured on various elite cruise lines, and given talks at businesses, schools, race expos, and professional conferences, including the Royal Geographic Society, Morgan Stanley, and Wilderness Medicine.
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings Unveils Bold New Deal for COVID-19 and the 21stCentury That Will Address Health Disparities and Promote Justice For All
Cummings Calls For a Policy Debate With Kwesi Mfumi: The 7thCongressional District Needs to Hear Where Each Candidate Stands On The Key Issues
Baltimore -- Maya Rockeymore Cummings, candidate for U.S. Congress representing Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, today unveiled a bold “New Deal for COVID-19 and the 21st Century” to ensure all Americans are tested, treated, and protected during the pandemic. Further, her plan calls for every American working family and individual to have a meaningful job at a livable wage, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, universal health care, universal available child care and pre-school, excellent public schools, affordable higher education, and a clean, safe environment.
Cummings faces Kwesi Mfume in the Democratic primary election on June 2, 2020. She entered the race because she was tired of hearing the rhetoric of status quo elected officials who are not serious about eliminating disparities in health and economic outcomes for black, brown and low-income people. She believes it is time for a new generation in Congress who will fight for ordinary people, and truly shake up the status quo.
Cummings is described as “a lifelong champion for social justice, human rights, and strengthening the well-being of children, seniors, families, and workers.” Cummings is the former Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, the former Chief of Staff for former Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-NY, and the widow of the late and legendary Congressman Hon. Elijah Cummings.
“Donald Trump is the most incompetent president in recent history,” said Cummings. “With a tragically delayed response to the pandemic, no national COVID-19 public health plan and no national economic security plan for the 30 million newly unemployed, he has failed. The CARES Act offered an abysmal loan program for small businesses. He is opposed to a universal health care plan, wants to eliminate the U.S. Postal Service, and defund the World Health Organization in the midst of the worst global public health crisis in a century. The 7th District needs a member of Congress who will stand up to Trump, and ensure that legislation such as the COVID-19 relief packages will provide real economic and health care security to our community,” she added.
The time is now for Baltimore to have a Member of Congress who will speak truth to power, and fight for bold and transformative solutions that will benefit those who have been left out, marginalized and forgotten. We need a “new America” where people come first, and a Congress that passes laws to benefit the majority of Americans, not just the largest donors and the wealthiest Americans.
Highlights of the New Deal for COVID-19 and the 21st Century:
A “human-centric” America: The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the immoral economic and health disparities among African Americans and Latinos that caused needless infections and deaths. Now is the time for deep structural and transformational change. This cannot happen without members of Congress who will speak truth to power, and can work with both parties, as Cummings has done for decades.
Strong Public Health Policy: Federal policy that will test, track, treat, and isolate those infected with COVID-19 is desperately needed, like the national plans that were effective in countries such as South Korea, Germany and China. The raging pandemic must be controlled to enable a safe reopening of the US. economy, and resumption of normal lives.
An economic safety net: No person in America should be evicted or have utilities shut off in their homes, apartments, hotels, or businesses because of economic hardship due to COVID-19. This is the foundation of People’s Emergncy New Deal for COVID-19.
Protections for Essential Workers: Every essential worker in America, must have hazard pay, access to health care, protective masks, gloves, and other needed Personal Protective Equipment. All hospitals must have the requisite number of PPE’s, respirators, and life-saving prescription drugs.
Universal Healthcare and Wellness Support: No one should be without affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality health insurance or mental health support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in facilities or institutions such as homeless shelters or prisons deserve temporary safe housing to protect them from harm. They are not expendable people; they are human beings.
Funding for infrastructure, housing security and job training: Over-crowded and crumbling public schools must be rebuilt. Job training, job creation and livable wage jobs are essential for all who want to work. Involuntary homelessness must be eliminated by creating a housing-for-all program. In addition, this nation desperately needs universal access to tuition-free college, non-profit or government-run grocery stores to eliminate food deserts in inner cities, and green jobs.
“America is the richest country in the world, but for decades, we have accepted and cooperated with immoral and unconscionable public policies that keep intact a permanent underclass of black and brown people,” said Cummings. “If elected to Congress, I will work hand in hand with the grassroots and the American civil society, to help create the largest progressive movement in the history of America, with the critical mass needed to transform our nation, and pass progressive legislation in Congress, so we can be a moral nation that it is fair, just, and equal for everyone—not just the privileged few.”
“This is why I am challenging my opponent, Kwesi Mfume to a video debate on the most important policy issues of the day. The people need to hear the truth,” concluded Cummings.
Toronto Stamp Inc. Brings Together Network of Companies to Deliver 4 Million Face Shields to Government of Canada
Partnership + innovation help meet Canadian PPE needs and ready future domestic supply
TORONTO, May 11, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Toronto Stamp Inc., announces it is leading a network of companies to deliver Health Canada four (4) million face shields over the next two (2) months. Together, the network has built a previously non-existent supply-chain that is ready to help address current demand and also prepare for future need. Go to www.torontostamp.ca for project details.
"This is a family story, a Canadian story, and a story of partnerships," said Jimmy Williams, General Manager, Toronto Stamp. "Like so many businesses across the country, COVID-19 changed everything and, overnight, our future looked grim. But I was also moved by what was happening and wanted to help. That's when the call-to-action began."
"When we found out we won the government contract, we knew we were never going to be successful alone – industry in Canada was going to get this done," Williams continued. "In a matter of weeks, dozens of partners rallied to fill in the market gap. Many took risks to save their business and many more retooled their infrastructure and way of doing things to make this network work."
Called Unitum Consortium (Latin for 'United Community') – the network is comprised of businesses that represent all stages along the supply chain. Some of the businesses include:
3G Packaging Corp.
Baysquare Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
EM Plastic & Electric Products Ltd.
Maverick Exhibits
Pattison Sign Group
Piedmont Plastics
Sherway Group
Spectra Advertising and Signs
Swift Components Corporation
Threadfin Business Solutions
Trotec Laser Canada Inc.
Deliveries of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for domestic use have started to arrive in Ottawa, following the contract that was signed in early April and referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau.
This team of suppliers is ready and able to continue to produce face shields for Canadian use and future domestic supply, as well as international markets.
Williams said; "It is truly amazing to see everyone coming together and working around the clock to make this project happen. This venture has been built on trust and passion – I am immensely proud of every company involved and the Toronto Stamp team."
B-roll is available upon request.
About Toronto Stamp Established in 1907 in Toronto, Toronto Stamp has always been – and is today – a family-run and Canadian-owned business specializing in custom identification products.
In the over 110+ years of operation, the team at Toronto Stamp has played many roles and taken on many different projects, including being a leading manufacturer of stamps, stencils, nameplates, signs, tags, and badges. We even helped Ontario develop its first license plates.
Today, we operate out of a modern 7,000 square foot facility and our clients include Canadian business, all levels of government, and educational institutions.
In the face of COVID-19, we chose to take an innovative pivot to lead a coalition of companies to produce and deliver Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) face shields and bio-barriers for all sectors of our economy. We are proud to serve Canadians with a local solution that serves our current and future needs.
Address: TORONTO STAMP INC. 120 Midwest Road, Toronto, ON M1P 3B2 416-368-7022 www.torontostamp.ca
SOURCE Toronto Stamp Inc.
Trait Biosciences to Present at Canaccord Genuity 4th Annual Global Cannabis Conference
LOS ALAMOS, NM, May 11, 2020 / -Trait Biosciences Inc., a leading biotechnology research organization providing innovative technology to the hemp and cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that Peter J. McDonough, Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at Canaccord Genuity’s 4th Annual Global Cannabis Conference. The presentation will take place, via webcast, Tuesday, May 12, at 1:20 pm Eastern time (11:20 am Mountain time). McDonough and other company leaders will also be conducting virtual meetings with institutional investors.
A live webcast of McDonough’s presentation can be accessed May 12, via the Canaccord Genuity virtual event site.
About Trait Biosciences
With a team of internationally recognized scientists who are applying best-in-class technology and agricultural science, Trait Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology leader in the hemp and cannabis industries. Its consumer technology platforms provide breakthrough IP and science which produce enhanced cannabinoids featuring predictable onset timing, superior bioavailability, extended stability, and improved taste. Trait's patent pending technologies include a process for generating water-soluble cannabinoids that does not rely on emulsion or nanotechnology. The company's agricultural technologies increase crop yields and plant safety, including ultrahigh yield Amplified™ plants which dramatically increase a plant's natural cannabinoid productivity, and its Defence™ RNAi crop protection technology, which eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides, providing higher quality, safer, CBD-infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. For more information, see www.TraitBio.com.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Trait Bioscience Inc.'s (the "Corporation") strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "will", "expect", "continue", "assess", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including material estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as at the date of this press release in light of each of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.
Any forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
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Curated care packages for those who care for us: over 13,000 Ontario nurses to be surprised at their doorsteps for Nursing Week (May 11-17)
Coalition of companies join Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario in rallying Ontarians to demonstrate gratitude for nurses on social media using the hashtag: #ThankYouNurses
TORONTO, May 11, 2020 /CNW/ - The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) commissioned a provincial study recently with Angus Reid that measured public sentiment about nurses. It found that more than half of Ontarians had intended to send a special thanks to a nurse for the great care they had received in the past – but they never got the chance to do it.
This week, Ontarians will have their chance.
A coalition of companies, including CeraVe, Penguin Random House Canada, Tetley Tea, UPS, Well.ca, WINNERS, HomeSense and Marshalls are helping WeRPN surprise its over 13,000 registered practical nurse members with specially curated care packages for Nursing Week (May 11-17, 2020). They are also encouraging Ontarians to join in, with messages of thanks on social media through posts, pictures and videos, using the hashtag #ThankYouNurses. The goal is to celebrate Ontario's dedicated nurses for the incredible work they do to keep us all safe.
The International Council of Nurses and World Health Organization declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honour of the 200th birthday of nursing icon, Florence Nightingale, who discovered that handwashing is a critical tool in combating illness - a discovery that is more relevant today than ever. Amidst recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden nurses face is greater than ever, making it the perfect time to give thanks and show gratitude.
"Nurses often care for us during life's most difficult times, and we're encouraging Ontarians to send love back to them when they need it most," said Dianne Martin, CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN). "Many nurses' current COVID-19 reality is such that they are working extremely long hours, playing an integral role alongside so many others, at the frontline of healthcare during the pandemic. I know this initiative will mean the world to our family of nurses, and we can't wait to surprise them with these packages."
The surprise care packages will include:
The critically acclaimed book, The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (sequel to The Handmaid's Tale), courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada
Premium chocolates and confectionary products from Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls
All of which will be delivered directly to RPN members by UPS
Other participating companies include Baird MacGregor, Johnson Insurance, Optimus SBR, Sensyst and Speakers Bureau of Canada.
The combined value of these corporate donations is greater than $1.1 million. This coalition of brands have also participated in a video that speaks to the impact that nurses have on all of us, and the meaning behind the initiative.
Kicking off the #ThankYouNurses social media initiative during Nursing Week, Canadian music icons, Sam Roberts Band, lent their song "We're All In This Together" to WeRPN for the creation of a special video tribute dedicated to nurses, as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians are encouraged to post pictures, videos or simple words of thanks to let nurses know just how much they are appreciated.
"I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all of these wonderful companies, and their leaders, for working so hard to coordinate this incredible initiative," adds Martin. "We've always known that it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse and every thank you message from Canadians online this week will fuel our nurses even more, to continue their important work of taking care of us."
About WeRPN The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) is the professional voice of Ontario's 45,000 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). WeRPN builds the profile and professional capacity of RPNS so we can better care for our patients and better support our fellow health-care workers.
SOURCE Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)
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