Sudbury Permanently Loses Jobs Under Anti-Union, Private Home Care
SUDBURY, ON, Nov. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Failing to break the resolve of a group of low-paid workers during a five-month lockout, for-profit health-care provider CarePartners has decided to permanently eliminate dozens of jobs in Sudbury.
CarePartners, a private corporation that profits from public tax dollars, locked out 29 Sudbury employees on May 31 after they refused to accept the company's concession demands at the bargaining table.
"For more than five months, this for-profit operator tried to break the resolve of these workers – all but one of whom are women – who were seeking modest improvements to their low wages and difficult working conditions," said Marty Warren, Ontario Director of the United Steelworkers (USW), which represents the locked-out employees.
"They tried to put the squeeze on a group of low-paid women, but failed. These workers stood strong and refused to be bullied. So the company decided to shut down this operation and permanently take these jobs out of the community," Warren said.
The affected employees co-ordinated and scheduled the delivery of home-care services to patients in communities throughout northeastern Ontario. During the lockout, other home-care workers who provide front-line care to patients also raised concerns over the impact of private, for-profit delivery of services that is funded by public tax dollars.
"The employees demonstrated why issues such as low wages, sick leave and staff turnover were significant problems that affect workers as well as the services delivered to patients," said Warren.
"Rather than addressing these issues with its employees, CarePartners decided to take these jobs out of the community, presumably to a low-wage, non-union environment where it can impose its will on workers," he said.
As a result of the decision by CarePartners, the USW has negotiated a severance package for the members who were locked out for the last five months.
In addition to the 29 unionized employees whose jobs are disappearing, the company's decision also will eliminate a number of non-union jobs in the community.
"This appalling turn of events exposes the dark side of privatization in our health-care system. It's a system in which our government, that claims to be 'for the people,' allows private corporations to put profits before patients and workers," Warren said. He noted that, throughout the lockout, Doug Ford's Conservative government ignored repeated calls to help achieve a negotiated settlement.
"This government clearly supports privatized health care and sanctions for-profit operators making money on the backs of low-paid workers and at the expense of patient care," he said.
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
Joe Mimran, Michele Romanow and Vincenzo Guzzo to Judge Angels Den 2019, Which Will Award $500,000 for Health Innovation
Presented by St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, the fifth annual Angels Den will showcase the projects of eight finalists as they compete for funding to bring their ideas to life.
The most exciting health-care research competition in Canada, Angels Den will be available for viewing via Facebook Live Stream, where viewers can vote for the 2019 People's Choice Award.
TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m., St. Michael's Hospital Foundation will host the annual Angels Den health-care research competition at Koerner Hall in Toronto. Now in its fifth year, Angels Den 2019 will see eight teams of world-leading scientists from St. Michael's Hospital pitch their game-changing research ideas to a panel of three celebrity judges for the chance to win $500,000 in project funding.
Beginning in a small classroom at St. Michael's Hospital, Angels Den has grown to become the hottest health-care research competition in Canada. The event allows St. Michael's Hospital, a global leader in medical research, to shine a spotlight on pivotal health innovations while raising critical research funds.
"St. Michael's Hospital is home to more than 250 scientists and close to 1,000 research technicians and students who work daily to find new and innovative solutions for some of the world's toughest health challenges," says Dr. Ori Rotstein, Vice President, Research and Innovation, Unity Health Toronto.
This year's competition began with over 40 applications from St. Michael's Hospital's top researchers. After rigorous scientific review, the field was narrowed down to eight finalists (individuals or teams) who will battle to win access to funding, including two top prizes of $150,000: the Keenan Biomedical Innovation Award and the Odette Social Innovation Award.
The Keenan Biomedical Innovation Award will be presented to the top concept for a new scientific tool, drug or machine that will improve patients' lives. The Odette Social Innovation Award will be given to the finalist whose research best demonstrates how health-care organization and delivery can be influenced through new technologies and tools that ensure all patients have access to high-quality health care.
Determining the winners will be up to 60 jurors and three celebrity judges:
Joe Mimran, retail fashion and business pioneer and founder of brands like Joe Fresh;
Michele Romanow, tech titan and Dragons' Den star; and
Vincenzo Guzzo, President & CEO, Cinemas Guzzo and Dragons' Den star
This year's host will be Maureen Holloway of Darren and Mo on Toronto's 98.1 CHFI.
Audience members and viewers of the Facebook live stream will also have the opportunity to award funding to one team by voting for the People's Choice Award, sponsored by Canada Life. To view online and cast a vote, interested parties can visit the Angels Den Facebook Event.
Joe Mimran & several previous winners will be available on Tuesday, November 12 in advance of Angels Den, to speak about the competition and the medical advances previous winners have been able to make.
Full event logistics and details on past Angels Den winners are available below. Media are invited to attend the event to capture photo or video content and are asked confirm their attendance by November 12, 2019.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
Koerner Hall
273 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
5:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF ANGELS DEN FUNDING:
In 2015, Drs. Jennifer Beck and Doug Campbell won funding for NeoVest, a vest to help sick babies breathe without debilitating tubes and wires, now in clinical trials.
Also in 2015, Dr. Teodor Grantcharov unveiled a black box for operating rooms – inspired by the airline industry – to identify errors in surgical settings. It is now changing surgical safety in hospitals around the world.
In 2016, Drs. Karen Cross and General Leung won with a device that enables people to detect life-threatening diabetes-related foot ulcers, called MIMOSA. Millions of patients may soon have access.
2017 winners Drs. Michelle Sholzberg and Andrea Lausman received funding for a toolkit to help pregnant women at risk of anemia get the iron they need. Iron Mom is a set of digital tools for women and their doctors to keep expectant mothers, and their unborn babies, healthy.
In 2018, Dr. Muhammad Mamdani won funding for fAIth, which uses artificial intelligence tools to improve health-care efficiency. In addition, Drs. George Yousef and Michael Ordon received funding for the Prostate Predictor, a blood test to predict the aggressiveness of prostate cancer thereby avoiding painful biopsies.
St. Michael's Hospital Foundation St. Michael's Hospital is a global powerhouse in research and patient care. Its world-leading physicians, surgeons, scientists and staff take on the toughest health challenges. They dig deep to find solutions to intractable medical problems. They advocate on behalf of those whose health is complicated by life circumstances. They stop at nothing.
Through its philanthropic activities, St. Michael's Hospital Foundation assists St. Michael's in attracting the resources required to fulfill and enhance its mission. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation raises funds for patient care, equipment, building projects, research and teaching programs. Funds are raised through annual and mid-level giving, special events, major gifts and planned giving.
For interviews or additional details, please contact: Erin Del Giudice, Mosaic North America, erin.delgiudice@mosaic.com, (416) 347-9698
U.S. Army Veteran Explains His Journey to Becoming a Successful Fitness Together®Franchise Owner
Rick Coe, owner of two DC-Metro Fitness Together®studios, explains why his U.S. Army service enabled his success as a small business owner, and why the fitness industry helped retain his military identity.
The Fitness Together brand has 23 years of franchising experience and is a nationwide, one-on-one personal training concept that offers private suites, utilizing some of the most educated and experienced trainers in the industry.
WASHINGTON, DC (November 6, 2019) – Veterans transitioning from active service to the civilian workforce are often challenged by a lack of career structure in Corporate America and a sense of no personal purpose without a clear mission. Rick Coe, former U.S. Army officer and a graduate of West Point who owns two Fitness Together®studios in the DC-metro area, says franchising helps provide veterans the opportunity to create their own sense of purpose and career track by owning their own business, while relying on their military background to learn the skills necessary to be successful small business owners.
Rick translated his military experience – as a Tank Commander – to the corporate world after leaving the Army. After his third job in 2007, Rick became dissatisfied with the corporate structure and decided to open his first Fitness Together studio. “It was a no-brainer. As I had never owned a fitness studio before, I decided to buy into a franchise with a solid brand name at an affordable rate,” says Rick. “Leveraging the Fitness Together franchise system and years of experience enabled me to help get my studio to be profitable, quickly.”
For Veterans Day, Rick wants to get the word out on why veterans are uniquely qualified to find success opening franchises, particularly in the fitness industry.
Why the fitness industry?
“For me, the fitness industry helped me retain my personal and military identity. Many veterans can lose themselves while transitioning to civilian life and need a life mission to keep their minds focused and valuable skills fresh. Transition is traumatic. As a veteran, you’re likely in fantastic shape and may find a home in the fitness industry helping people achieve their fitness goals. People value my background as their coach, and you can capitalize on your experience.”
Why is a veteran’s military background helpful to becoming a successful business owner?
“Depending on the rank and branch of service, some veterans may have difficulty in entrepreneurship, business development, and new skills development including learning how to run payroll, hiring staff, and administering health care. However, veterans are often masters of task delegation, thanks to their military background. If they themselves are not the expert at handling normal business operations, they are the experts at helping build a trustworthy team to get the job done.”
How can veterans find success as small business owners?
“Finding success is not aboutprofit or income. First, find something you enjoy and master it. Second, never be distracted. Opening a small business is hard financially, emotionally, and can put pressure on your marriage and family - but you’re a U.S. veteran. You are light years ahead of anyone at enduring tough challenges. As you were taught in active duty, ignore the noise. Repetitively train for upcoming challenges. Identify your overall mission, build your strategy to achieve success, and execute.”
This Veterans Day, encourage a veteran to chase their entrepreneurial bug. Like Rick’s successful small business owner story, encourage a veteran to identify what they enjoy and explore any franchise opportunities available to them. As the fitness industry continues to grow and is a natural fit for veterans, learn more about Fitness Together franchise opportunities at fitnesstogetherfranchise.com
Experienced professional trainers at Fitness Together®studios are dedicated to creating personalized fitness routines that are tailored to each client's specific health and wellness goals. Fitness Together studios utilize some of the most educated, experienced trainers in the industry along with real-world fitness experience to help clients achieve optimal health through a customized, industry-leading fitness program. Sessions take place in a private workout suite, which means no distractions and no waiting for equipment so clients can focus on producing results. To begin your journey with an Fitness Together professional trainer, please visit fitnesstogether.com to locate one of the nearly 140 locations nationwide to find the one nearest you.
About Fitness Together
Fitness Together®is a one-on-one private, personal training franchise focused on changing clients’ lives with improved fitness and health. Whether the aim is to lose weight, tone and tighten muscles, or simply achieve better health, Fitness Together trainers’ pair clients with a personal trainer and a workout plan tailored for the individual’s goals, and focused on results. Clients receive the accountability they need and the privacy they desire with the Fitness Together brand.
Fitness Together Franchise, LLC began franchising in 1996 and has approximately 140 locations across the United States with additional locations planned for 2019. To learn more about the brand and owning a Fitness Together® franchise, visit www.fitnesstogetherfranchise.com. Each Fitness Together®is independently owned and operated. Fitness Together®and Fitness Together + design are registered trademarks owned by Fitness Together Franchise, LLC.
5 Kinds of People Most Likely to Get the Holiday Blues and How to Help
With the holidays upon us it’s easy for us to get caught up in the rush of it all. While we may be cooking, shopping, enjoying holiday events there are others, many of whom are in our very own circles, having a tougher time. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, reveals who are most likely to have the holiday blues and how we can help them make it through.
1. The newly divorced or widowed.
Loss is a sad, life-changing event at any time of the year. However, it tends to be harder when everyone around you is joyful celebrating the holiday’s and you feel it’s an effort to get out of bed. If someone in your circles is going through a major loss and life transition be supportive and understanding. “They are grieving and mourning and are especially sensitive around the holidays. It’s important that they feel included but don’t be offended if they choose to opt out of certain events,” advises Dr. Hafeez. She suggests checking in and offering them the option to participate in whatever they want, when they want. Love them through it.
2. The busy entrepreneur.
The holidays could be stressful for small business owners because so much rides on the end of year. They may be fretting over their profits (or lack thereof), the goals they didn’t reach, and the many things still to do. They feel overwhelmed and when they are expected to shop, entertain and be present for their families, they may be short tempered and anxious. “The best way to help the busy entrepreneur is to make their life easier in any way possible. If they can’t make it to a family dinner, tell them your door is open for dessert. Oftentimes they feel guilty and obligated which only adds to their frustration,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Also consider that these worker-bees are conflicted. When they are working they miss their families and when they are with family they are thinking of work.
3. The caretaker of an elder parent or relative.
Adults who are now caretakers to their elderly parents are incredibly overwhelmed and often overlooked. As a caretaker, they always have to consider the well-being of their parent. They can’t just get up and go,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Caretakers may feel resentful, isolated and stuck during the holidays which leads to conflicted feelings of resentment and guilt. They also believe they have to be hands on managing everything. It’s important to lighten the caretakers load by offering support even if it means asking them how they are doing. Be patient and ask the caretaker what they need. It could be something as simple as having food delivered to their home to free up time for other tasks, Dr. Hafeez recommends.
4. The recovering substance abuser.
Recovering from addiction is hard. Period. But it’s harder when holiday festivities are filled with friends and family drinking everything from eggnog to champagne. “Understand that those in recovery from substance abuse are hyper-sensitive about being judged. They feel as if all eyes are on them and that pressure may trigger the desire to use drugs or alcohol to soothe their anxiety. When they aren’t fully recovered, they may anticipate possible “landmines” and avoid them. They may choose to stay to themselves and observe more and participate less. They might opt out of larger family gatherings that are too overwhelming,” cautions Dr. Hafeez. Offer an open invitation and remind them they are welcomed when they are ready. A balance of love, support and acceptance is what they are in most need of, suggests Dr. Hafeez.
5. The children of divorce.
Divorce means two separate holidays at two different places and kids feel overwhelmed having to double up. It’s incredibly important for parents to agree on where the kids are going during the holidays and all logistical details. “Kids want to feel safe and secure. They don’t want to feel as if they are the expected to be rushed here and there because their parents chose to divorce,” says Dr. Hafeez. It could be unsettling to younger kids and teens may isolate and rebel against any family events as they are sorting out their own emotions as they get used to a new normal. You really want to establish a game plan for the holidays and if possible, stick to it every year, advises Dr. Hafeez.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
She can certainly provide answers to specific questions regarding the connection between grief and anxiety. Feel free to send them to me.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
A commitment to healthy lifestyles in our community: Calgary Co-op acquires Community Natural Foods
CALGARY, Nov. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Calgary Co-op and Community Natural Foods are pleased to announce that effective today Calgary Co-op has acquired the retail business of Community Natural Foods. The sale is part of the succession plan for Community Natural Foods' owner and represents a coming together of two long-time community-focused Calgary retailers.
"As representatives of our 440,000 members, Calgary Co-op's Board is pleased support the expansion of Calgary Co-op's commitment to health and wellness, while providing Calgary Co-op members with the benefit of annual net earnings from the Community Natural Foods business," said Patricia McLeod, Board Chair for Calgary Co-op.
With more than 100 years of combined community presence and a similar value set, both Calgary Co-op and Community Natural Foods are looking forward to learning from each other and taking the Community Natural Foods brand further as part of the Calgary Co-op family.
"I really want to thank Calgarians for their loyalty and the Community Natural Foods team for their passion to provide our city with natural and organic food," said Garry Wilkes, Community Natural Foods founder and owner. "It's been an amazing 42-year journey and it was my personal wish to sell to a buyer who would steward the Community Natural Foods business and brand carefully and thoughtfully. I believe the Calgary Co-op team is the perfect fit as our two organizations share similar values and a deep connection to this community," he added.
"For Calgary Co-op's food business to survive and thrive in the long term, we must work locally to increase the relevance of our unique offering of products and services to members' lifestyles," said Ken Keelor, CEO, Calgary Co-op. "We must also deliver steady financial performance for our member-owned co-operative. This acquisition is an important step in that direction."
Calgary Co-op plans to operate Community Natural Foods as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary - with the same commitment to local and organic products and the current staff and management structure in place. "Our entire team looks forward to connecting with the passion and expertise of our Community Natural Foods colleagues," said Keelor.
As the market and demand for local, healthy and convenient products continues to grow, Calgary Co-op is committed to sourcing even more products directly from local producers and farmers. A key part of that will be maintaining and growing the relationships Community Natural Foods has built with its vendors over the years, many of them local.
Community Natural Foods would like to thank CIBC Mid Market Investment Banking for acting as its exclusive financial advisor.
About Community Natural Foods A well-established organic and natural food retailer, Community Natural Foods was started in 1977 by the Wilkes brothers. It soon grew out of its original location on 11th Avenue SW, moving to its current 10th Avenue Market and Café location. It expanded in 2000 (Chinook Station Market) and again in 2013 (Crowfoot Market).
About Calgary Co-op Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. Our locations in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks and Strathmore include: food centres, pharmacies, gas stations, car washes, commercial cardlocks, home health care centres, wine, spirits and beer locations, and cannabis. With over 400,000 members, 3,850 employees, assets of $627 million and annual sales of $1.3 billion, Calgary Co-op was recognized as one of Alberta's Top 75 Employers of 2019, and is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience through inspired team members. For more information please visit www.calgarycoop.com
SOURCE Calgary Co-Operative Association Limited (Calgary Co-op)
Innovative HIV Testing in Indigenous Communities Leads Way to Global Targets
National Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 2019
OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) announces Indigenous leadership and supporters will celebrate Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week December 1 – 6, 2019. It will launch in Ottawa, ON with a Parliamentary Tea followed by events across the country (Vancouver, Edmonton, Prince Albert, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and more) to unite an Indigenous response to HIV and AIDS mirroring World AIDS Day's theme 'Communities Make the Difference'.
In 2017, a total of 2,402 new HIV cases were reported in Canada, an increase of 3%. Indigenous peoples comprise 20.1% of those new HIV cases. They continue to be over-represented 2.7 times higher than other Canadians.
One in 7 does not know their HIV status. A new type of HIV diagnosis test, Dried Blood Spot Testing, is dramatically increasing the number of Indigenous peoples getting tested. A First Nations pilot in Saskatchewan saw an increase of 4x more HIV tests. Dried Blood Spot Testing is a needle-prick test similar to having a blood sugar test for diabetes.
Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week will host a series of nationwide events to recognize the essential role that Indigenous communities play in the AIDS response at the international, national and local levels.
Community work to be highlighted:
Many events will provide new Dry Blood Spot Testing for free or information on how to access
Launch 4 Indigenous Tool Kits: HIV & AIDS, STTBIs, Hep C, and Harm Reduction
Launch of report on stigma and discrimination in the workplace experienced by Indigenous peoples living with HIV
"Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week provides the platform for Indigenous communities to make the difference toward meeting global HIV targets," shared Denise Lambert, chair of the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network board. "During this week, Indigenous peoples across Canada will raise awareness about the critical role of community to inform culturally safe approaches to wholistic HIV testing, care and treatment. We will do so in a manner that reflects Indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge, and also the unique social, spiritual, economic and political needs of our communities."
The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network invites all supporters to participate in Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week to ensure community voices be heard in the development, implementation and monitoring of the national AIDS strategy.
Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) is a non-profit organization that leads a collective response to protect the wholistic wellness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples impacted by HIV, hepatitis C and related diseases and issues, such as mental health, addictions and aging. Through research and programming, it informs and influences public health policy from an Indigenous worldview and advances self-determination to address health determinants with Indigenous traditions, values and knowledge. www.caan.ca
Eczema Society of Canada releases "A Day with Eczema" video in recognition of Eczema Awareness Month
Video takes an intimate look into the life of a chronic eczema sufferer
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - November is Eczema Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) has launched "A Day with Eczema" - an intimate look into the life of a chronic eczema sufferer.
The video follows Tanya Mohan, a lifelong eczema sufferer and ESC volunteer, from the moment she wakes up, to the moment she goes to sleep. It explores how eczema can be constant and unrelenting, and how it impacts every facet of her daily life.
"I often tell (people) I feel itchy probably once or twice every single hour of every single day, 365 days of the year. It's constantly on my mind." - Tanya Mohan, "A Day with Eczema"
Tanya is one of many Canadians who live with atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by dry, red, intensely itchy skin that can crack, ooze, and bleed.
The goal of "A Day with Eczema" is to demonstrate the true burden of the condition, and how pervasive it can be for individuals who live with it each day. Further, it aims to show the general public, healthcare providers, and healthcare decision makers the burden of this disease, current gaps in care, and needs of the patient community.
"Eczema is too often minimized or seen as nothing more than just dry skin, but the hard truth is that there are many Canadians who struggle deeply with the daily skin care routines, nonstop cycles of flares, and the incessant itch and pain that can accompany this condition," says Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director of Eczema Society of Canada. "Our video aims to start a conversation and show the world what eczema sufferers live with, and that they deserve to be seen and heard."
ESC plans to share stories like Tanya's in their meetings with government officials and health agencies responsible for improving access to new eczema therapies and treatments. "Recent research and treatment breakthroughs are bringing new hope to patients and their families; however, these advancements won't help if the people who need them most can't afford or access them," says Cresswell-Melville. "By showing decision makers the realities of living with this condition, we hope they will make choices that support and help to improve the lives of patients and their families."
For those who want to get involved, ESC invites Canadians to share the video on social media and include the hashtag #ADaywithEczema when commenting or sharing their eczema stories.
Mother Raw asks fans to choose their next variety with a "Duel of the Dressings" campaign
The winning Mother Raw Dressing will debut in January 2020 and marks 20th product in their launch year
TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2019 /CNW/ - Mother Raw, makers of wildly successful plant-based, organic dressings, dips, condiments and quesos, will debut their 20th product in 2020, marking their one year anniversary of helping make plant-based eating delicious, nutritious and loaded with variety.
With consumer taste and preference top of mind, Mother Raw is announcing its 'Duel of the Dressings' campaign (motherraw.com/vote) running from November 6 - 20th (2019) inviting fans to vote to help choose the flavour focus of their new and super on-trend tahini dressing. The question up for debate: should the new Mother Raw Tahini Dressing be zesty with lemon and turmeric, or slightly sweet with organic maple syrup?
The company is betting big on the booming tahini trend to satisfy the growing consumer craving for a plant-based creamy dressing that delivers a luscious taste experience, made from quality, plant-based ingredients.
"Tahini goods and dressings are on track to be one of the tastiest food trends of the year and we are elated to offer a creamy and delicious tahini-based dressing to our Mother Raw fans. We're depending on our loyal community of supporters to choose their preferred tahini flavour focus: sweet and savoury maple or zesty lemon with turmeric," shared Kristi Knowles, Mother Raw CEO. (Learn more about CEO, Kristi Knowles here). "At Mother Raw we are tuned-in to taste trends and ways to make eating more plants delicious, while taking away the worry of ingredients that you can't pronounce. What better way to expand our offerings than to ask our fans…they really do know best!"
Tahini, a condiment that is typically made from hulled sesame seeds, is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with B vitamins, E vitamins and zinc, tahini is also a source of calcium, manganese, potassium and phosphorus. It's touted as one of the fastest growing food ingredients in the world, according to Researchandmarkets.com, who recently reported that as of 2018 the global tahini market was valued at $1.11 billion (US) with growth expectations of 4.82 percent in the coming years (2019 - 2025).
The Mother Raw Tahini Dressing flavour with the most votes will be finessed by Mother Raw's team of product experts and ready for its debut in early 2020. As part of the tahini taste race, one lucky Mother Raw fan and voter will be randomly selected to win a delicious private dinner prepared for them and five guests by a professional chef. And in keeping with the Mother Raw commitment to "do good" in the communities in which they operate, Mother Raw will also donate one dollar for every vote cast to a local Vegetarian Food Bank (for a maximum $1,000 donation). Full details about The Mother Raw Duel of the Dressing are available at: motherraw.com/vote or search #duelofthedressings.
Mother Raw Background Since the North American debut of Mother Raw in January 2019, the company has been feeling the love from the plant-based community and plenty of people that simply love quality, great tasting food.
"Mother Raw consumers are vocal fans, super savvy shoppers, chefs and label readers with opinions we deeply value. They're always on the lookout for products with carefully selected, whole ingredients that promise great taste and convenience," added Knowles. "They certainly aren't satisfied with most store-bought dressings that are often over-processed and full of artificial flavours, fillers and stabilizers or have concerning levels of refined sugars and sodium. They love us for our clean, nutrient dense ingredients and amazing taste and versatility."
Mother Raw products are organic, vegan, free of common allergens, suitable for many dietary lifestyles and contain no refined sugar or artificial ingredients. Alike to homemade recipes, Mother Raw products are cold-blended, never heated, and always refrigerated. With the growing market for healthy options, delicious choices like Mother Raw Caesar, Japanese and Mediterranean dressings and marinades, as well as French Onion Dip, Vegan Queso, Ketchup, and BBQ Sauces help to make plant-based eating delicious and nutritious. Full product details: https://motherraw.com/collections/all
The company is guided by the principle that over-processing is over-rated, and all Mother Raw products are 'never heated, depleted or mistreated™'. Products are always cold-blended and kept cold from Mother Raw's kitchen to the refrigerated produce section and responsibly packaged in fully recyclable glass bottles and lids. Mother Raw's line-up continues to grow as the brand develops new and exciting product offerings.
Business is Blooming! A scrappy and loveable start-up, Mother Raw has experienced wild growth since their initial launch in January 2019. Mother Raw set an ambitious store count target and has already quadrupled its distribution, landing a targeted mix of retailers. Online sales growth has more than quadrupled quarter over quarter, and overall revenue growth in 2019 is expected to be well into triple digits.
With rapidly growing consumer and media influence over the past year, Mother Raw has secured key partnerships with leading peer brands like Earthbound Farms, Cece's Veggies and Purple Carrot. The company is in progress with a number of exciting partnerships and is actively seeking additional partners for 2020.
Mother Raw Products Available Across the US and Canada Mother Raw products are available in the refrigerated produce section of grocery stores and natural food stores across Canada and the US, with rapidly expanding presence (see store locator on site). All products can also be ordered online, for refrigerated shipping across the US and Canada, at www.Motherraw.com.
About Mother Raw Launched in 2019 as Mother Raw, the brand has grown out of an entrepreneurial Canadian brand called RawFoodz, which was originally founded in 2011 with one thought in mind: "Shouldn't your dressing be as healthy as your salad?"For more information: MotherRaw.ca or MotherRaw.com and follow us on Twitter: @motheraw and Instagram: motherraw
SOURCE Mother Raw
Amplitude Venture Capital Launches CAD $200 Million Fund Focused on Building World-Class Precision Medicine Companies
TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Amplitude Venture Capital today announced the launch of a CAD $200 million fund to continue its successful investment strategy of building globally competitive Canadian healthcare companies. The Fund is focused on developing platform companies based on outstanding Canadian precision medicine innovation.
The Fund, which Amplitude co-created with cornerstone investor BDC Capital, has closed on more than 50 per cent of its target signalling strong support for Amplitude's investment strategy. Founded by the former healthcare investing team at BDC Capital, Amplitude is led by partners Jean-François Pariseau and Dion Madsen.
"Canada boasts an innovation-rich healthcare ecosystem that is home to world-leading academic and research centres," said Mr. Madsen. "For too long the capital and expertise necessary to scale potentially game-changing ideas into break-out companies has been largely missing in Canada. Our mission is to unite innovators with acceleration capital and our builder vision to create and scale great companies. This is where Amplitude will focus and thrive."
The Amplitude team managed a CAD $270 million healthcare investment portfolio from 2013-2018 as part of BDC Capital and played a critical role in creating, building, and growing two, billion-dollar Canadian public biotech success stories (Clementia and Zymeworks), and financed two other successful publicly-traded companies (Milestone Pharmaceuticals and Profound Medical).
"The promising track record of Jean-François and Dion in identifying high potential companies and adding genuine value to investments in such a highly specialized sector made BDC Capital's commitment to anchor Amplitude Ventures an easy decision," said Jérôme Nycz, Executive Vice-President, BDC Capital. "It fits with our overall strategy to build and deploy new, high-performing funds in the Canadian market. We are confident they will increase the velocity of company growth in the Canadian healthcare sector."
Amplitude's focus is on precision medicine where world-class Canadian innovators are driving the future of healthcare. The Fund will invest in early-stage and emerging Canadian companies and will also create new companies in collaboration with leading academic institutions.
"We believe we can capture the full potential of Canadian innovation and support and amplify the entrepreneurial vision of founders by providing the focused capital and connections that companies need to take their innovation from idea to IPO," said Mr. Pariseau. "We are grateful to our LPs for their foundational support. The collective vision of BDC Capital, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Teralys, Investissement Québec, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) gives us the platform we need to achieve our goals."
The Fund's first investment, in Repare Therapeutics, is now complete and is an excellent example of the kinds of companies Amplitude will support. Repare is developing new, precision oncology drugs that target specific vulnerabilities of tumor cells. Its approach integrates insights from several fields of cell biology including DNA repair and synthetic lethality. The Fund is an investor in both the Series A and the recent USD $83 million Series B round.
ABOUT AMPLITUDE: Amplitude Venture Capital deploys a growth model that has successfully been used to build Canadian companies with world-class management teams and scale companies to breakout potential. Since 2012 Amplitude's founding team has raised over $700 million of equity capital in private and public markets. Amplitude, with offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, launched its first private capital fund in November 2019, a $200-million fund that applies a proven, evidence-based approach to investing in leading Canadian precision medicine companies. Visit amplitudevc.com.
ABOUT BDC CAPITAL: BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC - Canada's only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. With over $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country's most innovative firms. It offers a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who wish to scale their businesses into global champions. Visit bdc.ca/capital.
ABOUT THE FONDS DE SOLIDARITÉ FTQ: The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a capital development fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments. With $15.6 billion in net assets as at May 31, 2019, the Fonds has helped create and protect 215,104 jobs. The Fonds has 3,126 partner companies and today has more than 700,000 shareholders-savers. Visit fondsftq.com.
ABOUT TERALYS: Teralys Capital is a private fund manager financing private venture capital funds investing in innovative businesses in information technologies, life sciences, and clean & industrial innovations. Our partner funds cover the entire investment spectrum from early stage start-ups to expansion, growth and technology buy-outs. With more than $2 billion in assets under management across four venture capital funds of funds and two additional legacy portfolios of funds, Teralys Capital is the largest innovation-focused investor in Canada. Visit teralyscapital.com.
ABOUT INVESTISSEMENT QUÉBEC: Investissement Québec's mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in every region. The Corporation offers businesses a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments, to support them at all stages of their development. It is also responsible for administering tax measures and prospecting for foreign investment. Visit investquebec.com.
ABOUT CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2019, it held CA$326.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. For more information, visit cdpq.com.
SOURCE Amplitude Venture Capital
The link between microbiomes and biodiverse soil dust may be key to understanding the relationship between green spaces and mental health.
Picture: Tony Faiola/Flickr
In a new study, published in Science of the Total Environment, University of Adelaide researchers found evidence of a potentially broadly-acting microbial link between the health of ecosystems and the health of people.
The research joins a growing body of evidence indicating exposure to green spaces has a range of health benefits – including on mental health – while greater urbanisation is linked with increased risk of mental health disorders.
It follows a paper published earlier this year, which found growing more native plants in cities would increase microbial diversity and help combat the rise of non-communicable diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
Lead author Craig Liddicoat, from the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences, said the study showed the inclusion of a rare organism – butyrate-producer Kineothrix alysoides – was linked with reduced anxiety-like behaviour.
“Butyrate is a small molecule that results from the breakdown of plant material, but it is also a key product linked to gut health and mental health in humans,” Liddicoat said.
“We found that the guts of mice in the high biodiversity treatment were ...
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