For Immediate Release
(Vancouver, BC) –Vancouver’s Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) celebrates a memorable 15th milestone of empowering youth though film documentaries and educational programs. The prestigious 2012 Odd Squad Gala Fundraiser is taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Thursday, June 7th starting at 5:00 pm.
Presented by CIBC Wood Gundy At Bentall, and supported by an astounding 50 corporate sponsors, the evening begins with a cocktail reception and Mayor Gregor Robertson in attendance. Other highlights include speeches by select youth, a unique Silent Auction, a formal sit-down dinner, a Live Auction with celebrated auctioneer Howard Blank and special guest Steven Seagal. Vancouver’s Odds, with Craig Northy as musical director, will serve as the house band. 100% of the proceeds will be put towards creating more documentaries and developing awareness campaigns for youth about the dangers of drug use and criminal behaviour.
Undoubtedly, the OSP is passionate about their work. This grassroots initiative started with a few Vancouver Police Officers who had witnessed such horrors that they couldn’t just shut off at their end of their shifts. They strongly believed in educating youth to prevent them from making decisions that could ultimately destroy their lives.
“The loss of human potential through drug abuse is too great a tragedy to stand unchallenged,” says founding member Al Arsenault.
“If youth are given the educational insight into the real-life consequences of poor decision-making, regarding issues like drugs and gangs, I believe that they are going to be more inclined to make healthy decisions on risky behaviour. With the help of countless volunteers and sponsors, the OSP Squad has been able to deliver a strong prevention message, and has connected with millions of people around the world. This is no small feat, and a pretty decent legacy for what started out as a few beat cops with a desire to do something positive while working in an overwhelmingly negative environment,” says founding member Toby Hinton.
The Gala will be emcee’d by Akash Sablok and Wayne Braid. Akash is an active member of his local community. He is currently the Public Relations Coordinator for the Fraser Street Business Association where he regularly assists with community events, such as street cleanup, safety provisions and beautification. Given his love of technology Akash appears regularly on Breakfast Television, Urban Rush (Shaw Television), and the Omni Punjabi News Hour as “Gadget Guy”.
Wayne is committed to serving society having served as a School Trustee. Director of the BC Winter Games and Northern BC Winter Games and President of the Rotary Club. Currently Wayne is the CEO and Secretary of the Society of Notaries Public of BC where he works with local government departments.
In 2011, 1,000 guests supported the OSP by attending the annual gala and contributing to OSP’s most successful fundraising efforts having raised over $430,000.
Remaining seats are limited. Anyone who would like to cover the Gala, please contact Summer Dhillon at summer@slapcommunications.com. To purchase tickets, contact gala2012@odd-squad-legacy.local. For photo and interview opportunities, contact Valerie Adamson at valerie@odd-squad-legacy.local or at 604.408.9945. B-roll and images will be available after the Gala.