Odd Squad Productions Society Celebrates 15 years with a Gala Fundraiser
For Immediate Release
(Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver’s Odd Squad Productions Society (OSP) is proud to announce the celebration of its 15th anniversary this year. A prestigious Gala Fundraiser will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Thursday, June 7th at 5:00 pm.
Presented by CIBC Wood Gundy At Bental, and at the time of press supported by more than 25 corporate sponsors, the evening consists of a formal sit-down dinner, Live Auction, Silent Auction, and a few hidden surprises that have yet to be revealed. All proceeds fund Odd Squad’s efforts to keep youth gang-safe and drug-free.
With disturbing statistics, such as “60% of illicit drug users are between 15 to 24 years old”, there is a critical need to be proactive and protect youth. The OSP educates young adults through film, presentations and workshops, and by providing peer mentoring support.
In 2011, 1,000 guests supported OSP by attending the annual gala and contributing to OSP’s most successful fundraising effort ever. Fifty corporate sponsors jumped on board alongside sport celebrities Chris Le Bihan (2010 Olympic Bronze Medallist), and Sonja Gaudet (2010 Paralympic Gold Medallist).The evening ended with Holly Cole singing her heart out.
”Over the past 15 years Odd Squad has produced/co-produced over 15 documentaries viewed by millions of people around the globe. Substance abuse and gang life ultimately touches or affects each of us in our homes or families or our community. The proceeds from the gala event enable us to carry out our mission in educating young people to support appropriate life choice.” Odd Squad Chief Operating Officer – Gerry Zipursky
Notable milestones include:
• Drug & Gang Awareness Educational Presentations
o 2010/2011: 373 presentations to 38,000 people
• On Track Peer Mentoring
o 2011: 45 students delivered presentations to 5,625 middle-school students
• Hockey Mentorship Program
o 2010-2011: 72 players from WHL teams across western Canada delivered
199 presentations to Grade 7 students in twelve cities
• Internet Broadcast Program
Recently the Odd Squad launched this innovative program, which significantly broadens geographical outreach to youth. This past winter, two East Vancouver schools participated which translated to educating 650 Grade 8 & 9 students in one session.
• OSP Squad Members increased by 33%, to 30,and expanded to 19 Board Members
In 2012, OSP is developing a web-episodic Vodcast Educational Series directed towards drug awareness and gang prevention, and will continue producing two educational documentaries-The Beat: Season Two and Yo-Bro: A Gang Education Story.
For detailed event information or to purchase tickets, at $225 per person, or sponsor a table of 10) at $2,250, contact gala2012@odd-squad-legacy.local. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Gerry Zipursky at 604.408.9945. 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.
Media Contact
Summer Dhillon
summer@slapcommunications.com
604.614.4609