Despite some shoddy reporting by the Toronto Star, Canada’s 150th is still happening. The article I am referring to somehow declares that as a result of one company’s failed effort to raise corporate funds for their initiative that the entire year is going to be a disaster. Really? So does that mean that if my local hockey team can’t get a sponsor, the NHL is also going to go bankrupt?
It’s too bad the Star didn’t do a little research before publishing such a ridiculous article. Because for all of those groups who are well underway creating amazing Canada’s 150th celebration events, this piece has caused an unnecessary level of concern by their stakeholders. Irresponsible is not a stern enough phrase for this piece.
Despite my readership being a little less than the Star’s, I do want to share the news that, last I checked, January 1st, 2017 is still scheduled to arrive. On time. Within seconds of December 31st, 2016 departing. With it will come a patriotic flurry of events, celebrations, and legacy programs.
If you haven’t gotten into the groove yet, now is the time. Our friends at ParticipACTION are launching a national activity challenge that already has two major corporate partners on board. You can connect with them to create a lasting legacy of a fitter country.
I read recently that CIBC has signed on as lead partner of Ottawa 2017, the group responsible for staging many of the celebrations in our nation’s capital. Given how CIBC leveraged Pan Am in Toronto this past summer, I expect to see them bring many smart strategies to the table to animate this partnership.
Have you heard of ONEFIVEOH? Check out their website. They’re inviting Canadians to share their greatest campfire stories in 150 seconds or less. How much more Canuck can you be than that?
Crashing into the 150th celebration calendar, it was just announced last week that The Red Bull Crashed Ice final championship is heading to Ottawa for the first time. Apparently it’s estimated to have an economic impact of $10 million for the city. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
You can hear about more 2017 excitement at CSFX16. On February 13th (Activity Day), our CSFX 2017 partner, which I am not going to tell you about right now, is going to be a jewel event in Canada’s 150th crown. As part of the announcement there will be powerful business leaders, talented industry executives, a Canadian celebrity (or two), and a chance to win a VIP trip to the event… and CSFX17.
To stay connected to all things 150th, I suggest that you join the Canada 150 Alliance. The 150Alliance is an open network of groups, individuals and organizations, promoting action, engagement and impact around Canada’s 150th and working to make the most of Canada’s sesquicentennial in 2017. Building the biggest database of 2017 organizations and projects in Canada, this digital platform will act as a hub for all 2017 activities.
If you have an exciting 150th project underway, send me the details and we will share with our audience via this newsletter or just post your comments.
Don’t forget that for Saturday, February 13th at CSFX we have a special opportunity for you to bring a teammate for free to Activity Day.
Maybe we can all find some time to let our Canadian media know what’s really going on.