Astellas Pharma Canada Partners with the Abilities Centre for Eighth Annual Changing Tomorrow Day

Inclusion and Diversity Highlighted in Corporate Day Dedicated to Community Service

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, more than 150 Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. ("Astellas") employees are helping to change tomorrow by spending the day volunteering at the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ontario, as part of the company's eighth annual Changing Tomorrow Day. During the day, employees will participate in a variety of volunteer activities throughout the facility, as well as collaborating with THRIVE program members on art projects and recreation programs, and learning how inclusion can be the catalyst for building powerful communities. The Centre's THRIVE program is designed for adults with developmental disabilities, who take part in a diverse curriculum that provides meaningful engagement with their peer group within a shared community environment.

The internationally recognized Abilities Centre was founded by the late Honourable Jim Flaherty, former Federal Minister of Finance and wife Christine Elliott, former Member of Provincial Parliament. The Abilities Centre is rooted in the principle that communities that are truly inclusive – those that welcome and engage all members of a community, regardless of their ability/disability, age, socioeconomic status or other social factors – enhance the quality of life for everyone, enabling people to achieve personal goals while providing wide impact in a community's economic, social and personal outcomes.

"What a tremendous opportunity each of us had at the Abilities Centre, not only helping as volunteers, but also benefitting from their inclusion training. The Abilities Centre demonstrates day in and day out that when people are encouraged to play to their strengths, the world is better for it," said Michael Tremblay, president of Astellas Pharma Canada. "I am also proud that all of our employees from across Canada are coming together and working as 'One Astellas' to support Changing Tomorrow Day. This speaks to the heart of our corporate values and connects what we do in our professional life to the greater purpose of improving lives, particularly for the most vulnerable in our society."

Built on the pillars of sports and recreation, health and wellness, arts, and employment/life skills, the Abilities Centre inclusion strategies have led to the development and implementation of signature programs that have transformative impact for all community members, but with a focus on serving those who are most often excluded from full community participation. 

"The founding principle of the Abilities Centre is that everyone has something to contribute to their community," says Leo Plue, executive director. "By volunteering their time with us today, Astellas employees are not just giving back to our facilities at the Abilities Centre, they are championing the inclusive values that make our communities and workplaces stronger and more welcoming."

Throughout the year and around the world, Astellas Changing Tomorrow Day events mobilize employees to commit to an entire day of service. A series of company-sponsored volunteer events, Changing Tomorrow Day is a collaborative effort with local nonprofits to provide employees diverse opportunities to make a positive, measurable impact.

About the Abilities Centre
The Abilities Centre is an internationally renowned, innovative community hub where people of all ages and abilities enrich their lives by engaging in social, health and cultural programs. The Centre delivers sports, health and fitness, arts and culture, leading-edge research, education, and life skills programming in a welcoming, positive and energetic environment. The Abilities Centre is focused on bringing together families, friends and neighbours in a spirit of inclusion and opportunity.

About Astellas Americas Corporate Social Responsibility
At Astellas, how we operate is just as important as the medicines we manufacture. Our business philosophy and vision is to operate in a socially responsible way each day through an approach we call "Living Smart^TM."  Living Smart means preparing communities today for what can happen tomorrow by helping communities access the resources they need to face the future with confidence. For more information, see the Astellas Americas Corporate Social Responsibility Report Card 2016. To view the Astellas Pharma Canada Corporate Social Responsibility Report, please visit here.

About Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., headquartered in Markham, ON, is a Canadian affiliate of Tokyo based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. In Canada, Astellas has an intense commercial focus on the following therapeutic areas – Urology, Immunology, Infectious Disease and Oncology. For more information about Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., please visit the corporate website: www.astellas.ca and follow us on Twitter @AstellaCA

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc.

Michelle Reale, Senior Communications Manager, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., [phone], [email protected]