FAMILY CHANNEL SINGS STAND UP! WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NIKKI YANOFSKY, LINDSAY
HAMILTON AND SAVERIA

Artists help launch Family Channel's eighth-annual Bullying Awareness Week to be held November 15 - 21, 2010

TORONTO, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - Songs from some of Canada's most talented young artists kick off the countdown to Family Channel's eighth-annual Bullying Awareness Week Stand UP! campaign. The campaign runs November 15-21 with Family set to visit schools across Canada to see what they do to Stand UP! to bullying.

As part of this year's campaign, singers Nikki Yanofsky, Lindsay Hamilton and Saveria, have each provided a special Stand UP! song in order to drive awareness of the initiative and make a musical statement about bullying prevention. A new song will be available on Family.ca each Monday until October 4 starting with Nikki Yanofsky's live-version of "Ooh Child." Lindsay Hamilton's own composition "Dream On" is available online from September 27 and Saveria's "Don't Push Me Down" will be unveiled on October 4.

"Music is such a powerful way to spread a message and I am so pleased that these artists have lent their songs to further bullying prevention," said Joe Tedesco, Vice President and General Manager, Family Channel. "Every year we are impressed by the outstanding commitment of kids, teachers and parents to Stand UP! against bullying. This year, with the help of these three great musical acts, and the continued expertise of our partners at PREVNet, we will launch another successful campaign that will resonate with kids across the country and empower everyone to stand up to bullying."

"I'm proud to be part of an initiative that raises awareness of an issue that is sadly all too prominent with students," said Nikki Yanofsky. "My hope is for those who listen to my song and the songs of the other artists, to be inspired to do what they can to take a stand against bullying."

Those interested in the Stand UP! campaign can visit Family.ca to listen to the songs as well as learn more about the Stand UP! initiative. Bullying prevention resources for kids and educators are available for download and students can enter to win a Stand UP! rally, featuring a performance from one of the musical acts, at their school. To enter kids must explain what their school does to Stand UP! to bullying or submit lyrics, a song or music video related to bullying prevention. Entries close at midnight on Monday, October 11.

During Bullying Awareness Week itself, launching Monday, November 15, kids can tune into Family to watch special bullying-themed episodes of shows including the premiere of a new, specially-written episode of Wingin' It on Friday, November 19. Also airing on Family that week will be the music videos for all three songs as well as short documentaries filmed at those schools selected for a Stand UP! rally.

Family Channel co-founded Bullying Awareness Week in 2003 and developed the Stand UP! campaign in association with PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence), a national network of Canadian researchers, community organizations and governments committed to ending bullying and promoting positive relationships (www.prevnet.ca).

About the artists:

Nikki Yanofsky
Since her debut at the age of 12 at the 2006 Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal-born songstress Nikki Yanofsky has headlined major jazz events across the globe and has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. Nikki, now aged 16, was also a featured artist at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games held in Vancouver where she was chosen to sing "I Believe," the anthem of Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. For more information please visit www.nikkiyanofsky.com.

Lindsay Hamilton

Musician, actress, radio host and television presenter, Lindsay is most recognizable as the on-air host for Family Channel. Along with interviewing actors and musicians she also attends and covers high-profile events such as the Vacation with Derek red carpet premiere for the network. Lindsay enjoys writing her own songs and most recently supported the band All Star Weekend on the Canadian dates of their North American Tour.

Saveria
From London, Ontario, 13-year-old Saveria is set to become Canada's next great singing sensation. Her resume includes being a member of the Minipops as well as countless hours in the recording studio, taking part in live performances, radio and TV interviews, professional vocal instruction and meeting fans. Saveria is signed to GrayRose Entertainment and is currently working on her first album. For more information please visit www.grayroserecords.com.

About PREVNet
PREVNet (The Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) is a leading global network of researchers and organizations that work together to promote healthy relationships and prevent bullying. Founded by leading Canadian researchers Dr. Wendy Craig, Professor Department of Psychology, Queen's University, and Dr. Debra Pepler, Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology, York University., PREVNet is a new initiative of the Networks of Centres of Excellence, and comprises researchers and graduate students from over 21 universities in 11 disciplines working in collaboration with over 49 organizations in the fields of education, health, community, recreation, media, youth and industry. PREVNet's vision is that one day everyone will live, learn, play and work in safe and healthy relationships.  

Family Channel is a premium, commercial-free network offering the best in family television entertainment in over 6 million homes across Canada. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a fun experience for all, Family airs a unique mix of series, movies and specials, with a large portion of programming supplied by Disney. Family Channel also offers Family OnDemand in select areas, a Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service that features hit Disney movies and series, top-rated Canadian series and Playhouse Disney programming, and Family OnLine, a broadband service offered to Bell TV subscribers. Visit us at Family.ca.

Family Channel is a member of the Astral family. Astral is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates more than 100 of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and digital media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

For further information:

For interview requests, photos or additional information please contact:

Jaime Werby at 416-956-8547 or [email protected]
Kate Dickson at 416-956-8584 or [email protected]