Friends for Life Foundation Wins IABC/Toronto Philanthropy Award

TORONTO, May 29, 2012 /CNW/ - The Friends for Life Foundation has been announced as the winner of the 2012 Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) - Toronto Chapter. The award will be presented at the 2012 IABC/Toronto OVATION Awards, Wednesday, May 30 at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.

"Since day one we've recognized the importance of communications," said Erick Bauer, Co-Founder of the Toronto non-profit Friends for Life Foundation. "There is a team of people who put so much time and effort into what we do. It feels great to be recognized by leaders in the communications field."

Bauer, who works in a Toronto public relations agency, founded the Friends of Life Foundation seven years ago with friend Steve Cameron. Bauer, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age six, and Cameron, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, at age 16, forged their friendship while receiving treatment at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. Since then, both have used their communications skills to raise more than $300,000 in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Oncology Unit at SickKids Hospital.

"Building credibility, legitimacy and trust is crucial," said Bauer. "Seven years ago this was just an idea. By using PR, social media, media relations and other tools, we've been able to build an organization that people trust and recognize."

"The Friends for Life Foundation reflects exactly what this award represents - dedication to a cause, and the use of creative communications strategies to make a difference," said Trell Huether, President of IABC/Toronto. "Their ability to tell the foundation's story through traditional media and build a community through social media has been the key to their success."

The Friends for Life Charity Benefit, this year being held on Saturday, June 23, attracts more than 500 young professionals annually. Other events including golf tournaments, fashion shows and comedy events have aided in raising awareness of the foundation, and funds for its charities.

"Seven years ago I would walk into a room and people would have no idea what cystic fibrosis was," said Bauer. "Through our initiatives, we've helped motivate thousands of people to become involved."

The Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award recognizes outstanding leadership, contribution to the communications profession and service to the community. Bobbie Resnick, ABC, APR, MC, IABC Fellow, a communications and community leader for more than 50 years, will present the award to the Friends for Life Foundation at the OVATION Awards.

Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award: http://toronto.iabc.com/award/ovation-awards/awards-of-distinction/

Friends for Life Foundation: https://www.fflf.ca/

About IABC/Toronto

With more than 1,800 members, IABC/Toronto is the largest IABC chapter in the world. The organization provides these members with multidisciplinary resources and a global network of more than 15,000 communicators, in 80 countries, working in diverse industries and disciplines to identify, share and apply the world's most effective communications practices. For more information please visit http://toronto.iabc.com.

For more information, interviews or media passes to the OVATION Awards, contact Scott Fry, [email protected], 647-224-8643.