Glee Star Cory Monteith Announces His Plans To Support Homeless Youth With
Virgin Unite

- Cory Monteith encourages fans to make a difference and films PSA to air during the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards

TORONTO, June 17 /CNW/ - Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group announced today that Glee star Cory Monteith will become an ambassador in the fight against youth homelessness. As the official ambassador for the RE*Generation campaign, a movement spearheaded by Virgin Unite and Virgin Mobile, Cory will support Virgin Unite's efforts to empower a generation to help its own, and bring together organizations that care about homeless youth and connect them with young people who want to help.

"I'm delighted to welcome Cory as a Virgin Unite ambassador," said Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group and founder of Virgin Unite. "His enthusiasm for the cause and ability to engage his own generation to get involved will help raise awareness of youth homelessness and the need for long-term solutions. Together we can all work to eliminate the problem of youth homelessness."

Inspired to get involved with Virgin Unite after helping to launch Virgin Mobile's Toque Campaign last year, in partnership with Raising the Roof, Cory is passionate about using his voice to promote awareness and create real change.

"Hundreds of thousands of kids are homeless every night and even more are at-risk of becoming homeless. I'm part of a movement to change all that. There are lots of things we can all do to help, and the first is to acknowledge that this is a crucial issue for our generation." said Cory Monteith.

With a schedule that keeps him busy day and night, Cory manages to engage his fans to learn more about youth homelessness by using his social media channels to get in touch. Recently, Cory gave away some of his personal allotment of tickets to the Glee Tour in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix to raise awareness of Virgin Unite and promote volunteerism.

Cory has also filmed a series of Public Service Announcements, the first of which has been released on Virgin Unite's National Youth Homelessness Awareness Day website (www.nyhad.com) and another which will air during the MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday, June 20,, 2010. The PSA's were produced by Virgin Mobile, who are also donating the commercial air time during the highly anticipated MMVA's.

Filmed at midnight between Cory's rehearsals and shooting schedule, the PSA's focus on Virgin Unite's and Virgin Mobile's efforts to have a day in November declared National Youth Homelessness Awareness Day, and Virgin Mobile's text-to-donate program to raise funds to support Virgin Unite. In the coming year, Virgin Unite will work with Cory to continue to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Canada and use his voice to champion those who need help.

    
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About Virgin Unite

Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We unite people to tackle tough social and environmental problems in an entrepreneurial way. Our aim is to help revolutionize the way businesses and the social sector work together - driving business as a force for good. This is based on the belief that this is the only way we can tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today. Virgin Unite's overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most. For more information please visit www.virginunite.com

About Virgin Mobile Canada

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 14 million customers worldwide. As the No.1 mobile youth network, Virgin Mobile Canada's mission is to be Canada's most loved mobile company with the hottest phones and plans on the hottest network. Virgin Mobile Members also get access to the hottest events, global roaming and the best customer service. Virgin Mobile Canada is very committed to making the world a better place for everyone, particularly the young. It works to inform and engage its customers on how they can get involved in the world around them and work with the company to make a difference.

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations nationally and can also be purchased online at www.virginmobile.ca or by calling 1-888-999-2321. Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/virginmobilecan and Twitter at twitter.com/virginmobilecan.

For further information: Kayla Rochkin, Hill & Knowlton Canada, 1-416-413-4767, [email protected]; Tiffany Astle, Hill & Knowlton Canada, 1-416-413-4659, [email protected]