Innovation and collaboration connect Ontario Science Centre and RBC for 2015 Innovators' Ball on October 28, 2015

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre is proud to announce a three-year partnership with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), with RBC becoming the new title sponsor of the Ontario Science Centre's RBC Innovators' Ball, Canada's foremost fundraising event supporting curiosity, innovation and science learning in Canada. This year's event will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 to raise funds in support of the Science Centre and its vital community access programs.

"Through this partnership, the Ontario Science Centre and RBC are investing in the future of science and innovation in Canada," said Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. "Innovation in science and technology are transforming the fabric of society: the way we live, the way we communicate and the way we do business. We are thankful for RBC's support, vision and deep understanding of the role of science, education and innovation for our future prosperity.  Enabling access to science-based learning helps ensure today's children, youth and adults have the tools to understand, appreciate and participate in tomorrow's society and economy." 

Now in its eighth year, the Innovators' Ball brings together creative minds and key influencers to celebrate and share new ideas, inspire new perspectives and reshape our view of what is possible.  Proceeds from the event provide critical funding for the Ontario Science Centre's community access programs such as Adopt-a-Class, an initiative that ensures students from economically-challenged areas are able to visit the Science Centre for learning and discovery, regardless of financial means. Last year, more than 100,000 people experienced the wonders of science through the Ontario Science Centre's community access programs.  

"The pace of collaborative, cross-discipline innovation is incredible and exciting – and it's getting faster. RBC and the Ontario Science Centre share a belief that science and technology will be the key to Canada's ability to survive and thrive in the new century and the new economy," said Dave McKay, President and Chief Executive Office of the Royal Bank of Canada. "RBC is honoured to work together with the Ontario Science Centre to nurture innovation and advance science and technology in Canada."

This year's event co-chairs are Chris Tambakis, CEO, North America, Adgar Investments and Development; and Rebecca Leigh, Treadstone Real Estate Services; along with Sam Sebastian, Managing Director, Google Canada; and Kathy Sebastian.

The RBC Innovators' Ball is supported by a generous group of volunteers and sponsors. Guests can look forward to an evening of provocative dialogue exploring the journey of innovators as they reshape our idea of what is possible.

For information about event sponsorships or table purchases, please visit www.rbcinnovatorsball.ca/ or contact Chiara Lacey at 416-696-3233 or [email protected].

About the Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is a leader in free-choice science learning and a key player in Ontario's innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. It is a prime venue for public dialogue about science, technology and society. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We employ approximately 79,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 38 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.

RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2014, we contributed more than $111 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $76 million and $35 million in sponsorships.

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273, cell: 416-668-1967, [email protected]