Kasting 4 Kids Rehab raises funds for a great cause

Kasting 4 Kids Rehab raises funds for and awareness about Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, a global leader in breakthrough research right here in the GTA

TORONTO, May 29, 2012 /CNW/ - June 8 will mark the third anniversary of Kasting 4 Kids Rehab, Canada's largest fly-fishing fundraiser and one of the largest fund-raising events in support of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the life-changing work it carries out each day to support children with disabilities and their families.

Jason Smith, CEO of Real Matters, a leading provider of property insights to the North American mortgage and property casualty (P&C) insurance industries, knows first-hand the power of the work being done at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

When his son Alexander was just six years old, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which caused him to have multiple strokes.  "He went into a coma but we were fortunate," says Mr. Smith. "I like to say the acute care hospital saved his life but Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital gave him his life back." In fact, it was at Holland Bloorview that a team of 14 specialists created a customized therapy plan for Alexander, teaching him how to walk and talk again. Today, Alexander has made a full recovery, is a straight-A student and he skis and plays hockey.

"The support we received at Holland Bloorview as a family and the work they are doing both for local children with disabilities and globally is remarkable," says Mr. Smith. "It has a world-renowned research institute. The innovations that happen here mean its impact goes well beyond the local community, but more people need to know about the good work being done. Real Matters' charitable foundation is hoping to change that with its Kasting 4 Kids Rehab signature fundraising campaign. Three years in, the fly-fishing event has already raised $275,000 and boasts corporate sponsorship from a who's who of Canada's financial services industry. http://www.kasting4kidsrehab.com/sponsors.html  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to fly-fish and compete for the BMO Biggest Fish award.

This year Kasting 4 Kids Rehab Master of Ceremonies is well known Canadian actor Timothy Webber, who appears regularly on CBC's Arctic Air. Timothy has recently finished starring in a new movie "Seventh Son" with Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore, the movie is due for release in 2013. "As a father I couldn't imagine my children getting sick. I think that's every parent's worst fear. Kasting 4 Kids Rehab is a unique charitable event that introduces participants to the magic, beauty and joy of fly-fishing while raising funds that go directly to support kids with disabilities. As a passionate fly-fisherman I can't wait to share special moments with these amazing kids, while we hook a few big ones and have some fun."

Once again, Stanley Cup winner Bryan Muir will be on hand to lend his support as attendees gather at private recreational fishing club The Franklin Club, which will be hosting the event for the third consecutive year. The Club was established as a weekend retreat in 1909 by a group of doctors from Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital and today boasts 200 acres in the Oak Ridges Moraine.

"Jason Smith and the Real Matters team, and the Franklin Club and its members, are passionate about the cause of childhood disability.  We are so proud of what they have accomplished in such a short time and the direct impact they are having on the children and families at Holland Bloorview.  It is an amazing partnership and they have brought their clients, friends and family into the Holland Bloorview Family. Together, we are creating a world without limits for kids with disabilities," says Tracey Bailey, Vice President, Development & Campaign Director, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

About Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation raises funds in the community for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Holland Bloorview is Canada's largest children's rehabilitation hospital. The hospital pioneers treatments, technologies, therapies and internationally celebrated programs that give children with disabilities the tools to participate fully in life. For more information, please visit: www.hollandbloorviewfoundation.ca

About Real Matters 

Serving the North American mortgage and property and casualty (P&C) insurance industries, Real Matters creates powerful insights into residential and commercial properties. Through its cloud-based environment redihive™, the organization provides subject matter expertise and property insights gathered through partnerships with more than 18,000 global field agents. Real Matters has its Canadian office in Toronto, Ontario and U.S. office in Chicago, Illinois. Additional information about Real Matters is available at www.realmatters.com

About The Franklin Club

Located just forty-five minutes north of Toronto, this exclusive members-only club boasts a lake and two ponds brimming with Rainbow and Speckled Trout, a fly-fisher's dream. The 200 acre property also has a clubhouse with overnight accommodations as well as a forty seat dining room for members, their family and friends. The members enjoy The Franklin Club 365 days a year for fly-fishing, hiking the scenic woodland trails and property, or entertaining friends and family.  It is a little piece of heaven just a short drive from home.  Additional information about The Franklin Club is available at www.thefranklinclub.ca.

If you are a member of the media and would like to attend the event, please contact Jaime Lea Foss at [email protected] or 905-695-3969

If you would like to sponsor or attend the event as a participant, please contact Kathleen Hackel at [email protected] or 905-695-8407