Media advisory - Community Foundations to release 2010 Vital Signs reports on
October 5

Reports shine spotlight on local, national issues

OTTAWA, June 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Community foundations in 16 communities across the country will release their 2010 Vital Signs reports on Tuesday, October 5. The reader-friendly reports offer a comprehensive look at how communities are faring in key quality of life areas such as learning, health, housing, and the environment.

Community Foundations of Canada will also release Canada's Vital Signs, a national snapshot of issues facing communities from coast to coast. All Vital Signs reports will be available at www.vitalsignscanada.ca.

"Vital Signs gives communities valuable insight into local strengths, challenges and opportunities. We've seen what a powerful tool it can be for community groups, schools, government and other agencies," said Community Foundations of Canada President and CEO Monica Patten.

This year's participating communities are:

    
    -  Victoria                          -  Waterloo Region
    -  Vancouver                            (includes Kitchener-Waterloo
    -  Central Okanagan (Kelowna)            and Cambridge)
    -  Red Deer                          -  Hamilton*
    -  Calgary                           -  Toronto
    -  Medicine Hat                      -  Kingston & Area
    -  Sudbury                           -  Montreal
    -  London                            -  Greater Saint John
    -  Ottawa                            -  Lunenburg County, NS*

    * participating in Vital Signs for the first time.
    

Statistics from Canada's Vital Signs 2009 illustrated startling trends in areas ranging from youth unemployment and aboriginal education to violent crime and low birth weight.

For ongoing updates, follow Canada's Vital Signs on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CFCvitalsigns or visit our blog at http://www.vitalsignscanada.blogspot.com/.

About Community Foundations

Community Foundations of Canada is the membership association for Canada's community foundation movement, represented by more than 170 community foundations from coast to coast. Together, we help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. We are one of the largest supporters of Canadian charities, providing $140 million to local organizations in 2009. Find out more at www.cfc-fcc.ca.

For further information: Anne-Marie McElrone, Director of Communications and Marketing, [phone] (w), [phone] (c), [email protected]; Skana Gee, Communications Coordinator, [phone] (w), [phone] (c), [email protected]