MLSE Foundation Receives Over $4 Million In Donations To MLSE Launchpad

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - MLSE Foundation has surpassed the $4 million mark in donations to MLSE LaunchPad, as announced during an exclusive hard hat tour of the facility Thursday. MLSE Foundation representatives were joined by MLSE Chairman Larry Tanenbaum, MLSE President and CEO Michael Friisdahl, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Children & Youth Services Tracy MacCharles, Toronto Mayor John Tory and other notable guests for the announcement. During the tour's opening remarks, the following financial contributors were recognized:

Organization / Individual	Financial Contributions
MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Ltd.)	$1 million over two years
Ontario Government (Ministry of Children & Youth Services)	$1.6 million over four years
Bank of Montreal	$300,000 capital investment with additional $1.2 million over ten years in annual funding toward programming
Aris Kaplanis	$250,000 capital investment with additional $100,000 over four years in annual funding toward programming
Vijay Kanwar	$300,000 capital investment over four years
Organization / Individual	Additional Savings
City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing	$700,000 in annual operational cost savings
Construction Partners	Contributions
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.	PCL is donating $300,000 to construction in addition to partnering with key trades to target an additional $500,000 in donations

This past April, MLSE Foundation, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto unveiled the plan to transform 261 Jarvis Street into MLSE LaunchPad, a 42,000 square foot youth-focused facility set to open in 2017. The facility will be the first collaborative space in North America to leverage sport, education and research to promote social change and will feature multi-purpose sport courts, classrooms and a teaching kitchen. Programming will focus on four pillars with sport at the core: healthy body, healthy mind, ready for school and ready for work.

"Such generous funding ensures MLSE LaunchPad will be able to leverage sport, education and research capabilities to help move the needle on social issues affecting youth in communities we serve and beyond," said Aris Kaplanis, MLSE Foundation Chair, who also made a leading financial contribution.

The $1.6 million in funding provided by the Ontario government will help support research and evaluation efforts at the site related to Ontario's Stepping Up framework. The funding builds on the government's $55-million Enhanced Ontario Youth Action Plan to support at-risk youth to reach their full potential so they can enjoy the bright future they deserve. The other funding capital investments will contribute to various elements of the facility and the delivery of programming.

"MLSE LaunchPad will encourage teamwork and give young people the discipline and determination to help them tackle any challenge they face in life," said Premier Kathleen Wynne. "Our government is pleased to support these innovative programs, which will help youth develop the skills and habits they need to reach their full potential."

Since launching in 2009, MLSE Foundation has invested more than $19 million into the Toronto community.  Together with its community partners, they have positively impacted the lives of youth and their families through sports grants, programs and facility revitalizations.

MLSE Foundation
MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and the opportunity to develop lasting dreams on the playing field. With the support of MLSE's teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and the Toronto Marlies, the Foundation funds the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and programs that support kids through sport and recreation. For more information visit mlsefoundation.org or follow @MLSEFoundation.

About Toronto Community Housing
Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's social housing landlord, providing homes for nearly 60,000 low- and moderate-income households in neighbourhoods across the city. We are wholly owned by the City of Toronto and our 2,100 buildings represent a $9-billion public asset.

SOURCE MLSE Foundation

Jamie Deans, MLSE, [email protected], 416-815-5445; Melissa Perri, MLSE, [email protected], 416-815-5524