North American Van Lines & Canada Company Launch Tour de Force

Unique fundraiser supports families of fallen soldiers

TORONTO, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - A unique seven-day run and bike marathon challenge in support of Canada Company, a charitable business group, kicked off at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto today. In attendance were, Rob Grohn, President, North American Van Lines, member of Canada Company and Tour de Force rider and Blake Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and CEO of AGF Management Limited.

"We're excited to launch the inaugural Tour de Force with Canada Company to support the children and families of Canadian military members," said Rob Grohn. "All of us at North American are honoured to be part of this special event, to be able to show our appreciation for the service and sacrifices that the men, women and families of the Canadian Forces make for us every day."

"Canada Company recently held its third annual scholarship awards ceremony to help the children of our fallen pursue their post secondary education," said Blake Goldring. "I am proud of this accomplishment and thanks to Rob and the generous support from North American Van Lines we can continue to support our military and their families with initiatives like the Canada Company Scholarships."

They were also joined by Tom Anselmi, Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Brigadier-General Fred Lewis, Commander Land Force Central Area, Canadian Forces and Norm Russell, a 90-year-old Belleville resident and Tour de Force rider.

The North American Van Lines Tour de Force will raise money to support our military and their families by providing funding for programs such as Camps for Kids of Deployed Soldiers and the Canada Company Scholarship Fund.

The Tour de Force will be divided into seven 85 km stages, concluding with community celebrations in locations throughout Ontario and Quebec.

The marathon schedule is as follows:

Date	Start Location	End Location	Event Location
September 10	Toronto, ON	Newcastle, ON	Oshawa, ON
September 11	Newcastle, ON	Trenton, ON	Trenton, ON
September 12	Trenton, ON	Kingston, ON	Kingston, ON
September 13	Kingston, ON	Brockville, ON	Brockville, ON
September 14	Brockville, ON	Cornwall, ON	Cornwall, ON
September 15	Cornwall, ON	Hudson, QC	Hudson, QC
September 16	Hudson, QC	Montreal, QC	Montreal, QC

For more information visit: www.canadacompany.ca/Tour de Force

About Canada Company
Canada Company is a federally registered charity created in 2006 which brings community leaders from across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers in the work that they do at home and abroad. The organization is apolitical and is an advocate for Canadians who serve, or wish to serve, in the Canadian Forces - regular and reserve - and their families, ensuring that they receive the widest possible support, recognition and care. Canada Company's motto is Many Ways To Serve. Visit www.canadacompany.ca

About North American Van Lines Canada
Established in 1952 in Canada, North American Van Lines is a full service moving and storage company with agents throughout Canada and the United States with strong ties to the International Market throughout the world. A van line that supports The Children's Wish Foundation, The Children's Miracle Network and other charitable causes, North American along with their agents are also the official Movers of the Toronto FC Football Club, Hamilton Bulldogs, Kitchener Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Alouettes and the Montreal Impact.

For further information:

or to arrange interviews with Canada Company spokespersons please contact:

Peter Hart, Project Director, Tour de Force
Canada Company
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]