Port City firms urged to make a 'Stride for Success'

Philanthropic wing of T4G Limited challenges other corporations to enter relay teams in Saint John's 'Run Through History' to raise money to help troubled youth overcome addictions

SAINT JOHN, May 14 /CNW/ - Future Focus Foundation, the charitable organization founded by technology company T4G Limited, is seeking up to 20 relay teams from New Brunswick corporations to participate in the "Stride for Success" portion of the Run Through History-Celebration of Green Space endeavour at the Lily Lake Pavilion July 11.

All money raised from Future Focus' Stride for Success will go towards building walking and biking trails at Portage's Cassidy Lake treatment facility for young people overcoming substance abuse.

"Portage does fantastic work, especially in our community at Cassidy Lake, and we're committed to helping build and enhance what is already in place at Cassidy Lake," says Andrew Sifton, Future Focus Executive Director.

The goal is to raise $60,000 for Portage's Atlantic Recovery Trail Project by expanding Cassidy Lake's 3.8 kilometre path to include wheelchair accessibility and provide a safe and picturesque route for walking, running, biking and snowshoeing. The project will provide for the purchase of new recreational equipment to be used on the trail, including mountain bikes and snowshoes.

"Portage provides support to young people in Atlantic Canada who are working to overcome substance abuse and we know that outdoor physical activity provides an abundance of positive outcomes," says Carole Tracey, director of corporate development for Portage in Atlantic Canada. "We are delighted that Future Focus and T4G came to us with this fantastic fundraising opportunity."

Here is how Stride for Success works:

Future Focus is looking for up to 20 teams with eight participants each. Each team is encouraged to raise a minimum of $2,000 that will go towards Portage's Atlantic Recovery Trail Project. On July 11, each member of each relay team will walk or run the 4.1 kilometre course at the Lily Lake Pavilion. You can register by visiting: www.celebrationofgreenspace.com/relay.html

"This is not necessarily about speed, it's about participation and helping a great cause. But for those interested, there will be awards for the three fastest teams," says Mr. Sifton. "But the biggest prize will go to the Stride for Success team that raises the most money."

That prize is dinner for the entire 8-person team - wine included - in the Presidential Room of the Saint John Hilton Hotel; and cooked by Executive Chef Colin Sifton. "Colin is my brother, but he's so committed to this cause that he will happily prepare the best meal possible for a relay team that goes over the top to help Portage," adds Andrew Sifton of Future Focus.

Founded in late 2005 by T4G and its employees, Future Focus has raised more than $1 million and channelled those funds to organizations that help children succeed in life, including Portage.

Portage is an internationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to addressing the serious problem of substance abuse in children and its devastating consequences for all concerned. Portage has an exceptional track record in its treatment centres in New Brunswick (Cassidy Lake), Quebec and Ontario.

Created in 1970 by a group of concerned Montreal citizens, the Portage Program is acclaimed for its approach in developing personal competencies as a reliable means to influence behaviour and to prevent relapse. Individual treatment plans are developed in collaboration with the client in order to provide a framework of objectives to facilitate the client's progress. It is Portage's goal to return these children and young adults to society as drug-free and crime-free individuals.

Every Canadian community has been challenged throughout most of the last 50 years by the problem of substance abuse. It has become one of the most urgent social issues of our day. The payback from an investment in prevention and treatment programs is large. Every dollar invested in addiction treatment can provide a return to society of $12 through reductions in drug-related crime, criminal justice costs and public health care expenses.

About Future Focus Foundation

The foundation is a registered charity that was formed in 2005 as a fundraising vehicle to channel money to exceptional organizations that help children. Its core belief is that every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of whatever challenges and hurdles may be on life's road. At Future Focus, we believe that helping the individual find success ultimately creates collective success in our communities. www.Futurefocusfoundation.com

For further information: Media inquiries: Cathy Simpson, Vice-President, Marketing, [email protected], [phone] ext. 4220; Bob Brehl, abc2 communications, [email protected], [phone]