Purdy's Chocolates matching $10,000 donation to MS Society of Canada in support of team participating on Season 2 of Canada Sings

VANCOUVER, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Purdy's Chocolates glee club - Sweet Day - got a sweet surprise from President Peter Higgins yesterday. As the team was refining their lyrics and dance routine in rehearsals in preparation for Season 2 of Canada Sings, Peter arrived to make an announcement.

"We are confident that we're going to win this season on Canada Sings. We're so proud that the team has come out of their comfort zones to do this. This is in honour of their participation on the show, and I'm ecstatic to announce that Purdy's Chocolates will donate $10,000 to the MS Society of Canada regardless of the outcome. But we want Sweet Day to win so we can make that a total contribution of $20,000," said Peter.

The entire glee club was left speechless and elated - a sweet reward for all their efforts this week. No one was more moved than Kevin Williams - team member who suggested MS Society of Canada as Purdy's charity of choice - and whose wife is affected with MS.

"This is amazing - something I didn't expect. I'm blown away. I can't put it into words. I'm so proud that Purdy's is so 100% behind us. We have 11 people taking time off work and doing this. I just can't thank them enough," an emotional Kevin said.

Purdy's Sweet Day glee club will compete with 11 teams from across the country on the show that transforms ordinary workmates into glee club performers, with the winning glee club taking home a donation of $10,000 for their charity of choice. Purdy's rehearsals are continuing in Vancouver until March 2. And the show will air in May on Global TV.

About Purdy's Chocolates
Since 1907, Purdy's Chocolates has been delighting chocolate lovers near and far with hand crafted, premium chocolates. Family-owned and operated since 1963, Purdy's chocolates are still made in its famous Vancouver factory kitchen using only the finest ingredients from around the world. Purdy's Chocolates is Western Canada's largest and Canada's second largest retailer of specialty chocolate. For more information, please visit www.purdys.com.

Global Television is a Shaw Media network.
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, History Television and Showcase.

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX. For more information, please visit http://www.globaltv.com/canadasings/index.html .

About Insight Production Company Ltd
Insight Production Company Ltd, headed by John Brunton & Barbara Bowlby has become an industry leader in the creative development, financing and production of highly rated television programs and cutting edge multiplatform content for the global market in every genre. Since 1979, it has been recognized for its reputation for quality as the recipient of numerous International awards, including multiple Gemini's. The company has created thousands of hours of groundbreaking television that continues to be broadcast over major networks worldwide. Broadcast Magazine International claims that "When it comes to adapting formats for Canadian audiences there is one producer who appears to have the Midas touch." Recent hits include Insight's original format Battle of the Blades; Top Chef Canada; Canada's Got Talent; THE JUNO AWARDS, Canada's national music award show; Canadian Idol; Intervention Canada and Deal or No Deal Canada, the hit primetime game show, which delivered Global's highest ratings of all time for a Canadian program.

For media inquiries, team photos and interviews please contact: 

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Samantha Bahrini, Marketing and Creative Manager
Purdy's Chocolates
[phone]
[email protected]

Karen Gruson, Unit Publicity Manager
Insight Production Company Ltd
[phone]
kare[email protected]