/R E P E A T - UPDATED - Microsoft takes learning beyond classroom walls to celebrate Canada's 150th/

Toronto Zoo to host the first Skype virtual field trip with students in Port Alberni, B.C.

TORONTO, Jan. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - To celebrate Canada's 150^th birthday, Microsoft is partnering with heritage sites and points of interest including the Toronto Zoo to give Canadian students the opportunity to learn more about their country – without leaving their classroom – via Skype virtual field trips.

On Monday, January 23, 2017 join Janet Kennedy, President of Microsoft Canada and Robin Hale, Chief Operating Officer at the Toronto Zoo as they connect with students from Port Alberni, B.C. – more than 4,000 kilometers away to give a behind-the-scenes tour of the Toronto Zoo's Great Lakes Program.    

Microsoft is harnessing the power of Skype technology to give students the chance to explore Canada's premier destinations – such as the Toronto Zoo – and engage in 'live learning adventures' in celebration of Canada's 150^th anniversary. 

When:	Monday, January 23, 2017
	Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Who:	Janet Kennedy, President, Microsoft Canada
	Robin Hale, Chief Operating Officer, Toronto Zoo
	Councillor Michelle Holland, Mayor's Advocate for the Innovation Economy
Where:	Toronto Zoo, Operations Complex
	361A Old Finch Avenue
	Toronto, ON
	M1B 5K7
Driving Directions:
	Take HWY 401 to Meadowvale Rd. in Toronto (Exit 389) Travel north on Meadowvale Rd. Pass the public entrances to the zoo parking lot Continue north on Meadowvale Rd. until the four way stop at Old Finch Ave Turn left (west) and the Administration building will be located on the left (first driveway)

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering innovation, prosperity and security through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

About Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo and a national leader in saving wildlife to ensure the rich diversity of nature for future generations.  More than a tourist attraction, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day except December 25 and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.

Toronto Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Look for these logos whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. For more information, visit caza.ca and aza.org.

SOURCE Microsoft Canada Inc.

and to RSVP, please contact Natasha Beynon, Veritas Communications at [email protected] or 416.640-4660.