Holiday Issue 2007
Between Friends
“A circle is round it has no end,
that’s how long I want to be your friend”
MEET A MATCH
AT THE HEART OF BBBST
We appreciate it when those involved with BBBST share their stories and ideas with us. We
received this letter from a past Big Brother “out of the blue.” The author wrote it in hope that
it would brighten our day – it definitely did. We share it with you in hope that it brightens
yours.
Hi,
Just wanted to share a story with you that might brighten your day. When I think about
it, it brightens mine. Last week I went to visit my original Little Brother’s mother.
That’s plural, since I was lucky enough to have two Little Brothers, themselves brothers.
We first met in 1979. Almost thirty years ago. Today, my two “Little Brothers” aren’t
so little anymore. They each have children of their own, they’ve each made a fine life
for themselves, and they are each two of my closest friends and favourite people. And
their mother, who is only five years older than I am, is now and has always been one of
my favourite people.
Thirty years of history based upon a chance meeting and just a bit of serendipity feels
like quite an achievement. My Little Brothers and their mother and I are all eternally
grateful for the chance we were given to become part of each other’s lives as a result
of the Big Brother’s organization. So a big shout out to you and your group for what you
do now. If you ever wonder whether you’re making a difference, feel free to think
fondly of my experience with an entire family resulting, as it did so long ago, from the
great efforts of a great community service.
My Very Best Wishes to all of you at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto,
Dave Garland
SHARING YOUR STORIES
OOUR
BIG NEWS
UR BIG NEWS
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Meet Our New President, Cathy Denyer
Bowl For Kids Sake!
Get Ready for Winter Fun
The Big Ski
Big Night Out
41st Annual Soap Box Derby
“Big Brother, Mustafa Kirbiyik and Little
Brother, James enjoyed a Grand Prix
Kartways’ race at Humber College’s Race
for the Kids event benefiting BBBST.”
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12 Straight Hours of Golf “Fore” BBBST
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Picnic
Celebrating a 10 Year Friendship
How Pizza Raised Big Dough for BBBST
We Welcome New Board Members
Growing Active Kids Fund
We are in need of Big Brothers, Big
Sisters and Little Brothers and Little
Sisters who would be interested in
sharing their friendship stories with
BBBST. Send your special stories and
photos to Lindsay Robertson,
Communications Coordinator,
[email protected]
MEET CATHY
DENYER
, OUR NEW
PRESIDENT
BBBST
Meet
Cathy
Denyer,
Our
New AT
President
at BBBST
What an exciting time of year it is right now. The holiday season is upon us and there is a sense
of anticipation in the air that we can all feel. Days are cold and we have survived our first
snowfall of the season.
When I arrived I was welcomed with warm smiles and greetings that helped me feel at home right
away. I have now been at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto for three months. They have
been three months full of meeting new people – our Bigs and Littles; volunteers and donors and
getting to know the needs of our city. I have spent the past seven and a half years working
within the Big Brothers Big Sisters movement as the Executive Director in Peel Region. I have
had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of young people and sharing many special moments with
them. To all of our Littles - it is my hope that one day I will know each and every one of you by
name and that we also may share many special moments together.
“BBBST President, Cathy Denyer learns how
to spin pizza at the Pizza Pizza Cheese for
Charity cheque donation event.”
I am pleased to report to you that we are now currently engaged in our Strategic Planning
process. It is our commitment to you that once completed our Plan will be a living document –
thank you to all of you that participated in our focus groups and provided us with critical
information as we plan not only for today, but tomorrow as well. Please take the time this
season to drop by the office and introduce yourself. I would love to get to know you! Together,
as a team, we will move forward and continue to provide a quality service to the community of
Toronto.
This will be our last newsletter before the holiday season. Whether you have celebrated
Ramadan or Diwali or Kwanza, Hannukkah or Christmas, it is our hope that you will take the time
to reflect on the important things in life – our family and our friendships. Have a safe and happy
holiday season from all of us at Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto.
Cathy Denyer
BIG NIGHT OUT, GOES OUT WITH A BIG BANG!
On June 7th 2007, more than 550 community
and corporate leaders enjoyed a “magical”
night out on the town at BBBST’s 37th annual
gala event – The Big Night Out. Hosted by
Roger Ashby (CHUM FM), the evening included
live entertainment from teenage jazz
sensation, Rob Christian and singer, Sophia
Perlman, a sumptuous dinner, an enhanced
silent auction, elimination draw, and the
circus-style performances of Zero Gravity.
Excitement built throughout the evening as
guests purchased champagne glasses (that
held either a cubic zirconium or real
▲ Zero Gravity entertained guests with a
diamond) for a chance to win one of the two
spectacular fire spinning performance
diamonds valued at $4,000 – and lined up to
get their stone appraised.
However, the true magic of the evening was the Volunteer Appreciation awards. Big
Brothers and Big Sisters of the Year recipients (listed below) were presented on stage with
their “Littles” and received a standing ovation for their exceptional contributions. Honourary
Big Brother, Don Landry (Fan 590), and Honourary Big Sister, Jennifer Valentyne (Citytv),
recounted heartfelt anecdotes regarding their experiences with BBBST on receiving their
awards for their outstanding support and contributions to our Agency.
We would like to thank everyone who played a part in making this exceptional night possible:
KPMG and other generous sponsors, prize donors, volunteers and attendees, whose support
helped to raise more than $200,000 for our programs that match children with mentors.
Much appreciation goes out to the Big Night Out committee, especially \committee chairs,
Andra Takacs and Jim Walker.
2007 Volunteer Appreciation
Award recipients:
Big Brother of the Year, Original Program:
David Wichman
Little Brother: Alfredo
Big Sister of the Year, Original Program:
Karen Garrett-Walker
Little Sister: Danique
Big Brother, Rookie of the Year: Rori Caffrey
Little Brother: Christopher
Big Sister, Rookie of the Year:
Rose Marie Dawyd
Little Brother: Danny
Big Brother of the Year, In-School Program:
David Vu
Little Brother: Malik
Big Sister of the Year, Group Program:
Rosemary Frei
Little Brother: Adrian
James Marshall Award (For the active Big
Brother who has brought about the most
outstanding change in his Little Brother):
Ted Cuthbert
Eleanor Hunter Award (For the active Little
Brother who has demonstrated the most
outstanding improvement): Eric
Elaine Giffen Award (For the active Big Sister
who has brought about the most outstanding
change in her Little Sister): Candace Levert
Little Sister Award (For the active Little
Sister who has demonstrated the most
outstanding improvement): Kristina
THE GWN CHALLENGE! SERIOUS SPORT – SERIOUS FUN!
On September 8th and 9th 2007, over 100 dragon boat teams and 300 volunteers supported
BBBST at the 13th Annual Great White North Dragon Boat Challenge held at Marilyn Bell
Park. Dragon boating is the world's fastest growing water sport and is also the most
exciting. Each dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers, who paddle in unison to the beat
of a drum, combining strength with teamwork. A number of teams competing at this year’s
event paddled hard to help raise over $50,000 for BBBST, which will help us reach our goal
– making sure every child that needs a mentor, has a mentor. For more information on next
years event contact us at [email protected].
12 STRAIGHT HOURS OF
GOLF “FORE” BBBST!
July 10th 2007, 64 golfers rose before dawn
to participate in the 10th Annual Ironman Golf
Challenge at Angus Glen’s north and south
courses. Golfers attempted to play as many
holes as they could within 12 hours to raise
money for BBBST – one pair, Mike Roland and
Simon Jennings, golfed 130 holes!
Participants’ efforts more than paid off,
making the 2007 Challenge a record breaking
year! This year the event raised more than
$225,000 thanks to the amazing efforts of
the participants, sponsors, the Ironman Golf
Challenge committee, BBBST staff, and
volunteers.
A special highlight of the day included the
Bigs and Littles golf clinic where five matches
ROM TART O INISH AT HE
NNUAL OAP OX ERBY
learned golf techniques and tips. Much
nd
Held on September 22 2007 at High Park, BBBST's day at the races was full of fun and appreciation goes out to this year’s honourary
Ironman Golf Challenge Chair, Keith Pelley,
excitement. Each year our Bigs and Littles get together and take part in a great team
President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts;
building activity by building their own derby kart and come out to race with very unique
designs. Congratulations to this year's 1st Place winner: Little Brother Spencer and his Big Event Chair, Mike Roland; Event Committee,
Mike Latimer, Jeff Chong and Emma PhillipsBrother Allan! This year’s event created a greater awareness about BBBST and our
programs as we had many members of the media come out to enjoy the day and take part Dwyer; Presenting Sponsor, Paradigm Capital
in the Celebrity Race. Racer Rudy Blair of 680 News was this year's lucky winner, taking Inc. and the many generous sponsors, donors
and volunteers who made this outstanding
home the much coveted 1st Place Midas
Challenge trophy. The Derby including racers event possible.
both big and little were featured on Citytv and
Rogers Daytime Show. A great BIG thanks goes
out to both Midas Canada Inc. for sponsoring
this truly incredible event year after year, to
Pizza Pizza for donating a delicious lunch and to
S.M.A.R.T Camp for providing the day’s
activities.
F
▲ Bigs
S
T F
T
41 A
ST
S
B
D
and Littles racing
SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
On June 23rd 2007, Bigs and Littles came out to enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon at our
Celebration of Friendship – Pirate Picnic. Big and Little Brothers and Sisters participated
in t-shirt painting, treasure box decorating and other fun arts and crafts. There were also
great sport activities for competitive spirits including soccer, and intense tug-of-war games.
Bigs and Littles also showed off their best moves as a great live steel band gave a
wonderful Caribbean feel to the day at a dance party led by energetic BBBST staff. Guests
refueled throughout the day with delicious
Shopsy's hot dogs, candy floss, snow cones, or ice
cream. A few wandering pirates demonstrated their
skill with balloon artistry and had a few magic
tricks up their sleeves. A special thank you goes out
to presenting sponsor Scotiabank, Scotiabank
Manager of Sponsorships and Special Events, Dayl
Marks, and all of the volunteers for their
outstanding support. Our appreciation also goes out
to Shopsy's, Coca-Cola, and Neal Brothers for their
generous food and drink donations.
▲ Big Sister Julia and Little Sister
Anja having a swashbuckling good time
▲ Bigs
and Littles learning some driving
techniques
Tournament Sponsor:
Paradigm Capital Inc.
Clubhouse Sponsor:
Angus Glen Golf Club,
Cormark Securities Inc.,
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
Eagle Sponsors:
AOL Canada,
Carpedia,
Inscape,
Playstation
Birdie Sponsors:
California Innovations,
Nike Golf,
Rogers,
Shoppers Drug Mart
BIG SISTER KIM PUDDICOME AND LITTLE SISTER MICHELLE
CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
▲
Michelle & Kim Then
▲
Michelle & Kim Now
In 1997 Nintendo 64 was released
in Europe and Australia, The
Detroit Red Wings won their first
Stanley Cup championship in 42
years, and the first Harry Potter
book was published. It was also
the year Kim Puddicome decided
to make a difference in a young
child’s life, and became a forever
friend to Michelle. Kim and
Michelle have been in the BBBST
One-to-One program for 10 years
now and they are still best of
friends.
So how do Kim and Michelle keep their friendship strong after all these years?
Big Sister Kim
Q: Do you remember the first time you met Michelle?
A: I remember the first time meeting her she was shy, but I remember being shy
myself at that age, so I felt a connection with her. Over the years I noticed there was
a change in her and I was there to see her change year after year. I believe our time
together allowed her to become more outgoing. Right from day one Michelle asked me if
I would be her friend for a long time, I know we will always stay in touch. She is going to
be 18 in March so the program for us is coming to an end, but we will continue our
friendship forward.
Q: What activities do you share together?
A: Some of our interests are very different. She liked skiing, I liked hockey, but even
though we had these differences we still shared our hobbies with each other. It was fun
introducing each other to something new. She comes and watches me play hockey and I
went skiing. Our backgrounds are a little different too, I celebrate Christmas and she
celebrates Hanukah. She’s very crafty I’m not, but we started a scrapbook filled with all
of our adventures right from day one. We both love to shop.
WELCOME NEW BOARD
MEMBERS
David Boghosian, Boghosian & Associates
Myra Libenson, CPP Investment Board
Gary McCracken, McCracken & Partners
Executive Search Inc.
Bethlehem Shiferaw, ONCAP Management
Partners L.P.
Andra Takacs, Film Festival Tours
Doug Taylor, Microsoft Canada
BBBST CELEBRATES
PIZZA PIZZA’S BIG
“DOUGH”NATION
On October 21st BBBST and Pizza Pizza
celebrated the success of Pizza Pizza’s,
Cheese for Charity Day. Funds were raised
in support of the Slices for Smiles fund and
on October 17, Pizza Pizza’s cheese pizza
went to a good cause benefiting Big
Brothers Big Sisters agencies across
Ontario and Quebec. By selling pizza at a
reduced price and through donation boxes
displayed at Pizza Pizza stores, the Cheese
for Charity Day helped raise $41,000 for
BBBST. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of
Toronto staff, Board member Andra Takacs
and Andrew Brands enjoyed pizza,
refreshments and a pizza spinning training
session with Pizza Pizza’s World Champion
Spinner, Juan Hermosillo.
Little Sister Michelle
Q: How would you describe your friendship with Kim?
A: It’s hard to put it in words, because Kim has been a part of my life for so long. I met
her when I was 7 so it’s hard to imagine my life without her. I do know that if I really
need her she’ll be there for me. Our friendship is more than just being part of a
program; we are part of each other’s lives. I know her family very well and have joined
her at family events. I celebrate Hanukah and she celebrates Christmas, so we even
share our holidays together. Each year I have fun decorating her tree and she usually
goes all out with decorations. When I met her she said she wants us to remain friends
forever. I know we will remain friends for a long time and I have really appreciated having Kim in my life.
GROWING ACTIVE KIDS FUND AT THE TORONTO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
SUPPORTS GO GIRLS! HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS
In early June, 2007 Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto received $15,000 towards GO GIRLS! Healthy Bodies, Healthy
Minds, a program designed to address the physical activity, balanced eating, and positive self-image needs of young women
ages 12-14. GO GIRLS! matches young girls with female mentors to increase self esteem, healthy behaviors and social
support. But it is not only kids who reap the benefits of mentoring. GO GIRLS! positively impacts the volunteer mentors
by educating young women beyond their post secondary studies, and allowing them to give back and strengthen our
community. With the initial pilot a success, additional funding from State Street, Suncor Energy Foundation and Telus
drives program growth well into 2008.
MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR
JANUARY
BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE!
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
6
7
1
2
8
9
3
4
5
10 11 12 3
4
5
6
7
1
8
2
9
2
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9
3
4
5
6
7
1
8
6
7
1
8
2
9
3
4
5
10 11 12
10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
24 25 26 27 28 29
MAY
23/ 24/ 25
30 31
JUNE
26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30
JULY
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
4
5
6
7
1
8
2
9
3
1
10 8
2
9
3
4
5
6
7
10 11 12 13 14 6
7
1
8
2
9
3
4
5
10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30
27 28 29 30 31
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Kelly’s Heroes raised more than $30,000 at
last year’s BFKS in honour of long-time
BFKS supporter and champion of BBBST,
Kelly Silverstein.”
Bowl For Kids Sake: Saturday, February 2nd, February 16th, March 29th
Winter Carnival: Saturday, February 23rd
The Big Ski: Thursday, February 28th
Big Night Out: Thursday, June 5th
Day with the Toronto Lynx: TBD
Celebration of Friendship: TBD
Ironman Golf Challenge: Tuesday, July 8th
Get your bowling arms ready for our 36th
annual Bowl For Kids Sake! This year, show
For more upcoming events, log on to bbbst.com for more information.
your team spirit and creativity by outfitting
your team with the most original, funniest or
craziest team shirts. Our judges will be
giving out some great prizes, so don’t miss out
ET EADY FOR INTER ARNIVAL
on the fun! Once again, we are pleased to have
the support and participation of our
The chilly weather has arrived and so has winter fun!
Honourary Co-Chairs - Roger Ashby – CHUM
The 2nd Annual Winter Carnival - sponsored by Capital
FM, Don Landry – FAN 590, Jennifer
One - will take place at Mel Lastman Square on
Valentyne – City TV and Donovan Bailey –
Saturday, February 23rd at 12 noon 'til 4pm. Bundled up
Olympic Gold Medalist.
Bigs and Littles can take part in outdoor winter games
and skating or get warm indoors with hot drinks, food,
Last year over 1375 people got together with
indoor games, arts & crafts and face painting. There will
friends, family and co-workers to have a great
also be entertainment for all. For more information
time bowling - raising more than $280,000 in
contact [email protected]
pledges to support the programs that make
G
R
W
C
!
BIG SKI
Our first snow has fallen and the ski season is fast approaching.
Join us as we celebrate ten years of great skiing, snowboarding,
races, family activities, auctions, raffles and more! On behalf of the
2008 Big Ski organizing committee we hope to see you on the slopes
on Thursday, February 21st at the Caledon Ski Club for the 10th
Annual Big Ski. This year’s Big Ski promises to be another exciting
day with breakfast, lunch and Après-Ski snacks provided. Other
highlights include fantastic deals with our silent and live auctions
and a raffle with fabulous prizes including ski and golf vacations.
Order your tickets before January 1st 2008 and save! We hope to
see you on the slopes! For more information contact
[email protected]
such a difference to the lives of children and
youth in Toronto.
This year we are aiming for $300,000 and
your participation and support is more important than ever to make this the most successful to date. It’s time to start putting
together your teams and start
getting your pledges! Create your own BFKS
pledge page, send it out to all your friends,
family and colleagues and then watch your
fundraising total grow. Visit www.bbbst.com
to set up your pledge page. For more
information contact [email protected]
A BIG THANK YOU…
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the following retired Board Members: Kelly Baird, Rob Bracey, Ann Marie Cerio, Mike Latimer, Ron
Robertson and Arthur Stern. Your support, dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated and you will be missed.
Thank you for being an integral part of our organization.
WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Refer a friend! Know of any men who would make a great mentor for a Little Brother? We are currently recruiting Big Brothers for the
In-School Mentoring Program especially in the Rexdale, Jane-Finch and Scarborough communities.
To learn more about our Agency, donate, become a mentor, or to find out about other ways you can help, contact us:
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto
2345 Yonge Street, Suite 501, Toronto, ON, M4P 2E5
phone: 416 925-8981 / fax: 416 925-4671 / email: [email protected] / web: www.bbbst.com
A UNITED WAY MEMBER AGENCY
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NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Congratulations to new 2007 friendships
LB/LS
Nathaniel
Sydney
Robbin
Kamren
Marie
Cynthea
Brian
Gabriel
Thane
Alexander
Curtis
Logan
Kyle
Johnathan
Tyrell
Nathaniel
Tiffany
Derron
Mateo
Andres
Russell
Robert (Jaimie)
Shadia
Timothy
Shy-Anna
Nicholas
Craig
Shamar
Joyce
Joana
Stephanie
Huaim
Charles
Kiana
Tyrese
Nicholas
Linda
Saba
Dakota
Lucas
Arianna
Amanda
BB/BS
Brandon Vickerd
Deanna Allen
Joshua Weisenbeck
Christopher Lobo
Karen Melbourne
Amanda Wadsworth
Huy Lam
Rejean Beaudin
Brendan Morley
Chris Maheras
Don McKellar
Adelaide Hung
Marc Beaudoin
Aleksander Kupisz
Aneesh Datta
Jos Diening
Karoulin Babakhanian
Ari Lesser
Terry Prevost
Harley Nakelsky
Akanni Frederick
Fraser MacDonald
Kathleen O'Keefe
Felipe Rey
Shamanna (Melissa) Manbodh
Stephen Lau
Cecil Law
Mike Apolonia
Natasha Leytes
Nancy Lourenco
Tavia McLachlan
Nandini Mehta
Colleen Prince
Marina Skerl
Christine Demers
Marina Skerl
Leanna Cariati
Ramin Rahnema
Carolyn Dyke
Nick Laccona
Debbie Charles
Janet Smith
LB/LS
Casey
Dylan
Evlyn
Dakota
Lesean
Meeko
Christian
Lattimore
Tafari
Shaquira
Antowne
Mylaan
Jamiel
Andre
Aisha
Jahquan
Shadda
Donte
Stella
Anjali
Noah
Christopher
Iesha
Karl
Joshua
Muna
Kristen
Ramin
David
Mackensi
Anthony
Eron
Caitlin
Renee
Yasmin
Kyle
Alana
Omid
Daniela
Elizabeth
Felicia
Isabella
Aleisha
BB/BS
Michael Kue
Brenton Hoffman
Shawna Patterson
Michael Little
Jeff Violi
Amy Chiu
Matthew Reid
Nevil Desai
Martha Lee
Chantelle Eu
Christina Cheung
Natasha Sewrattan
Mahya Tavakkoli
Alycia Boyce
Melissa Miller
Andrea Lischka
Karina Starobinsky
Jesse Fleming
Katelande Tavares
Carolyn Burrell
Benjamin Roberts
Daniel Barnholden
Lily Kalcevich
Jonathan Berrie
Mark Wilson
Kathy Falcioni
Alison Groenewegen
Alex Kagan
Darren Harris
Lauren Catton
Jennifer Mo
Marcy Lawton
Patricia Barbato
Marta Borowski
Jacquelyn Chan
Robert Savage
Stephanie Hajdur
Sean Goble
Natalie Patterson
Lily Freeman
Paulin Jules-Soungie
Kathryn Grundy
Amy Snyder
LB/LS
Kemika
Daphne
Caitlin
Meagan
Justin
Tiroune
Jason
Joseph
Noah
Jybril
Kingsley
Derek
Rebecca
Kenneth
Morgan
Christyl
Skye
Roshae
Ankit
Marcella
Robert
Jacqueline
Filip
Alex
John
Javone
Juliana
Tabitha
Zainal
Wilson
Wesley
Victoria
Patrick
Danielle
Alexander
Paige
Joshua
Alicia
Janelle
Mrudula
Lucas
Kiel
Tapfuma
BB/BS
Crystal Murray
Vanessa Daravar
Nicole Khoury
Sarah Armstrong
Serge Younan
Andrew Monroe
Mark Liu
Robert Needham
Ralph Levy
Po Suen
Justin Thouin
Jeremy Evans
Chrystal Cook
Joel Bathe
Yvonne Gettins
Laura Coxson
Jennifer Wenzel
Jay Sonshine
Shirkesh Majithia
Veronica Ricomas
Joe Recupero
Carolyn O’Grady
Cameron Joynt
Farheen Rashid
Michael Tobin
Aaron Chan
Charlene Shick
Lindsey Dickie
Frank Alvaro
Michael Devine
Matthew Mason
Andrea Rodriguez
Theo Rueter
Cynthia Pandev
Jason Magennis
Elena Rotilio
Dean Spencer
Jennifer Morozowich
Farriah Baksh
Kalyani Menon
James Applegath
Michal Dabrowski
Sean Karow
a division of
Allan Cox Limited