Kids, Cops & Computers - Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto ...

Mixer 2012 Inspiration 2012The Hockey Hall of Fame was shining with stars February 22, 2012 as athletes, broadcasters and prominent namesin policing and business came together to support Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation’s Kids, Cops & Computersprogram.500+ people attended the 8th Annual Celebrity Sports Mixer this year including sports celebrities like Brian Burke, MattLombardi and Darryl Boyce along with hockey legends Darcy Tucker, Rick Vaive and Marcel Dionne. The biggest namein Toronto policing, Chief Bill Blair, was also in attendance to mingle with guests and show his strong support for the Kids,Cops & Computers program.“Organizations like Merry Go Round continue to grow and find young people who can benefit from the support from thisorganization. And what a difference it makes. I want you to understand that the money that you have committed to thisfoundation is making a difference in the lives of young people in our city,” Chief Bill Blair told those in attendance.Melissa Grelo and Gurdeep Ahluwalia did a wonderful job hosting the event, the proceeds of which ensure that kidsin Toronto have the technology they need to succeed in today’s digitally driven world. Thank you to all our corporatesponsors, champions and players supporters, Toronto Police Service officers, volunteers, celebrities, and all those whopurchased tickets. Your support not only makes the evening a reality, but it also affords us the opportunity to put brand-newlaptops and Internet access (if needed) in the homes of deserving kids.Follow your dreams, visualize your goals and make a difference, that was the message at Inspiration 2012 - Kids, Cops &Computers’ end of year celebration. The event, held May 31 at the Toronto International Celebration Church, recognizedthe achievements of the 304 Grade 7 students on the Program in 2011-2012.Melissa Grelo and Gurdeep Ahluwalia did an amazing job co-emceeing the event, which brought together leaders inpolicing, entertainment and technology.Farley Flex, former Canadian Idol judge, talked to the students about the importance of being resilient towards theobstacles that may come ones way. Resilience, he told the kids, is one of the key steps to success. Marc Saltzman, techguru and journalist, shared a similar message. Saltzman spoke about having the perseverance to follow you dreams andnot allowing people to bring you down. Melissa Grelo, CP24 Morning Show co-host, also had an impactful message toshare with the kids. Melissa talked about visualizing your life goals and dreams.Inspiration 2012 wasn’t just a time to motivate and inspire kids, it was also a celebration to recognize success. Threescholarships ($1,500; $1,000; $750) were awarded, along with special recognition awards and awesome door prizes.6 7www.kidscopscomputers.org