“Canadian Presence in California helping to Fuel Growth and Economic Recovery in the U.S.”
Palm Springs – Athletes, Actors, even a World Wrestling Entertainment legend were on hand at the Desert Dunes Golf Club on February 11th, 2012 to support March of Dimes Canada and California Businesses.
The Canada California Business Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to growing investment and job creation in California through a network of “Canadian Friendly” partners, has teamed up with March of Dimes Canada to host a celebrity golf tournament that will both raise funds to support March of Dimes’ expansion into Western Canada, and help encourage Canadian investment into Riverside County California.
Winter-weary Canadians looking for an escape from the cold have been breathing life into the Palm Springs and Riverside County market area throughout the American economic recovery. Beginning in January, more than 3,000 Canadians a week fly into the Palm Springs International Airport and the rest of the stats are just as impressive: 80% of homes purchased in Palm Springs, CA were purchased by Canadians; Canadians are the #1 foreign employer by size of payroll in Riverside County and the Desert Dunes Golf Club is Canadian-owned employing more than 35 employees.
“We wanted to take advantage of a heavy Canadian presence in Riverside County [California] to support a storied Canadian charity [March of Dimes Canada] that is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year,” said Lee Fraser, President of the Canada California Business Council. “Tournament & Event attendees will have the chance to meet a variety of celebrities, bid on fantastic auction items, enjoy the outstanding views offered by Palm Desert — all while supporting a great cause.”
Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communications for March of Dimes Canada furthered that sentiment by saying “[March of Dimes Canada] opened offices in Calgary and Vancouver this year to offer our programming to more Western Canadians. This golf event will allow corporations and individuals to make a significant contribution to improving the lives of children and adults living physical disabilities,” she stated.
In 2009, the Canada California Business Council’s Golf Classic was featured on ET Canada, and drew a live television audience of more than 800,000 people according to the show’s producers.
For the 2012 tournament the Canada California Business Council Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Luc Robitaille, Val Bure, Owen Stanley, Jeremy Sumpter, Royce Clayton, Anson Carter, Grant Fuhr were some of the celebrities.
The Canada California Business Council (CCBC) aims to use its network of Canada-California based business, political and social leaders to connect bi-lateral opportunities that will result in new job creation, increased foreign direct investment and increased trade.
March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. For more information about the event or any of the partner organizations, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca/golf for more information.
