Sponsor signs on for another 3 years for Toronto Carnival

By Gerald V. Paul

 

Welcome to Scotiabank Carnival, 2013, where the title sponsorship is on for the next three years and you must wear a wristband if you are on the parade route in an effort to promote safety.

“In2008, we became title sponsor of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival – the largest North American Caribbean festival of its kind. I’m proud to say that once again, Scotiabank has extended our partnership for another three years,” said Christine Williams, Scotiabank Vice President , East District. “This partnership started an exciting new chapter for Scotiabank because the Caribbean is where the Bank’s international story began.”

Scotiabank Carnival in the past contributed in excess of $396 million to provincial GDP, with 79% of the gain generated in Toronto and surrounding areas.

The Carnival will run from July 19 to August 4, and once again bring the culture of the Caribbean to downtown Toronto.

“The funding from our sponsors means that the festival can continue to deliver new and exciting events again this year,” said Scotia Carnival CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson. “We are changing how the big parade will be run due to construction on the CNE grounds which will give more opportunities spectators inside the park grounds to see the colourful parade. Once again, funds raised at our events will be donated to four community charities – The Children’s Breakfast Club, The Caribbean Children’s Foundation, Prostate Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario.”

This year the staging area for the 16,000 costumed masqueraders and floats is being moved to the north-end of the CNE property. The parade will travel the width of the CNE grounds before entering Lakeshore Blvd. giving the festival more space to accommodate spectators.

For the fourth year, the Ontario Science Centre will sponsor the Innovative Costume Award which recognizes innovation in costume design.

Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre, noted: “There’s a foundation of science behind the beauty and creativity of each and every costume. From the mathematics involved in the design, the physics involved in how the costumes move to the mechanics and engineering involved in the structural integrity for the larger, more elaborate pieces.”

For more information about the programmes and events, please visit the festival’s official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com