FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2003
"I was never so impressed by an organization in all my life," says Dave Smith
Antigonish, NS - On October 6th, Ottawa philanthropist and distinguished entrepreneur Dave Smith will be in Halifax as part of his generous offer to help Coady International Institute continue its 44 year commitment to improving lives worldwide through education for grassroots action. Compelled by Coady Institute's history and ongoing dedication to social justice, Smith has been the driving force behind the first annual Coady International Fest, a gala dinner and auction being held November 20th at Pier 21.
"I was really overwhelmed by the Coady story," says Smith who first heard about the Coady at a reception held last November on Parliament Hill for the launch of the institute's vision for the future: Education for Democracy, Prosperity and Peace. "I have been doing charity work for over 40 years and I was never so impressed with an organization in all my life."
Smith, a recipient of over 18 awards and distinctions including the Order of Canada, an Honourary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa and the Queens Medal, has become well-known in Canada for his passionate commitment to improving lives through charitable fundraising and foundation building. Over the years he has raised $100-million dollars for over 50 national charities and civil society organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Friends of Tibet, the Children's Wish Foundation and the Canadian Land Mines Foundation.
Although most of his fundraising activities take place in Ontario, Smith says he knew immediately that he had to come to Nova Scotia to help Coady continue its vision of creating a better world through education, innovation, and action. On November 20th, he will be the celebrity auctioneer at Coady International Fest.
"If you have anything to do with Coady you should feel fortunate," he says. "Coady turns people's lives around and there's nothing more important than that."
A true Canadian success story, the Coady International Institute embodies St. Francis Xavier University's commitment to social justice and is an integral part of what makes StFX unique among university institutions around the globe. The Coady International Institute is named in honour of Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, a prominent founder of the Antigonish Movement - a people's movement for economic and social justice which began in Nova Scotia during the 1920's. Since it opened its doors to educate leaders from around the world in 1959, the institute has been promoting community self-reliance and development. As a result, the lives of millions of women, men and children are being improved every day by the institute's more than 4,400 graduates in 130 countries.
The following people will be available for interviews and media appearances on October 6th in Halifax.
Dave Smith - Ottawa philanthropist and celebrity auctioneer of Coady International Fest
Mary Coyle - Director of Coady International Institute
Moses Coady - grand-nephew of Dr. Moses Coady, founder of the Antigonish Movement
For more information, contact:
| Krista Hall | Phone: | 902.867.3648 |
| Communications Officer | Fax:; | 902.867.3907 |
| Coady International Institute | E-mail: | khall@stfx.ca |
Photos can be accessed electronically by making a request with the contact provided above.