FIAT 500 POWERED BY DIESEL
A one-off collaboration between two iconic Italian brands, the new Fiat 500 by Diesel is a synthesis of the country’s automotive skills and fashion savvy. This small but stylish vehicle embraces the best ingredients of Italian design: passion, innovation and creativity. The limited-edition car – 10,000 models will be released – will be available in Europe and Japan from November 9.
Sergio Marchionne, FIAT CEO: “The Fiat 500 has been extremely successful, especially in international markets, and this new version created in collaboration with Diesel is a welcome addition to the range. Diesel has been an ideal partner because from the very beginning the company has shown an enormous capability for exporting the best of Italian creativity.”
Renzo Rosso, President of Diesel: “The car Fiat 500 symbolises Italy the way I would like it always to be: creative, passionate, cheerful; which is why the first car by Diesel could have only been a Fiat 500! We put all the values that we and Fiat strongly believe in, into this project; the same ones that allowed the brand Diesel to become what we are and what we stand for in the world.”
The project is the result of a partnership between designers of the Centro Stile Fiat – led by Roberto Giolito, creator of the revamped “500” – and the Diesel Creative Team led by Creative Director Wilbert Das. The aim of the project was to create an “urban survival vehicle” with low fuel consumption, which could negotiate cluttered city streets while expressing a strong personality. Sporty yet subtle, the car’s impact is boosted by aesthetic details, starting with the exclusive colours developed exclusively for this model by the two creative teams: green and bronze, as well as the more familiar black.
The 500 by Diesel is touched with details that capture the essence of the cult brand. The most obvious are the 16” alloy hubcaps emblazoned with Diesel’s famous ‘Mohican’ logo. In addition the brake callipers (of the 1.4 litre 100 bhp model) are painted bright yellow. Fenders and body trim feature ‘rivet’ detailing. They’re also in chrome, along with the radiator cowling and the distinctive logo on the hood. The Diesel logo can be seen on the rear decal, where the five air intakes of the classic Fiat 500’s characteristic cooling system has been reproduced. The same strong personalization can be seen inside the car. The seats and steering wheel are stitched with yellow thread to mimic the look of denim. The Mohican logo stands out on a yellow background on top of the gearstick, while the ‘fifth pocket’ of the iconic Diesel jean is stitched onto the sides of the front seats. And in the door well you’ll find the famous ‘For Successful Living’ claim.
The 500 by Diesel is available in three configurations: the 1.2 litre 69 bhp, the 1.3 litre Multijet 75 bhp turbo diesel and the 1.4 litre 16v engine delivering 100 bhp. All have five-to-six speed mechanical gears, although the petrol engine can be combined with Fiat’s DuaLogic robotized clutch-free gearbox.For its communication the two brands chose a ‘smart&dark’ style, graphically represented by a pill. A logo that is also an object with a contemporary shape: mysterious, provocative and the focal point of 24 months of communication and events. The first is the international launch on September 21 at Milan’s Museum of Science and Technology: in a place where humankind’s dreams of mobility are brought to life. Among Leonardo’s flying machines, military planes, boats, trains, submarines and motorbikes – a car arrives. The 500 by Diesel: the latest iteration in the endless quest for greater mobility.
Shaun Boothe – Biography of James Brown (Dope Video Series, #1/12)
Picking up where Nas left off with the Unauthorized Biography of Rakim, this is part 1 of The Bio Series which consists of 12 video bios of 12 icons in 12 months by SHAUN BOOTHE. SHAUN BOOTHE has had a lot of success in the past with his music, especially his videos. He was awarded a singles deal from Def Jam, won a $30,000 video contest put on by Universal and Yahoo.com and has won a different video contest for $25,000 from MuchMusic. Look out for more material from SHAUN BOOTHE in the weeks to come. www.Myspace.com/ShaunBoothe
NHL 2K9 REVIEW (Playstation 3)
2K Sports offers up the 2009 incarnation of their NHL title announcing to all those interested that they brought the fun back to video game Hockey. The approach was to simplify the controls making the game more accessible to newbies to the series and those turned off (myself included) from the excessively complicated control schemes as the series, sports video games, and consoles themselves evolved.
The Pros
NHL 2K9 reminded me of how much I liked Hockey games in the 16-bit era. Purists aside, the game is just plain fun. It’s unrealistically faster paced; body checks all over and offensive chances galore.
The game does also feature some “neat” moments throughout. You have the ability to control the Zamboni during intermission between periods; players on your team will start growing beards in the playoffs, and you actually get to control the Stanley Cup celebration when you win the big one. In addition, the player has got mini-rink, pond hockey and the shootout mode that serve as an alternative to regular game play. This all culminates in a generally casual arcade experience even when playing the regular season/franchise which serves specific market well. Another nice touch to the game is if you are online, there is the streaming in game scoreboard that shows all the up to date scores in the sports world.
Where the game shines a bit more is the online component. You will be able to create an online profile for yourself along with an Avatar and will be able to enter weekly ranking tournaments with the grand prize of being in NHL 2K10. Online play allows for 12 players (one for each position) to converge and play a game and/or tournament with the option of having the game contain ranking implications to your profile. Players can lock themselves into one position in the game which comes with certain goals to meet (that will effect your ranking) depending on your position.
The Cons
Hold on a minute though, the controls are easier but where is the diving poke check? Yes, the controls have been simplified, but not without some sacrifice. Those looking for more simulation type of play need not bother with this one. A lot of the commands you were able to pull off that seemed to be key to ones winning strategy in other 2K Hockey games (like the diving poke check for me) are stripped off or defaulted to satisfy the simplified control scheme. The absence is most prevalent when playing online or with a friend who is not an easily manipulated AI opponent.
The AI of the game is generally still very simplistic and easy. This was reflected on the very first game I played on 2K9 on “Pro” difficulty. With no real strategy or approach to playing my first game, I resorted to my default Sega Genesis strategy. This entailed a lot of one-timers, trying to run over any one who had the puck, relying on the computer controlled goalie to stop all the shots, and the occasional cheap slapshot while skating across the crease. Though the AI does actually try set up plays on both the defensive and offensive end, to my surprise the strategy still worked winning 5-0 with overall ease, not giving me really any motivation to go through a whole season in this game other than for an ego boost.
Even though some will love the simplified control scheme and the new arcade/retro feel to the game mechanics that it compliments, those looking for a more realistic approach to game play should look elsewhere. The choice in direction they’ve made with 2K9 almost leaves you wishing that they found a better balance between simulation and arcade play to satisfy both sides of the spectrum.
The graphics itself are only average and the menus gave me the impression of a somewhat unpolished, less then sleek look to it. The announcers do the job but that’s about it.
Here’s the Deal
Hardcore Hockey game fans will be a bit disappointed with this one. The lack of in- depth commands and actions have been given up for easier control scheme. However, if you are a casual hockey fan that is looking for a hockey game that is easy to pick up this may be the option for you. The appeal of the play is that it is geared toward action over simulation. There is nothing revolutionary on the technical side of things but it meets the requirements without getting too nitpicky about it. NHL 2K9 will be the Hockey game you will either love or hate.
6.5/10
Sean Capisonda for www.consolecreatures.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/ConsoleCreaturesTV
DJ Power
Give those who don’t know a brief history on Power.
I started my DJ career in basement parties in the west end of Toronto. My first radio spot was the “Masterplan Show” on 89.5fm in Toronto. I also had a label Blacklist music, we started with Hip Hop artists UBAD, MOTION & EBONY. I formed Soul Controllers with DTS and started putting out the “Reggae Meets Hip Hop” mixtape series as well as many other different CD titles. In 2000 I left the Masterplan show and was back and forth to NY playing clubs and releasing different CDs. In 2002 I joined my Soul Controllers partner Jwyze on the “Trauma Unit” on Flow 93.5fm Toronto weeknights. I left there after a year and soon the hard work in NY paid off and won a Justo’s mixtape award for the “Reggae Meets Hip Hop Vol. 8” CD. After that I knew had to take advantage of the opportunity so I relocated to NY. Since then been doing club dates, touring, radio and new CD releases. I’ve done radio appearances on Hot 97 NY, BBC (UK), Mixx 96 (Miami), 96.1fm (Australia), JapanFM and more. My CD’s have been in the NY Times, Vibe magazine, Riddim (Germany), Scratch mag, 3dworld (Australia) etc. I tour different cities worldwide doing my club dates and DJ’ing for reggae artist Junior Reid.
When is the last time you listened to community radio in Canada?
I listened to it when I was up in Tdot for Caribana. I try to listen to it everytime I’m up there cause its always good to hear what people are playing, ’cause there’s so much music out there and there might be a hot Canadian track I’m missing. I try to push stuff from Canada if it’s hot on the radio and my mixtapes.
How has the Toronto hip-hop community changed since you moved south of the border?
I think more artists understand what it takes to make a good record in these times, cause you gotta think radio and club play to get your music heard. The artists who produce tracks and do R&B got the best chance of making it in the U.S. I think the industry in Canada needs to get behind the artists a lot more though, its real slow that’s why most serious artists end up coming here.
How strong is the US influence Canada?
I think its real strong but at the same time good artists keep the tdot flava as well. People respect them more for keeping it real to their sound like Kardinal, Point Blank, July Black, Mayhem, etc.
Is Johnbronski 50 or 60 years old?
Haha, this is the best question I ever heard! He won’t tell nobody but my guess is he’s pushing 60 but he looks like 30, so he must be doing something right! Shout out to big JB!
Describe your relationship with Junior Reid?
One of my “Reggae Meets Hip Hop” CDs had a remix I did for the track with him and Game. The radio DJs in NY were playing it heavy and he heard it when he was at the radio station. The DJ at the radio called me up with him on the phone and he told me he loved the remix. It was crazy ’cause at the same time I was thinking me and him need to hook up and do a CD together. So I guess it was meant to be. He went to Miami and heard them playing my remixes in the clubs and my CDs on the streets. After that we decided to do a mixtape together to promote him and we did the Junior Reid “Why I’m Hot” mixtape. After that it was official I became his DJ. Big up the One Blood family.
Is the NYC reggae scene miles ahead, on par or behind Toronto?
The NYC reggae scene is ahead just because to most major reggae artists this is their 2nd home and they are here for longer periods and more often. Plus the industry is bigger here. Some songs bust in Canada first though like Sizzla “Give Me a Try”. Everyone in Canada was playing it first and when I played it in NY it wasn’t big yet and took a while to blow. But in general NY is ahead most of the time.
How many Reggae Meets Hip Hop tapes/CDs have sold?
You trying to get me locked up! Haha, Basically I will say the CD game has changed a lot in the past few years. Now its about free downloads but I know my CDs have reached 100’s of thousands of people. Every CD I put out gets bootlegged instantly on the streets, so if I do 10,000 I know at least 10 times that many people are hearing it with the bootleggers and free downloads. I’ve gotten emails from U.S soldiers in Iraq bumpin my CDs to people in New Zealand, Japan, etc. If you Google ”dj power reggae meets hip hop” you’ll see how crazy it is.
Who have you produced?
I do a lot of unofficial remixes that get played on the radio and in the clubs. I’ve done remixes for tracks from Game, Mims, Ciara, Beenie Man, 50 Cent, etc. The remixes I do first come out on my CDs and then I send them to all the DJs worldwide so they can play them too.
What’s next?
Right now we are working on expanding my syndicated show, “Outta Control Radio”, I do with host Mad Linx. We are reaching close to 4 million people weekly now and it airs in a lot of markets internationally including Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, etc. Also doing a lot of international events and working with MySpace and some other companies to help them reach the Caribbean market through my promotion channels like mix CDs, radio and my club dates. So basically more music more vibes, can’t stop won’t stop! I wanna say big up the whole Tdot, Canada and Peace Magazine for doing this interview, and don’t forget to check out www.djpowermusic.com and www.outtacontrolradio.com!!! One love.
Art of Fresh
Who is Art of Fresh?
Slakah: Art of Fresh is a duo consisting of Guinness World Record setting rapper D.O. & multi Juno nominated producer/artist Slakah the Beatchild.
How long have you been working together?
D.O.: Man, we been down now for the last 6-7 years. It all began when my cousin put me onto this young mc that also made beats. I got his demo on a cassette tape and even though it sounded a little grimey, I could tell that he had the talent… We’ve been banging out hot music ever since.
What is your take on the Canadian hip-hop scene?
D.O.: Touring really exposed me to how thriving the scene is. I never expected places like Canmore, Alberta or Vernon, B.C. to be wild. Now they are some of our favorite places to perform! There are dope MC’s from Regina, Saskatchewan, to Sydney, Nova Scotia, so I think collectively we are ready to break through on the international scene.
In what ways did your national tour open you up to the Nation? What was your biggest lesson?
Slakah: People got to experience something fresh and new and we were able to connect directly with old and make new fans.
Biggest lesson: bring more merch next time!!!
What is your take on Toronto hip-hop?
D.O.: I used to go to the States and they were like “yall got rappers up there?” Now when I go there they know what’s up. I think it’s a great time in Toronto because we’ve got Kardi breaking barriers with all of his success. But also because we’re starting to get our records out nationally and there are a lot of artists getting buzz – not only locally, but internationally.
Do the artists who make innovate and fresh music get overlooked in Canada?
D.O.: I think it’s the opposite. The dope thing about Canada is that you can get commercial play with fresh and innovative music. We were surprised at the success of our first single “Get Free” because it was so different. Not only did it receive a lot of commercial radio play, but a lot of DJ’s supported it nationwide and internationally.
Why do sales never equate with media?
D.O.: As far as sales go, I think the game has changed – not just in Canada but worldwide. In order to sell records you’ve got to be on the road. We sell a lot of records and t-shirts when we go on the road. People aren’t necessarily checking your video on Much anymore and in some places they don’t have radio, so you’ve got to be live and you’ve got to make a connection with your fans.
Can you make a living off being artists in Canada?
Slakah: Yes you can make a living in Canada, but you have to diversify your hustles. For example, don’t just rap – write for other artists, get into publishing, make merchandise, TOUR! If Diddy and 50 have to do all those things, then Canadian artists have to do it, and then some!
D.O. : Well, I just bought a new car and just put a down payment on a mortgage so yeah you can do it up nicely!
D.O. lectures for the kids and is in the Guinness Book for longest freestyle. What else do you want people to know?
D.O. : That I can whup anybody’s ass in a game of Madden.
What’s in your player?
Slakah: The debut Art of Fresh album Back To The Earth is in stores now, go and get that if you love yourself.
I got Tingsek & Ebrahim in my player right now.
What’s next?
We have a cartoon series in the works in continuation of our animated video “Out This World”. A clothing line called The Art of Fresh in the works as well.
Contact info for the people…
Hit us up on our myspace at www.myspace.com/artoffresh
CANspace Graffiti Art Festival, Sat. Sept 13, 2008
CANspace Graffiti Art Festival 2008
30 Sewells Rd. Scarborough (Malvern Library & Community Centre)
11AM to 5PM
NO COVER -OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On Saturday September 13, 2008 Graffiti writers and muralists will reveal their skills at this all-day graffiti fest on the grounds of the Toronto Public Library –Malvern Branch (30 Sewells Rd. Scarborough). This celebration of mural art is a joint project between Mural Routes and Toronto Cultural Services and 2008 marks its third year.
This annual festival is the final stage of an Urban Arts workshop program for youth 13yrs and up who are interested in learning about graffiti art in a positive format. One of the major goals of the festival is to provide exposure for young artists in Scarborough who wish to pursue a career in the fine arts. It is also the aim to dispel some of the negative reputations of graffiti art and expose the Malvern community to the enriching and refreshing aspects of the artform.
Twelve established or pro artists will be showcased in an effort to engage and inspire the community (the Malvern area has the greatest concentration of teens in the GTA). Their finished works (6ft x 8ft canvas) will be on display throughout the year in various City of Toronto buildings and on display at the Toronto Reference Library during Nuit Blanche (http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca).
Our Confirmed Artists include:
- *Zion (Bombshelter)
-*Duro the Third (www.durothethird.com) .
-*Artchild (http://www.artchild.ca)
-Kane – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-AsInyjAPI&feature=related
-Recka – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6OqFdFg0CY
-SAGE – http://www.bombingscience.com/sage.htm
Confirmed Talent/ Performers include:
-Joe Eigo (www.multilevelmoves.com) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFsZDOdHw6E&feature=related
-Kuerock (BBoy affiliated with Rock Steady Crew)
-Jedi (Canadian Bboy)
-OIP Urban Dance Academy (www.oipdance.com)
-DJ Tigermouth (Maxamus Entertainment)
-DJ Serious
-Dwayne Morgan (poet) -(www.upfromtheroots.ca)
Online Exclusive – So You Think You Can Dance’s Luther Brown
State your name and where you rep?
My name is Luther Brown and I rep. Jane and Finch. Born in Jamaica
What made you get into the dance industry?
I’ve been in love wit dance/music/entertainment for as long as I can remember. It’s something that is a part of me and has been there in every stage of my development as a person… I’ve always been fascinated by musicals, movies, concerts and music videos. I would emulate Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Prince and studied videos from Janet Jackson, Madonna, BBD, Kid N’ Play and the list goes on and on and on. I wanted to be somebody that was involved in those areas of entertaining.
Would you say it is as hard as before for a male to survive in a female dominated industry?
It’s definitely not easy for males to survive in a female dominated industry.
There are still stereotypes of what type of males make up the entertainment industry and being that a lot of males are in power positions, they tend to hire more females as choreographers. But I believe that if you’re talented, it breaks the mould and you will get the recognition you deserve. (So long as you stick to your true self)
Who are some of the artist you have worked with?
Some of the artists that I’ve worked with are Brandy, Mario, Ray J, Diddy, Danity Kane, Day 26, Janet Jackson, Faith Evans, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, Keshia Chante, Alicia Keys, Sean Paul, Tammy Chyn, Blackstreet, Skye Sweetnam, Olivia and Electrik Red.
What motivates and inspires you when making up choreography?
My motivation and inspiration when making up choreography are life, the lyrics and the beat. Depending on the vibe I get from the particular artist or how defined the beat is, or just what the concept for the show or job is.
It’s really a combination of things.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement to date would be working with Janet Jackson for a performance she did for the U.S Troops & The Ellen Show. Being that she was one of the artists that I’ve looked up to for most of my life, the fact that I was able to work with her, one on one, was unbelievable (thanks Gil – her artistic director). Outside of that, my present position as judge/choreographer on the SYTYCD-Canada is also major and like a dream come true.
If you could work with any artist dead or alive who would you work with?
I would have loved to work with Aaliyah!! She was amazing. I would also LOVE to work with Mary J. Blige. I’m probably her biggest fan. Others are Michael Jackson, Usher, Omarion and Madonna
Canadian vs. American dancers?
That’s difficult. haha. There are more successful dancers in America, but Canada has some of the best dancers in the world. As a matter of fact, Canadian dancers make up a large percentage of the top working dancers in the game! Don’t get it twisted!
What’s Next?
What’s next is shooting of the rest of the SYTYCD-Canada season and working with a new girl group signed to Def Jam called Electrik Red. Also Do Dat Entertainment, which I run with my partners Ryan Robinson and Wayne Samuels, has recently started a Corporate Dance-Fit! Program offering dance-fitness classes to their employees and we are starting a casting division to cast dancers for movies, commercials and videos.
I’m also gonna be working with Jully Black as a mentor and rep. for the St.Alban’s Boys and Girls Club. I also have an artist named Trish that I’ve been developing. She’s about to be LARGE!!
Last words of wisdom for upcoming dancers/choreographers?
Stick to your vision and never stop!! Part time efforts equal part time results!! Dance and choreograph from your heart and it will be felt all over the world.
FADING SHADOWS REVIEW (PSP)
Since the release of much hyped about titles such as God of War: Chains of Olympus, Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core, and Patapon earlier this year, there hasn’t been much for PSP users to get excited about lately. Most titles recently released are either multiplatform titles that are usually overshadowed by its PS3 and Xbox 360 counterparts, or localized versions of games developed in Japan where the PSP is enjoying tremendous success.
Although there is not much buzz around this game, Fading Shadows is one of those titles from Japan that has made it ways onto western shores with a unique approach to the puzzle genre.
The ProsAmongst the myriad of puzzle games that is usually a given for any portable videogame platform, Fading Shadows brings something a little different to the table. The story goes that you’re a girl who is out to rescue your younger brother from a sorcerer looking to sacrifice him for his own benefit. However, she (or you as the player) goes about rescuing him by controlling a beam of light that has the ability to direct an orb that rolls through dungeons the sorcerer’s henchmen has set up for you. Further adding to playability is the depth of the game play. The orb you are leading with the beam of light can take three forms (metal, glass, and wood) each with their own abilities and weaknesses. The games make it essential that all orbs are utilized and sometimes in the same level. The player must also take into consideration the concentration of the beam you control (which is always adjustable). The more concentrated you choose your beam to be, the more control you have over your orb. But depending on the state your orb is in, you run the risk of destroying it costing you a life (i.e. burning the wood orb, or breaking the glass orb). Even though the games is a puzzle game at it’s heart, it has a platforming feel to it as you begin a level at a start point, control your character to clear the obstacles and inevitably reaching the end point and end of the level. The added down tempo electronic music in the game is a nice touch that adds more emotion in the game, in addition to being atmospheric and calming.
The Cons
Here’s the deal
SEAN CAPISONDA for www.consolecreatures.com
Lara Tavares CEO of Sky’s The Limit Youth Organization provide services and computers to under-resourced youth
Who & What is Sky’s The Limit Youth Organization?
Lara Tavares is the Founder and CEO of Sky’s the Limit Youth Organization (http://www.stlonline.org), a nonprofit organization she founded in January 2004.STL raises funds to purchase refurbished computers for under-resourced students who could not otherwise afford them. STL has placed over 1025 computers to date! Recipients are chosen from, and participate in a partner organization’s program such as Pathways to Education, Youth In Motion, StepStones for Youth, etc., where they are provided with support through an orientation or training program that ensures that the students become familiar with how to use a computer and the Internet. Recipients may also be referred by teachers, guidance counselors or they can apply for a computer online independently.Core value – Sky’s the Limit provides services to all under-resourced youth regardless of race, gender, religious belief or sexual orientation…“Everybody’s kids or nobody’s kids”.STL also provides environmental benefits by ensuring that computer systems are reused and recycled thus reducing the technological waste-stream (landfills).STL’s main objectives:1. Raise funds to purchase refurbished computers.2. Provide refurbished computers to students from under-resourced communities.3. Establish a mentoring and tutoring program to get the students up and running. 4. Facilitate access to online resources, creating an awareness of the many learning opportunities available to students. 5. Improve the students’ overall computer skills while developing their essential workplace skills.6. Reduce waste and recycle technology by diverting used computers from landfill sites.7. Offer a solution to the digital divide in Canada. The organization relies on donated funds to purchase the computers. Donations are solicited from various sources. The refurbished computers are purchased from non-profit suppliers.
How did you get started?
Lara grew up in Kanata, Ontario where her father worked for Digital Equipment Corporation, giving her the opportunity to have access to a computer at a young age. She had the early realization that a computer is a valuable resource and can offer many opportunities. She earned a degree in Design Art, Computer Graphics, from Concordia University in Montreal and then went on to a successful decade-long year career in graphic design, web development and information architecture. During this time she worked for Bell Canada, The Ontario Ministry of Labour and the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, among others. These career pursuits gave Lara on-the-job experience on how to run a successful nonprofit organization.Lara founded STL to address a vital need and considers this mission to be her life-long passion and undertaking. Lara is responsible for STL operations, implementation, outreach, administration, sourcing donors, fundraising, implementation, promotion, etc. She has committed 100% of her time and energy to the cause and built a team of dedicated and reliable ambassadors and volunteers. Lara feels passionately about the value of computers and the technology industry and is deeply affected by the fact that many young Canadians do not have a computer and access to technology. Through STL, Lara is able to provide access to computers to kids who wouldn’t otherwise get it. Lara built a career in the private and non-profit sector prior to starting STL which was a great opportunity to learn and cultivate best practices in order to obtain the time, money, contacts, resources, drive, and skills to make an impact within her community. Is this a non-profit?Yes! Sky’s the Limit (STL) is a registered Canadian charity located in Toronto, Ontario (BN 85757 9742RR0001). STL is incorporated with the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services (Ontario Corporation Number 1608093).
Are there paid position within the organization?
Yes! STL employs one full-time Project Coordinator and one Part-time Project Assistant who is a former STL computer recipient.
Any success stories with the beneficiaries?
Two years ago, STL donated a computer to Dane, a young man in the Regent Park area who had recently lost his older brother to violence (he was gunned down while leaving a pick-up basketball game). Dane was distraught and used music as one of the ways to express his feelings and mourn his devastating loss. STL provided Dane with a special computer that was outfitted with upgraded hardware and software that could accommodate music engineering software. Lara called several of her contacts in the Toronto music industry and asked them to donate software and their time to Dane. Dane went on to further his musical ambitions with a group he created.
What advice do you have to those who wish to donate their time and energy to a cause?
Volunteers contribute to the success of our unique initiative by donating their energy, skills and time. We would not be able to achieve our goals without them. Not only does volunteering help keep your spirits up, it also helps you to build relationships, discover new skill sets, and interact with like-minded individuals. If you are uncertain about the kind of work you want to do or think you may be successful at, volunteering can help you narrow your focus. Organizations will often work with you to find something for you to do that you will find both interesting and rewarding.