DAREarts to Honour Longtime Supporter, John Hastings

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 13, 2014) -

Editors Note: There are 3 photos associated with this press release.

DAREarts will hold a lunch today, Thursday, November 13^th, to honour former Toronto Public School Trustee for Etobicoke North, John Hastings, who lost to Mr. Ford in the last election. This lunch will take place at Merlot Restaurant (2994 Bloor Street West).

Mr. Hastings has been a strong advocate for DAREarts since he attended the DAREarts GTA showcase in 2007 involving 150 children from over 20 local schools. Following this, he "powerfully" and "persuasively" appealed to DAREarts Founder and President, Marilyn Field, to begin a DAREarts program focusing on the children in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in northwest Etobicoke. Since then, the Etobicoke program has grown to serve children from Grades 4-8 in 16 schools.

For his service with TDSB from 2006-2014, Marilyn Field appreciates that he is, "always focusing on what's best for the children with passion and energy. He is always looking towards the future and dreaming big for the kids, including ideas on job training, international cooperation and a virtual arts school."

In his role as school trustee, Mr. Hastings has been an inspiration for many children, accompanying the children on trips to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival as part of DAREarts' Summer Camps. He is known for sitting with the children on the bus and during the show, to ensure that they are enjoying their time.

In addition, he has attended every DAREarts annual showcase at North Albion Collegiate Institute (NACI) to proudly support the children's achievements and interact with their parents. Moreover, he is a regular guest at the annual DAREarts Leadership Awards where students from his area have consistently won one of our six Leadership Awards since the inception of the DAREarts program in Etobicoke.

Regarding the service of Trustee Hastings, the TDSB says, "Trustee John Hastings championed meaningful programming for our students and the Arts was key to his efforts."

For his sterling leadership, commitment to education and contagious enthusiasm, DAREarts is grateful for the support of Trustee John Hastings and we look forward to a continuing partnership.

Background:

Canada's DAREarts (Canadian Charitable No. 88691 7764 RR0002) is a national charity that uses the arts to empower thousands of at-risk kids with the ability to ignite positive change in themselves and others. Teaching "Discipline, Action, Responsibility and Excellence," DAREarts' 5 year program works with 9-15 year olds from schools in marginalized communities. For more information, visit www.darearts.com and www.darearts.wordpress.com.

DAREarts thanks its lead supporters: Northbridge Insurance, Guy Carpenter, Scotiabank, Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Toronto District School Board is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Serving 246,000 students in 595 schools throughout Toronto, the TDSB's mission is to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society.

To view the photos accompanying this press release please click on the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20141113-DAREarts1.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20141113-DAREarts2.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20141113-DAREarts3.jpg