Latest news with #FairmontRoyalYork
Cision Canada
16-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Barry Avrich, Stephan Crétier, Bob Dhillon, Katherine Lee, Joanna Rotenberg and Darryl White To Be Honoured with 2025 International Horatio Alger Award Français
–7 th annual Excellence Gala to be held November 12, 2025 at the Fairmont Royal York– TORONTO, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The Horatio Alger Association of Canada is pleased to announce that it will honour six exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders with the International Horatio Alger Award at its November 12, 2025 Excellence Gala. This year's recipients are: Barry Avrich, CEO, BT/A Advertising and Melbar Entertainment Group Stephan Crétier, Founder, Chairman, President & CEO, GardaWorld Bob Dhillon, President & CEO, Mainstreet Equity Corp. Katherine Lee, Corporate Director, CEO of GE Capital Canada (Retired) Joanna Rotenberg, Managing Director of Advice and Wealth Management, Vanguard Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group These 2025 International Horatio Alger Award recipients will be celebrated for their lifetime achievements on November 12, 2025, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The event will be hosted by the Horatio Alger Association of Canada's Board of Directors, including President Prem Watsa, President Emeritus Dominic D'Alessandro, Vice Presidents Jay S. Hennick, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston, Dr. Rola Dagher, Adam Waterous and Treasurer Rick Waugh. All funds raised will go toward supporting the Horatio Alger Association's scholarship programs and support services. Enquiries regarding sponsoring the Gala should be directed to [email protected]. "Reaching our 7th Excellence Gala marks a significant milestone for our Association. We are honoured to recognize six exemplary Canadian leaders—Barry Avrich, Stephan Crétier, Bob Dhillon, Katherine Lee, Joanna Rotenberg, and Darryl White—whose journeys exemplify the transformative power of determination, resilience, and a positive outlook. Their success stories are living proof that hard work and a belief in oneself can surmount any challenge. Moreover, they embody the strength of Canada's free enterprise system, a vital engine that enables individuals from all backgrounds to realize the Canadian dream," said Prem Watsa, President of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. "As the cornerstone fundraising event supporting our scholarship initiatives, the Excellence Gala is instrumental in our mission to cultivate the next generation of Canadian leaders. Today, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada awards more than 300 post-secondary scholarships annually to deserving students in every province and territory. Since 2012, we have awarded $17.5 million to over 2,200 remarkable young people from coast to coast to coast. Alongside financial support, scholars also benefit from mentorship, financial aid and academic counseling, and mental health support—resources that help them thrive at university and build successful careers." The Horatio Alger Association will also be hosting its Scholars Conference from November 11 to 13, in conjunction with the Excellence Gala. The Horatio Association of Canada has two functions. First, it recognizes Canadians who have demonstrated perseverance and achieved great success in life. These individuals are awarded lifetime membership in our organization. Second, the Association awards post-secondary scholarships to deserving young Canadians in every province and territory. Since 2012, the Canadian Association has awarded $17.5 million to over 2,200 deserving students from coast to coast to coast. Scholarship recipients are also supported and mentored by the Association through services such as financial aid counselling, internships, and mental health support. For more information about the Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit or follow the Association on Facebook and LinkedIn. About the Horatio Alger Association of Canada The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, the Canadian affiliate of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., is a charitable organization dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honours the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity by bestowing to them the Horatio Alger Award and granting them lifetime membership into the Association. Through the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada awards scholarships annually to deserving young people in every province and territory. Members of the Association include Alain Bouchard, Dominic D'Alessandro, Michael Bublé, Dr. Rola Dagher, Kap Dilawri, Victor Dodig, Murray Edwards, Darren Entwistle, Serge Godin, Wayne Gretzky, Jay S. Hennick, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Rebecca MacDonald, Bharat Masrani, the late G. Wallace F. McCain, Lorne Michaels, the late Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Jim Pattison, Tracy Robinson, Calin Rovinescu, Walter Schroeder, Gerald W. Schwartz, Isadore Sharp, Edward Sonshine, Prem Watsa, Rick Waugh and Adam Waterous. For more information, visit The Association can also be found on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Cision Canada
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN - FAIRMONT PRESENTS "MAKE SPECIAL HAPPEN" - A CINEMATIC TRIBUTE TO THE BRAND'S HERITAGE AS STORIED CELEBRATORS
Developed by King & Partners, the new campaign was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jean Claude Thibaut, and shot at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Stylistically, the creative evokes the charm of a classic film, a tribute to the refined elegance of a bygone era, where the North American spirit of allure and adventure on which Fairmont was founded, is reimagined for today. It was inspired by the brand's rich heritage of hosting some of history's most momentous occasions, from the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, to Truman Capote's Black and White Ball in New York City, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'bed in for peace' in Montreal. The creative team was tasked with building upon this legacy to set the stage for a new era of celebratory moments at Fairmont, looking forward to some of the more modern design hotels which shape the skyline of the destinations they reside in, such as Fairmont Doha and Fairmont Tokyo. "In creating this campaign, I drew inspiration from Fairmont's incredible heritage, with particular influence from the allure of the Truman Capote era. The focus was on capturing the essence of celebration, friendship, and togetherness—values that have always been at the heart of the Fairmont experience," commented Jean Claude Thibaut. "Through both the film and imagery, I sought to evoke the joy of gathering, with Fairmont as the incredible backdrop, always there to support and elevate special moments. It's been an incredible project to be a part of, and I'm excited to see it come to life." Through a mix of film and stills, the artwork follows a charismatic cast of characters through a series of intriguing and playful moments, leading up to an unforgettable celebration. The audience follows along as "The Celebrationist", the Grande Dame of the story, carefully pens her invites, handing them over to "The Porter", always on a mission to "Make Special Happen" for Fairmont guests. He glides through the grand corridors of the hotel to hand deliver to "The Linksman", usually found out on the links or out on the town; "The Wellness Enthusiast", whose favorite places are in a Fairmont gym or on the dance floor; "The Muse & Her Makers", a family whose travels have taken them all over the world, always with their beloved Golden Retriever; and "The Legends in Leisure", still as in love as the day they met, and always ready for a night of cocktails and adventure. When it's officially time to "Make Special Happen", special guest and a legend in his own right, Tom Wolfe, America's first concierge, and Chief Concierge and Director of Heritage at flagship Fairmont San Francisco, appears, as a flurry of activity by both guests and staff ensues. Elegant attire and indulgences appear. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over a soirée. With anticipation rising, the celebration reaches its crescendo, bringing with it the realization: Fairmont Makes Special Happen. "Make Special Happen isn't just a campaign, it's part of our brand DNA and is the sentiment we make our guests feel. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters that blend genuine encounters with the heart of the action, creating vibrant spaces where communities gather. Occasions are celebrated, milestones are marked, and history is made every day at our 92 properties in 30 countries globally," said Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Raffles. "Bringing to life our first new global brand campaign in many years marks another special, history-making moment. 'Make Special Happen' reaffirms Fairmont's core identity and what sets it apart in a way that reaches a new and discerning audience." Upon launch, the campaign will leverage a blend of still imagery alongside video showcasing the Fairmont film. A 360-degree paid media plan comprising of global print, online and social titles are being activated in two phases commencing May-July and then September-October when all owned, earned and paid media channels will be fully live. Key regions for the campaign include North America, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and Europe with a particular focus on national, travel and lifestyle publications in these markets. Though the first iteration of the campaign focuses on a party, it was important for Fairmont to demonstrate that making special happen isn't just about major galas and events, but it's also about making every moment of every day special in its own way. The brand is bringing this to life in the hotels with the concurrent launch of "Special Happens…", a collection of unique offerings which immerse a guest or local into their own unforgettable experience: Special Happens... After Dark – a series of nocturnal fetes and adventures, such as private access to the spa after hours for a wellness ritual under the stars at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa or Fairmont Austin, or an "anywhere dinner" on the lush grounds of Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh. Special Happens... In the Wild – indulgent experiences in the heart of nature, such as Fairmont Empress ' famed afternoon tea on the beach, in a rain forest, or at the foot of a waterfall; or taking a seaplane from Fairmont Chateau Whistler to do guided yoga and meditation under a waterfall. Special Happens... Around the Table – embracing the power of mixology and dining, from playing chocolatier for a day, crafting your own one-of-a-kind chocolate bar with Fairmont Orchid, to participating in the ancient Hawaiian art of imu cooking, from private foraging experience to all-day roasting in an underground oven with Fairmont Kea Lani. Special Happens... In the Spotlight – a vibrant tapestry of moments inspired by the arts, culture, music and performance, from being welcomed into the home of a local chef or artisan to learn a craft that has been passed down for generations with Fairmont Jaipur, to a visit to the private home of Claude Nobs, famed founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, not normally open to the public, arranged by Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Fairmont will continue to add new experiences to the collection throughout 2025. Images: About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 92 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
CBC
17-05-2025
- CBC
Food columnist Jasmine Mangalaseril spills the tea on a Stratford tea sommelier
Legend has it that tea was accidentally created in 2737 BCE, when a leaf floated from its plant into a vessel of recently boiled water intended for Chinese emperor Shen Nong. Since then, tea has been cultivated, drunk, traded, and blended, but tea sommeliers are a relatively recent concept. While wine sommeliers have been around since the court of the French King, Louis XIV, the world's first tea sommelier is thought to have been working in London, U.K. in the early 1990s. Canada's first certified tea sommelier was at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel 10 years later. Like a restaurant's wine sommelier, certified tea sommeliers are trained in all aspects of tea. This includes its history and science, categories, cultivation, as well as preparation, blending and culinary applications. Karen Hartwick is a certified tea sommelier and owner of Tea Leaves tea bar in Stratford, Ont. She traced her love of tea to her grandmother's tea ceremony at home when she brewed loose leaf tea. Decades later, a friend took Hartwick to a tearoom in an Alberta antique shop. She left with several containers of different loose leaf tea and a new-found love of tea. She bought a B&B in Stratford, from where she ran Tea Leaves. After guests returned home, they called asking to buy the tea she served. "They had not experienced beautiful tea…The B&B's 800 number turned into the tea hotline," said Hartwick. Sommelier certification Hartwick enrolled in the first Specialty Tea Institute's tea sommelier certification program in 2003. Over the next five years she learned from experts from tea-growing nations while she and her classmates spent months on each tea category. "[For example] we would look at white teas. The processing, the growing conditions, history, and then tasting, cupping. We did so much cupping. White teas come from certain areas of China and India, and just being able to compare those," said Hartwick. Afterward, she travelled to Asian tea gardens to get hands-on experience, picking leaves and learning how to process tea from tea masters. Back in Canada, she curated Rundles restaurant's tea menu and taught at the Stratford Chef's School. "I think because of all of the things I've done, I ended up with a really well-rounded education to take each part further." While she closed the B&B, Tea Leaves remains open by appointment for sales, consulting and custom blending. She also hosts tea tasting events, focusing on seasonal teas. "True" teas are made from two varietals of the camellia sinensis plant. Generally, assamica for black teas and sinensis for green and white teas. Oolongs can be made with either. Hartwick said there are details to note about each variety of tea, including: White teas are picked early while there's just a single bud or a bud and two leaves and dried without oxidation. Green teas are picked after the leaves have grown a little bit longer and heated to dry to less than three per cent moisture. Black teas are allowed to wilt, then bruised, oxidized and dried. Pu-erh teas (made from unoxidized assamica) are fermented and dried. And, like other crops, growing conditions are a factor. "I've had teas come in from Assam, that teas out of a certain field will taste different than another offering from the same tea garden," said Hartwick. "It's just a matter of the mists and the winds." She also mentioned, within a category, different cultures can have their own processing customs. "Green teas from China, it's pick wilt and fire, in an oven or a wok. Japan throws a steam process in. And so that's going to give you different nuances with the tastes and even how green a green tea is." Not just for sipping If want to try something new, the following are pairings Hartwick suggested. During afternoon tea: Japanese sencha provides a good contrast for very sweet options made with lemon curd. Genmaicha Satsuki (green tea with roasted rice) complements savoury sandwiches. Hibiscus and berry teas would contrast salmon and cream cheese sandwiches. If you'd like to try cooking with tea, here are some ideas: Fold fruit from a whole fruit tisane into a cake batter and then use the strained tisane as part of the soak. Steeped fruit teas made with a black tea base can be folded into creams for desserts Smoky lapsang souchong tea leaves can be added to meat rubs or brewed and added to marinade Regardless, Hartwick has these reassuring words: "There's no right and wrong answer. It's a matter of that person who's preparing those items and choosing the teas. The sky's the limit."
