FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Donald F. Weaver, President
Epilepsy Canada
Phone: 1- 877-734-0873
TORONTO, ONT. – February 2, 2011 – Epilepsy Canada is pleased to announce CTV’s Bill Hutchison as honorary spokesperson for 2011. In preparation for what will be an aggressive year of marketing and fundraising, Epilepsy Canada Board Member Gary Collins approached Bill to offer him this voluntary position. Bill responded that he would be more than happy to take on the role and help in any way possible.
“We’re very excited to have someone of Bill’s stature in the community support our organization,” says Gary Collins of Epilepsy Canada. “Bill’s communication skills will help us reach out to key Canadian sponsors to help them understand the pressing needs of both our organization and those afflicted by the disorder.”
As one of the premiere television personalities in Toronto and Canada, Bill will bring a wealth of new opportunities and resources that will be invaluable to Epilepsy Canada throughout the year.
Part of Bill’s passion to foster education and research for epilepsy comes from the influence the disorder has had on his personal life. Growing up with a close family member affected by the disorder, Bill knows firsthand the importance of educating the public as well as raising money to help find a cure.
Epilepsy is a young person’s disorder which makes it that much more important to develop new treatments and medications. Each year, an average of 15,500 Canadians learn that they have epilepsy. Of that group, 44% are diagnosed before the age of 5 with 85% before the age of 18. At the same time, only 1.3% of newly diagnosed patients are over the age of 60.
With almost all new diagnoses coming from children under the age of 18 and so much still unknown about the disorder, it is easy to understand why Epilepsy research and awareness needs remain at the forefront of Canadians’ minds. Bill’s presence on the Epilepsy Canada team will certainly help raise that awareness and get more Canadians committed to the effort.
Bill Hutchison, News Anchor, CTV News at 11:30 p.m.
Bill Hutchison is the co-anchor of CTV News at 11:30 p.m. along with Pauline Chan. Bill is also well known for his popular segment Webmania, which highlights the latest advancements in computers, the Internet and digital technology. Webmania airs on CTV News Toronto, CTV Newsnet and other CTV affiliates across the country.
Bill began his broadcasting career in 1979. His first job was in radio, hosting the CBC's afternoon drive show in Yellowknife.
Over the years Bill has worked for CBC national radio news in Toronto, CKND in Winnipeg, ITV in Edmonton, and CFCN in Calgary. In 1988 he joined CTV Toronto as a general assignment reporter and within a few months he started anchoring the weekend editions of World Beat and Night Beat News.
During his career he has interviewed six Canadian Prime Ministers, former US Secretaries of State George Schultz and Henry Kissinger, and covered visits to Canada by Pope John Paul II, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Phillip, and the Aga Khan. He has also interviewed such Hollywood celebrities as Demi Moore, Kevin Costner, Danny Devito, and Billy Crystal.
A native of Toronto, Bill studied journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute.
About Epilepsy Canada
Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy through promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance of epilepsy.
Epilepsy Canada is governed by a national board with national representation. Partner associations of Epilepsy Canada provide direct services to those with epilepsy and their families.
Founded in 1966, Epilepsy Canada depends entirely upon public and corporate support for the continuing development of its research and education programs.
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