October 6, 2003

BMW, Holt Renfrew and Canadian celebrities support cancer charity

Toronto, Ontario - Canadian female celebrities from sport, film, hospitality, and media teamed up with promotional winners from retailer Holt Renfrew on Monday at BMW Driver Training to raise money and awareness for the National Ovarian Cancer Association (NOCA). The second annual Holt Renfrew Girls Only at BMW Driver Training saw the likes of Miss Universe Canada 2003 Leanne Cecile, and actress Kristen Booth (Foolproof) learn active safe driving techniques from BMW's instructors combined with a touch of pampering Holt Renfrew style, all the while supporting NOCA.

Ten lucky Holt Renfrew Girls Night In raffle winners from three Toronto Holt Renfrew stores took to the pavement with the celebrities for an exhilarating day behind the wheel. Between driving sessions in BMW's award winning 330i sedans, the raffle winners and their celebrity partners received neck, back and hand massages provided by the Estée Lauder Spa. Additional celebrities on hand to support the event included three-time Olympic gold medal rower Marnie McBean; actress Sonja Smits (Street Legal); National Post reporter, Susanne Hiller; actress Leila Johnson (PSI Factor); 680 News entertainment editor Gloria Martin; award winning food and travel writer Sara Waxman; Global Television reporter, Catherine McDonald; and Desserts by Phipps pastry chef and owner Kathryn Leinster-Bromell.

NOCA supports women and their families living with the disease, raises awareness in the general public and with health care professionals and funds research to develop reliable early detection techniques, improved treatments and ultimately, a cure.

"We were extremely honoured to be part of such a unique fundraising event like Holt Renfrew Girls Only at BMW Driver Training. It is wonderful to see highly acclaimed women celebrities supporting patients living with ovarian cancer and help raise awareness of a disease that affects one in every 70 Canadian women," explained Elisabeth Ross, NOCA's executive director.

For more information about NOCA, visit www.ovariancanada.org.

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