Helping Kids be Kids: H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada Host the Second Annual Boys and their Toys Fundraiser for Easter Seals

By Paul Fitzgerald 

It’s going to be a day of fast cars, revved up engines, amazing sights and sounds, great food and entertainment, and most of all a day that will have kids smiling from start to finish.

You see on Saturday, May 30, 2015, H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are yet again proving their commitment to community outreach and will host their second annual Boys and their Toys Fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario (www.boysandtheirtoys.ca)

Last year’s event was a resounding success as the event raised $10,000.00 for Easter Seals Ontario - a leading children’s charity devoted to helping kids with physical disabilities succeed and live more independent lives. This year they want to surpass last year’s efforts in a big way.

This year’s event will be held from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at H2 Systems Inc. headquarters which is located at 3245 Harvester Road.

The Boys and their Toys event is a chance of a lifetime for car lovers who will get to test drive the finest of wheels of their dreams. All proceeds go directly to Easter Seals Ontario.

Here are the mint wheels each guest gets to test drive: Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren Mp4-12C, and Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

All test drives for each car will be $200.00 and it will be $250.00 to test drive the Lamborghini Huracan.

Models will also be on hand for photo-ops with each and every guest who test drives any vehicle.

During the event guests will also get to tour the Experience Centre at H2 Systems Inc. – the only one of its kind in Canada, and a state-of-the-art car simulator will be available for those who want to try out their driving skills before they embark on their dream test drive.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., indicates that the annual event holds a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“This year’s event is going to be another resounding success,” Howell. “The line-up of our dream wheels is simply out of this world and everyone is thrilled to know that all proceeds are going directly to Easter Seals. Our efforts will only put smiles on kid’s faces and in all everyone is helping kids be kids.”

Shaz Samji, Founding Member of Supercars Canada, states, “We know our event will be a big hit as each guest gets the chance to test drive their dream cars, and most of all our Boys and their Toys fundraiser will help children with physical disabilities on many levels. We are so pleased to be giving back to the community in which we live and work, and we know our efforts will have a positive impact for Easter Seals.”

CarolineWallace, Senior Development Officer, Easter Seals Ontario, says her organization is elated to be a part of this dynamic fundraising initiative.

“Easter Seals applauds the efforts and generosity of H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada in hosting this exciting event again. We are so fortunate to be the beneficiary of this unique fundraiser,” says Wallace.

“Easter Seals Ontario has been helping children with physical disabilities for over 90 years and we rely fully on corporate and public support to offer our camping experiences, programs and services. H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are doing a wonderful job in helping kids be kids. The entire Easter Seals team is extremely thankful for the continued efforts of Clinton Howell and Shaz Samji in hosting the annual Boys and their Toys event. Their positive support means a world of difference for kids with disabilities.”

Supercars Canada is a membership club and a car enthusiast's dream, located in Burlington.

H2 Systems Inc. is widely known for its excellence in offering the best in home theatre systems, home automation, home integration, and even home theatre décor for clients in Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

To register to test drive the wheels of your dreams and to support Easter Seals Ontario, please visit: www.boysandtheirtoys.ca

Lack of Guidance Counsellors at Port Credit Schools? Fresh Careers Provides Parents and Students with Solutions

By Paul Fitzgerald 

It’s a staggering fact that only 14 per cent of Ontario elementary schools have access to guidance counsellors, and only 10 per cent have a counsellor on staff full-time.

Meanwhile, middle schools, those with grades 7 and 8, and high schools, have a higher percentage of guidance counsellors on staff but the average ratio of students to guidance counsellors is 391 to 1, which means students get little face time. This limits the amount of hands-on support that they should receive.

The lack of guidance counsellors in the education system in Port Credit is also being felt by parents and kids alike.

However, while the education system is grappling with cutbacks and changes in staffing priorities, a local entrepreneur is stepping up in order to make a positive and long-term difference for the youth of tomorrow.

You see, Susan McKechnie of Fresh Careers is expanding her business to include a one-of-a-kind career planning and coaching service for youth. Her passion for helping others will certainly help a strained educational system and will benefit youth and their families on many levels.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, McKechnie will host a special workshop, Post-Secondary Planning: Providing the Tools for Crafting a Post-Secondary Roadmap, at Port Credit Secondary School. The event will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

“It’s never too early to think about and plan for your teen’s post-secondary pathway to college or university,” says McKechnie. “It will be here sooner than you think.”

During her presentation McKechnie, a youth career development professional and career coach, will provide parents with a step-by-step approach to helping their teen’s craft a suitable post-secondary roadmap.

“The intention of the evening workshop is to leave parents with the information necessary to navigate what comes next for their teens,” says McKechnie.

The topics she will cover include: the New Canadian Economy and the Future Jobs; Career Discovery Exploration; College and/or University, and/or Apprenticeship or other; Choosing the Right Fit of a Program; Financial Realities of a Post-Secondary Education; Preparing for the Transition to the World of Work and Planning a Successful Future.

The services that Fresh Careers offers are unique on every level and will benefit our youth, parents and will serve as a new and innovative branch for schools at all levels to utilize.

Some of the services Fresh Careers offer includes: Academic Roadmap Planning, Career Exploration, Events and Workshops, and Academic, Life and Career Coaching.

McKechnie and her team of professionals will soon be working with a number of other schools across the GTA.

 “Our youth need direction and leadership from the right sources,” says McKechnie. “At present, the current system of career and life development is lacking in a big way in our educational system, and we know we will be here to make a positive difference for youth who need guidance and direction.”

She adds, “The right guidance and support means our youth will be better prepared for tomorrow.”

Take Me Out to the Movies... In Our Backyard

By Paul Fitzgerald 

So here is the scenario. Darkness suddenly hits a huge silver screen. The audience sits silent with much excitement and plenty of anticipation. Then all of the sudden a bright full-colour-image appears on the big screen – of course it is accompanied by heart-pumping-theatrical-like-music. The audience, captivated in every sense, becomes immersed with the superb images and the incredible sound effects. The moment becomes live; real in more ways than one.

This experience is all part of inventiveness in storytelling through entertainment. That’s right, it’s show time.
You might assume that this scenario is one you would expect at your local mega-plex cinema. However, it’s not really: this is an experience you can now have in your own backyard.

According to Clinton Howell, the founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. in Burlington, ON, backyard home theatre systems are now a new and emerging trend these days. From Burlington to Hamilton, and from Oakville to Mississauga, homeowners are turning to the outdoor home theatre experience as a means of entertaining family, friends and the neighbours.

And, believe it or not, having an outdoor home theatre system is easy to set up and take down, and more importantly you don’t have to break the bank in order to have one. Still, some investment is involved with time and money, but it’s worth it in the end. Even better, having a backyard home theatre is great for family bonding time during the spring and summer months.

“Homeowners these days seem to be staying local during the spring and summer months now as travel is becoming more and more expensive,” says Howell. “Still, while at home, they want to entertain and they want to be entertained, and backyard home theatres are popular because it’s a fun experience, less costly than traveling with a family and it’s a new way of enjoying cinema at its best.”

When most people think of the home theatre experience, they think of a home theatre room or a multi-purpose room inside. Taking it outdoors takes the movie experience to a whole new level, almost like the days when drive-ins became popular.


H2 Systems Inc., popular for its excellence in offering the best in home theatre systems, home automation, home integration, built-in-multi-zones and video solutions, flat-screen TVs, home networking, home theatre design and construction and décor for its clients, is now part of the backyard home theatre trend. While spring has just arrived, Howell and his team are out helping homeowners discover how they have they ultimate outdoor home theatre experience.

Howell reiterates to customers of the importance of watching movies in the dark.

“Watching movies outdoors in the dark provides the best entertainment experience in terms of picture quality,” he says. “Projected images have much better black levels and contrast when the projector of the main source of light. Going to war with the sun is a never-winning battle. The only way you could watch movies outside in light is by purchasing highly expensive outdoor screens or high-end flat-screen TVs. The good news is that there are options, but in all watching movies under the stars is a terrific experience.”
In planning the location of your screen, a large wall on the back of the house or attached to your fence is a perfect option. And if you are short on space, then take advantage of well-placed trees for hanging an inflatable or portable screen between them.

“While the location of the screen is important, keep in mind that you have your power supply in close proximity,” says Howell. “Aside from the projector, you will need to power your Blu-ray player or set-top box and speakers.”

Your choice of what type of screen to have is also important, explains Howell.

“The cost of quality weather-proof screens is more than affordable nowadays,” he says. “Inflatable screens are also popular but are more expensive.”

As well there are all a variety of all-weather-outdoor TVs and the bigger ones can be expensive if one prefers this approach.

Selecting the right projector is also important. “Having a separate projector for your outdoor home theatre is important,” he says. “You can buy relatively inexpensive projectors so you don’t need to worry about them getting damaged.”

“There are a variety of projectors with lumen ratings over 2,000 available and now 3D projectors are in and are coming down in price. If 3D is your fancy then grab some affordable glasses and enjoy your backyard movie experience in style.”

Howell suggests that before purchasing a projector it is important to know its actual distance to the screen. The right distance from the projector to the screen will mean a better viewing experience for you and your audience.

And keep in mind that the right sound is also important in having the right outdoor home theatre experience.


“There are all-weather speakers that are available and they are ‘sound’ for your evening entertainment,” says Howell. “In all, there are a variety of choices with outdoor sound systems – which you can have on stands, or hang from the side of your house or even on the trees. The options for speakers are endless – go with what works and have fun.”

Once your outdoor home theatre is all set up, then it’s time to fire up the grills to serve some good eats, along with some popcorn too of course.

For those who are not sure where to start or need direction with setting up an outdoor home theatre system, Howell suggests hiring a home theatre expert to guide and do the work for you.

“A home theatre expert will provide a variety of options and will work within your budget,” says Howell. “Home theatre experts know all about the right screens, projectors, flat screen TVs, audio, power sourcing and ensuring you have a memorable outdoor home theatre experience.”

He adds, “The warmer temps will soon be here and now is the time to plan for your new outdoor home theatre in your very own backyard.”

Lack of Guidance Counsellors in Ontario Prompts Entrepreneur to Expand Services

By Paul Fitzgerald

Fresh Careers Provides Unique Career and Life Coaching Solutions for Kids and Teens

It’s a staggering fact that only 14 per cent of Ontario elementary schools have access to guidance counsellors, and only 10 per cent have a counsellor on staff full-time.

Meanwhile, middle schools, those with grades 7 and 8, and high schools, have a higher percentage of guidance counsellors on staff but the average ratio of students to guidance counsellors is 391 to 1, which means students get little face time. This limits the amount of hands-on support that they should receive.

The lack of guidance counsellors and their availability demonstrates a challenged educational system on many levels. The result is purely damning for the future of kids and adolescents who are seeking the right guidance and inspirational leadership to help them on their life and career paths.

However, while the education system is grappling with cutbacks and changes in staffing priorities, a Grater Toronto Area (GTA) entrepreneur is stepping up in order to make a positive and long-term difference for the youth of tomorrow.

You see, Susan McKechnie of Fresh Careers is expanding her business to include a one-of-a-kind career planning and coaching service for youth. Her passion for helping others will certainly help a strained educational system and will benefit youth and their families on many levels.

McKechnie who has spent 20 years in the recruitment and staffing industry, has observed that new post-secondary grads are not prepared for the changing workforce.

As a certified Career Counsellor, she began to quickly realize that 1 in 4 post-secondary grads were working in unskilled labour. And in the GTA there is presently a 20 per cent unemployment rate for 24-34 year-olds.

 When she questioned guidance counsellors in high schools on the matter, the answer was they needed more support. They did not have enough time to spend with students with all of the other challenging issues that they are dealing with. The answer from college and university counsellors was that they are witnessing 75 per cent of first year students either dropping out or changing majors, costing themselves and parents money.

With this, McKechnie knew that expanding her specialized career and life planning service for kids and teens was more than needed due to the challenges being placed on an ever-so-changing educational system: elementary, middle school and high school.

This is why she has assembled a team – all of whom are committed to helping our youth in discovering the right career and life path while allowing them to make the right decisions today so that they have a brighter future.

The services that Fresh Careers offers are unique on every level and will benefit our youth, parents and will serve as a new and innovative branch for schools at all levels to utilize.

Some of the services Fresh Careers offer includes: Academic Road-map Planning, Career Exploration, Events and Workshops, and Academic, Life and Career Coaching.

McKechnie and her team of professionals will soon be working with schools in Halton and across the GTA.

“The expansion of Fresh Careers is an exciting venture,” says McKechnie. “Our youth need direction and leadership from the right sources. At present, the current system of career and life development is lacking in a big way in our educational system, and we know we will be here to make a positive difference for youth who need guidance and direction.”

She adds, “The right guidance and support means our youth will be better prepared for tomorrow.”

Toronto Fitness Coach Makes Giant Leap from the Gym to the Silver Screen

By Paul Fitzgerald

Passion, determination, and drive are qualities many people desire and strive for as they are fundamental in the true definition of success.

For Francisca Dennis, a popular fitness coach, these traits come naturally and are the key reason why she is such a positive influence on others and successful in so many ways.

Simply put, she is a one-of-a-kind person – genuine, outgoing and charismatic, and her energy is downright contagious.

And when it comes to being in shape, she is a tough match to beat: from head to toe her body is in perfect form, which is complimented by her stunning smile and her elegant complexion.

“I have always been internally motivated and driven. I’m in love with the process. It turns my crank to have a goal no matter what it is and step to it every day,” says Dennis during an interview at a local gym in Burlington, ON. 

The founder and owner of FD Lifestyle in Toronto, ON, has a long list of clients that she trains daily throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Toronto for that matter, and she is hailed as an icon in the fitness world.

And while the 44 year-old is a champion in her own right in the world of fitness, she is set to prove herself as an actor on the silver screen.

It’s a big leap from the gym, but she is ready for the challenge and the adventure.

Yes, she will no doubt be a star on the silver screen, but she is humble and yet poised to embark on a new and inimitable sort of excursion.

Dennis is gearing up to play a star role in the Road of the Dead, starring the notable Dan Richardson. The Nighthawk Production, directed by David Bispham and Danny Albury, will be filmed in the UK in 2015.

“I am the lead female and will play a kick-butt lieutenant opposite Dan Richardson, in this post-apocalyptic action movie,” she smiles. “I am super excited about this opportunity; I am simply elated.”

“My physicality and fitness background definitely helped me land this role. My character is a strong woman both mentally and physically. The directors saw that I could bring this to help bring my character to life and I was fortunate enough to get the job.”

Last fall the charming fitness guru also starred in X-Species, a FreeSpark Production, and she says it was an incredible experience working on the set in New Mexico.

“The scenery there was absolutely breathtaking,” she recalls.

“For one of the scenes I had to lay in on the ground for hours with my mouth agape.  Some of the crew were there just to keep the scorpions and snakes off the set, so of course this is going through my mind as I am laying there take-after-take. It was a thrilling adventure and I loved every minute of it - even with the threat of spiders crawling in my mouth during my death scene,” she laughs.

Dennis, who is a fitness coach, author, and speaker, contends that her passion for fitness and physicality is a gift that is meant to be shared.

“I’ve seen how I have been able to influence others and inspire them to start, to not give up and it means so much to me. I feel my purpose is to help people see the strength they have within. Motivating them to be their very own heroes,” she says.

While successful in on every level, she admits that her journey in life hasn’t been an easy one, but the gym and healthy living became her savior.

“I actually struggled with body image issues in my twenties,” she says. “I was so thin that I had to layer clothing on just so I wouldn’t feel like a walking skeleton.  I would hear hurtful names, comments and rumors of me having an eating disorder – which I didn’t have, but for the life of me I couldn’t put on weight no matter what I consumed.”

She adds, “I wanted to change my body composition so I started getting serious about weight training and educating myself on proper nutrition and supplementation. I began to see the results of my hard work and my stick arms were actually growing baby muscles which excited and motivated me to keep going, which is what I did and why I love ‘process’ or the ‘journey.’”

She also admits that she has had countless experiences in her life that have attributed to her inner drive.

“As a child of adoption, I think that I always had a need to prove something to the world and perhaps myself that I was good enough, that I was worthy,” she says.

As a teen mom she knew that she had to work harder than other young women her age so that certain circumstances would not dictate the future.

She grew up quickly, but she took the challenges head on and is better for it.

“I put my head down, went to school, got straight A’s, and raised my daughter while caring for my handicapped mother,” she says. “Again, I wanted to prove to myself and the world that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you control the outcome with your thoughts, your words, and your actions.”

Her father, who fought in the South Pacific during World War II, and who later went on to become a professor at the University of Windsor, along with her other adopted brothers and sisters were also true inspirations in her life.

“Our household was diverse, busy and unique on every level… There was support, love and we were taught that success comes from our own doing,” she says.

Believe it or not, Dennis is actually the mother of six children.

“My kids are older now and have been taught to be very self-sufficient, just like I was,” she says. “When they were younger I did most of my training online so that I could be home for them.  As for my own personal time to train I would go to the gym before they woke or worked out at home…Balance with kids comes down to planning for the most part. Meals, activities, friends can all be managed if planned properly.”

And if you think Dennis is busy enough training, speaking, acting, and being a loyal mother, she has somehow managed to find the time to further educate her fans and the general public on the importance of exercise and healthy living. She recently released a book, SoulPrinciples: 6 Steps to a Whole New You, and it is getting rave reviews from readers.

“I wanted to author a book so I can share some of the strategies that I had used myself for years to overcome obstacles and help simplify the ‘how,’ ‘when’ and ‘whys’ of reaching your potential and believing in your power,” she says. “I hear so many women who struggle to find peace with themselves, but they are usually the ones who are cutting themselves short and being their own worst enemy. It’s so prevalent and I wanted to address this.”

Dennis and her staunch commitment to fitness and healthy living are mirrored by prominent media outlets and she is grateful for the exposure to date. She has landed on the cover of countless fitness magazines, and she says the coverage has given her a stronger platform to reach people with her message of greater self-love and awareness.

“I really enjoy modeling and acting and being able to play in front of the camera as it all comes very natural to me. Being on set, the collaboration, being creative, meeting new people and sharing what I love is what makes it so much fun.”

While Dennis has become a woman of fame here locally and internationally, she has and always will remain committed in giving back to others what she has learned in life.

“I am so passionate about helping people to realize their true potentials,” she says. “The feedback I get continues to fuel my passion and further inspire me and for that I am so very grateful.”

And with any goal or journey, Dennis says the real trick to success and discovering your true inner self is all quit simple.

“Just hold tight to your intention, keep it first and foremost, be grateful, be humble and see the end result, not the obstacles,” she says.