Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) today announced “Woodbine Cares Week,” a celebration of valuable Woodbine-supported community organizations and causes that contribute so much to the life, health and vibrancy of Toronto.

Kicking off at the Woodbine Mile Post Position Draw today, Woodbine Cares Week will feature special announcements, events and an online contest with a $10,000 prize going to a charity chosen by fans and supporters. The campaign will culminate on Sept. 21 with the Woodbine Turf Races, a fun fund-raising event where WEG employees and their families, along with business partners, community organizations and racing fans, participate in a series of on-track races to raise money for United Way Toronto.

The 10-day long campaign is designed to amplify the spirit behind WEG’s “Strong Community Partner” program, a wide-ranging initiative that invests in organizations and programs that are dedicated to building healthy and vibrant communities, educating and empowering children and youth, protecting the welfare of race horses, and preserving, promoting and celebrating diverse cultures and heritages, among others.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve been proud to partner with organizations working to make Toronto a better city,” said Nick Eaves, President and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group. “With Woodbine Cares Week, our campaign goal is not just to raise awareness of the great work being done, but also to encourage our fans and Torontonians everywhere to join us in supporting these important charities and causes.”

As part of Woodbine Cares Week celebrations, WEG has launched a “Charity Challenge” online at www.WEGCares.ca. Through Woodbine Cares Week, 15 of WEG’s longtime charitable and community partners will be profiled and highlighted on the site, and racing fans and customers, along with charitable supporters, will be able to vote for their favourite cause. The charity that receives the most votes by September 19 will be awarded a $10,000 donation by Woodbine Entertainment Group.

On social media, fans can look for updates and show their support with “likes” on Woodbine Racetrack’s Facebook page, or by following @woodbineracing and using the hashtag #WEGCares on Twitter throughout the campaign.

A “Caring Company” since 1997, WEG is a member of Imagine Canada, a national program that promotes public and corporate giving, volunteerism and support to the community. The benchmark of membership and the recognition of being a “Caring Company” is donating 1% of pre-tax profit to charities.

Campaign Partners and Charities

CARD @cardhorsesrock
ALS “Running for my Dad’s Life” http://www.gofundme.com/cvsoxc
Toronto Community Foundation @TorontoFdn
United Way @unitedwayto
LongRun Retirement @LongRunTB
Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society @OSAS_Equine
Racetrack Chaplaincy @RTCCanada
Evergreen @EvergreenCanada
ANS Boys and Girls Club @AlbionBGC
Arts for Children and Youth @AFCYtoronto
Pathways to Education @P2ERexdale
Youth Without Shelter @YWSToronto
Ernestine’s Women Shelter @ErnestinesWS
Rethink @rethinktweet
MicroSkills @MicroSkills