London, Ontario. On Wednesday, June 24, London Chief of Police Murray Faulkner, one of the three Chairs representing the Games Organizing Committee, along with Inspector Steve Goodine, a member of the Committee, accepted a cheque from six No Frills owners in the amount of $15,000 for the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. The cheque presentation took place at the No Frills location at Fanshawe Park Road and Wonderland Road.

"The 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are fortunate to have local No Frills stores support the Games as their charity of choice at a silver level sponsorship for a commitment of two years,” said Goodine. “Partnerships like this will help guarantee that the 2010 Games will be one of the best ever.”

Chief Faulkner noted that when London first learned it was the successful bid for the Games, No Frills was top of mind as a potential supporter. Chief Faulkner noted that “this generous donation will do much to show that London cares. The No Frills Smile Campaign will put a smile on the face of Special Olympic athletes from across the country who will be competing in London in 2010.”

Paul Marier of Paul and Cathy’s No Frills on Hamilton Road recognized the No Frills staff for their tremendous efforts in the Smile Campaign. “Our great staff and customers have really come through for us. The London community gives to us and we want to give back.”

Mark Benns, owner of the No Frills on Fanshawe Park Road explained, “We asked our customers to purchase Smile Cards for $2 each. The customer then signs the card and we put it in the window.”

Also on hand to accept the cheque were Special Olympics athletes and program ambassadors Scott Tennant and James Walker, as well as Justin Taylor and Leigh Salters, both of the London Knights Hockey Club who came to show their support for the Games.

Photos courtesy
of Bill Mills, special olympics ontario london representative / family services coordinator

Published June 24, 2009
by Otte Rosenkrantz, director, public and media relations

Justin Taylor and Leigh Salters of the London Knights with Jamie and Scott

Jamie Walker and Scott Tennant interviewed by London Media