Jawad Rathore Teams Up With the Raptors Foundation for Kids to Send 16 Deserving Inner City Kids to the Raptors Basketball Academy

Market Wire, September, 2008

Jason Kapono of the Toronto Raptors can be seen in video highlights speaking with inner city kids at the Raptors Basketball Academy presented by adidas . Also featured, is Jawad Rathore, President of Phoenix-CRMC discussing the important role athletes play in shaping young kid's minds.

Editors Note: Two videos and a photo are included with this press release.

Jawad Rathore , President of Phoenix-CRMC , along with the Raptors Foundation for Kids presented the St. Alban's/Jane & Finch Boys and Girls Club with a donation last month to help send 16 youths to the Raptors Basketball Academy presented by adidas. Through clever fundraising, which included an 80's themed costume party and silent auction, Jawad was able to raise the funds needed for the St. Alban's/Jane & Finch Boys & Girls Club .

"We are very excited to be a part of sending these kids to such a wonderful Academy", says Jawad. I'm committed to giving back to the community and teaming up with the Raptors Foundation for Kids has given me the much needed support to make a difference.

The basketball academy sponsorship is the second phase of Jawad's efforts with the St. Albans Boys & Girls Clubs. In April, Jawad Rathore (in conjunction with Jason Kapono and the Raptors Foundation for Kids) helped launch a $20,000 build initiative in the Jane/Finch area to create a reading and learning centre.

"We would like to thank everyone who participated in the fundraiser. We would also like to thank the Raptors Foundation for Kids for allowing us to be a part of such an exciting camp dedicated to kids. When we made the decision to get involved with the Raptors Foundation for Kids, we never imagined our fundraising efforts could have such an amazing impact on young children's lives. My business partners and employees are committed to fundraising initiatives and raising awareness throughout the GTA."

The Raptors Foundation for Kids is the charitable arm of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club, and is dedicated to assisting Ontario's registered charities that support programs and sports initiatives for at-risk children and youth.

Contacts: Media Contacts: Raptors Foundation Alanna Rubino (416) 815-5938 Email: arubino@mapleleafsports.com Website: www.raptors.com Phoenix-CRMC Vince Petrozza (905) 787-1145 x229 Email: vince@phoenix-crmc.com