[mr.x]

DONATE NOW: $400,000 NEEDED

February 9, 2009
WWW.SAVETHEFIREWORKS.CA (http://www.savethefireworks.ca) | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Savethefireworks.ca today launched their official campaign and online donation drive at www.savethefireworks.ca (http://www.savethefireworks.ca) to revive Vancouver’s signature summer event ,The Celebration of Light.

Patrick Postrehovsky, of Vancouver based FCV Technologies and his team of designers and developers are behind the effort to facilitate public support by providing an online destination where public and corporate donations can be made in support of the Vancouver Festival Fireworks Society (The Society) and The Celebration of Light. He has also teamed up with Rachel Kane, who is a local twelve year veteran of the Canadian pyrotechnic production team to spearhead the effort.

Please visit our website to make donation and spread the word to your friends, family, business associates and fellow Vancouver visitors.

We appreciate your support in bring back The Celebration of Light - Vancouver's annual summer fireworks festival. It's not too late!

Stay up to date and informed on all developments and our progress by visiting our website, right here on Facebook and by subscribing to our Twitter feed.




OFFICIAL FACEBOOK GROUP COUNT: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=79326510328&ref=nf
- Feb. 4 (9 hours): 367!.....enough to fill a SeaBus ferry
- Feb. 5 (33 hours): 3,502!!.....the population of Bowen Island
- Feb. 6 (57 hours): 7,108!!!.....enough to fill the new UBC Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre
- Feb. 7 (81 hours): 9,809!!!!.....the population of the Resort Municipality of Whistler
- Feb. 8 (Day 5): 12,151!!!!!.....the population of Comox

[GeeCee]

Where is this 400k figure coming from? Is that how short they are this year?

[mr.x]

It is coming from YOU. BUSINESSES.

DONATE NOW!


edit: and yes, we are short $400,000 this year out of the $4-million required to put on the shows.

[Distill3d]

TO DATE WE HAVE RAISED $1,550.75

i'm bookmarking this page...when it gets to 399,500, i'll pitch in my 500

[DKaz]

This just means they need like what 25 to 50 cents from each attendee for each night. I can hardly think of anything fun you can do for fiddy cents.

[Mininari]

This just means they need like what 25 to 50 cents from each attendee for each night. I can hardly think of anything fun you can do for fiddy cents.

Considering between 350,000 and 450,000 show up for EACH of the four nights... yep, its the equivalent of 25cents per person, per show.

Where else can you spend a quarter, and get anywhere from 2 to 8 hours of sitting on a blanket on a beach with friends, playing cards, waiting for 25 minutes of amazing pyrotechnics?

[mr.x]

$2,250.00

[Yume-sama]

:sly: I'm going to be the pessimist and say they get about 1/4 of the way.

[mr.x]

:sly: I'm going to be the pessimist and say they get about 1/4 of the way.

Blasphemy.


We are confident that we can make $400,000.

[David]

Where does my money go if the fireworks do not end up happening?

[deasine]

Good question.

BTW, I had to rename the thread because it sounded to "advertisement" like or "SPAM" like. I stickied it for now.

[Metro-One]

What i find even more amazing is they are going to cancel our cities largest event for a 10% funding shortfall. To me this seems like a sum that should have been immediately absorbed by the city of Vancouver or the province through art and culture funds. Or, instead of canceling the entire event why not just cancel the final show and keep the other 3 for the competition? Seems like a bunch of mismanagement to me. This is something the tycoons like Jimmy should pay for.

But this is how it is, ridiculous as it may be, but i will donate 10 bucks as i said earlier, but first, as posted above, i need to know what happens to my money if it does fail.

[teriyaki]

That site looks terrible. WHY in the world did they make it SIDE-SCROLLING?

It doesn't add to their credibility at all. I also question, what happens to my money if they fail to revive the fireworks?

[wrenegade]

That site looks terrible. WHY in the world did they make it SIDE-SCROLLING?

Agreed! WTF??? It's so frustrating to read!

[crazyjoeda]

I love the idea of the side scrolling site, but it could have been implemented more effectively. This is a good cause.

[mr.x]

Agreed! WTF??? It's so frustrating to read!

The links atop the website fast forward you to the sections; no need for scrolling.

[djh]

The links atop the website fast forward you to the sections; no need for scrolling.



X2, are you involved with this group - because you talk about "we"?
If so, can you please write on the facebook page's description what WOULD happen to the money raised IF the target amount is not reached?

People feel trepidation about donating to a non-official charity, as the organisers could be scammers and we have no references for their credibility. But if you're involved and write what you'll do with the money, I'll feel more comfortable donating.

Thanks.

[Spork]

Just run a chargeback through PayPal. I've done it before when my donation isn't put into action.

[mr.x]

$5,650.00


Yes, I am involved. There's a press conference on Thursday on the fireworks barge.

[Metro-One]

:previous: Awesome

[twoNeurons]

Mr.X2: Ensuring that should the Fireworks get canceled, all monies will be returned would go a LONG way to assuage people's fears.

Still impressive that you have already received 1.5% of the funds needed.

[twoNeurons]

I wonder if they've every considered charging for entry onto English Bay after a certain time. They do that in other places around the world... charge for the best seats.

Though perhaps it would be more hassle than it's worth.

[mr.x]

Attention News Editors:
Savethefireworks.ca launches website and online donation drive to bring back The Celebration of Light

VANCOUVER, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Savethefireworks.ca today launched their
official campaign and online donation drive at www.savethefireworks.ca to
revive Vancouver's signature summer event, The Celebration of Light.
Patrick Postrehovsky, of Vancouver based FCV Technologies and his team of
designers and developers are behind the effort to facilitate public support by
providing an online destination where public and corporate donations can be
made in support of the Vancouver Festival Fireworks Society (The Society) and
The Celebration of Light. He has also teamed up with Rachel Kane, who is a
local twelve year veteran of the Canadian pyrotechnic production team to
spearhead the effort.
"Like many others in Vancouver we were disappointed to hear the news that
the 2009 HSBC Celebration of Light was canceled, and felt we had the drive and
the resources to step up and do what was needed to channel the communities'
passion effectively," stated Patrick Postrehovsky, Director of
Savethefireworks.ca. "After speaking with The Vancouver Fireworks Festival
Society it was obvious to us they had exhausted options and resources, given
the current economic climate, and we felt if we did not act quickly this event
might not be brought back from the brink, as it was in 2001," Postrehovsky
stated.
Kane, who has extensive experience with fireworks and special effects,
and a long history with The Celebration of Light, spoke on behalf of the
Canadian pyrotechnicians and production team, who work annually with each of
the competing teams throughout the festival. "For many of us, this barge is
where we grew up together. We've learned from the best in the world, and we've
become a family. There is nothing on earth like being on the barge during the
shows, and we can hear the crowds roaring, even over the biggest blasts - it's
amazing. It is genuinely heartbreaking to us to think we might not get to
share our passion with hundreds of thousands of people this summer," stated
Kane.
Executive producers for The Celebration of Light have endorsed this
campaign and have agreed to extend the deadline required to source all
suppliers in time for the show. They have expressed surprise and delight in
the scale and dedication of the Vancouver community, and have made known their
support and enthusiasm.
Savethefireworks.ca allows the public and business community the
opportunity to donate and raise the $400,000 shortfall needed to bring back
this year's event. That was the amount The Society indicated would need to be
raised to keep the 2009 event on track.
To produce The Celebration of Light in 2010 and beyond will require an
annual financial commitment of $4 million.
The website will keep a daily track of funds raised. Donations can be
made at www.savethefireworks.ca All donations are tax-deductible to the
fullest extent allowed by law. An official tax-receipt will be emailed to all
donors. Donation transactions are 100% secure through the Paypal donations
system. Every dollar will make a difference.
Savethefireworks.ca will not be engaging in cash collections or public
solicitations of any sort. Donating through the website is the only legitimate
public channel to financially support The Celebration of Light with your
generous donation.
An official Facebook group has also been launched that is part of the
campaign where supporters can post stories, photos and share their experiences
from past Celebration of Light events.

About Savethefireworks.ca

Savethefireworks.ca is a not for profit group that supports The
Celebration of Light and the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.
Savethefireworks.ca has officially launched www.savethefireworks.ca to
bring together all of the supporters, locally, nationally, and internationally
who have expressed a heartfelt desire to contribute to the Festival.
All funds raised will be used to cover the costs of staging this annual
signature event in Vancouver. Please join us on our Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.phpNo./group.php?gid=66781677673 so we can keep
you updated on our progress and activities in bringing back the Celebration of
Light. You can also sign-up to our Twitter feed
http://twitter.com/savefireworks to keep on top of the latest developments and
become a proud supporter of The Celebration of Light.




For further information: For all media inquiries please contact: Patrick
Postrehovsky, Director, Savethefireworks.ca, Email:
Patrick@savethefireworks.ca, Cell: (604) 916-2718; For all other inquiries and
questions please email: info@savethefireworks.ca





Attention News/Assignment/Photo Editors:
Savethefireworks.ca to host exclusive media event on The Celebration of Light Barge

VANCOUVER, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Savethefireworks.ca was organized in response
to the cancellation announcement made Feb 4th regarding the Celebration of
Light Fireworks Festival for 2009. Thousands of people from Vancouver and
around the World have expressed their disappointment at the news and have
voiced their willingness to financially support The Celebration of Light for
2009 and beyond.
This campaign will make possible the coordination of private and public
donations towards the funds still needed to ensure the Celebration of Light
for 2009 continues as planned.
In support of the Savethefireworks.ca official campaign launch and online
donation drive at www.savethefireworks.ca the local Celebration of Light
Pyrotechnic Crew and Savethefireworks.ca is extending an exclusive and limited
invitation to members of the media to join us on The Celebration of Light
fireworks barge, for a rare behind the scenes tour of the site that stages
this spectacular annual fireworks competition.
Campaign director Patrick Postrehovsky, veteran pyrotechnician Rachel
Kane, and senior members of the pyrotechnic crew will be available for photos
and interviews. A formal announcement will be made at 2:30pm, followed by a
Q&A period, and individual interviews and photo opportunities.

<<
Who:
Patrick Postrehovsky, Director - Savethefireworks.ca
Rachel Kane, Media Host - Savethefireworks.ca

When:
Thursday February 12, 2009
>>

This event is limited to a maximum of 16 members of the media on a first
come, first served basis. Please contact us directly to book your spot. There
are a limited number of spots available on the water taxi transport to the
barge.
We ask that all confirmed media attendees are gathered no later then
1:30pm at 89 Rogers Street. The water taxi will be departing promptly at 2pm.

Why:
To invite the media to celebrate the launch of the Savethefireworks.ca
campaign and to further promote the media community's commitment to saving
Vancouver's signature summer event. Our aim is to coordinate public and
corporate support through secure tax-deductible donations, and to bring to
light the fact that there is an enormous potential and an activated
infrastructure in place to revive fundraising efforts in time to produce The
Celebration of Light for 2009.
The barge and pyrotechnicians that launch the thousands of shells that
fill English Bay skies every summer with light, colour and music will launch
our campaign.

<<
Where:
The Celebration of Light Barge

Water taxi meeting location: 89 Rogers Street

Google Maps link: http://tinyurl.com/co9nfy

Media:
To reserve your spot on the water taxi transport please email us directly
and we will confirm your attendance promptly.
info@savethefireworks.ca
>>

We will try to accommodate all media equipment but please be aware of the
limited space available. As this event is being held outdoors please dress
appropriately for the weather.

<<
Please provide us with the following
- Media affiliation
- Contact information (including names of your team, position, primary
cell and email contact)
- Any special requirements we should be made aware of
- Any advance questions you wish to submit will be reviewed and
responses will be provided on the day
>>



For further information: For all media inquiries please contact: Patrick
Postrehovsky, Director, Savethefireworks.ca, Email:
Patrick@savethefireworks.ca, Cell: (604) 916-2718; For all other inquiries and
questions please email: info@savethefireworks.ca

[touraccuracy]

^is your name Patrick, perchance?

[mr.x]

To date we have raised $6,250.00

Funds needed to stage the 2009 Celebration Of Light: $400,000

[jlousa]

I've donated the $100 like I said I would, I still don't think it'll matter though but hope to be proven wrong.

The 4day event costs $4Million, of which only $1.5Million is in cash expenses, they only have $1.1Million of that $1.5Million dollars to pay for the fireworks. The city already contributes more then anyone else, they provide free policing, traffic control take care of the cleanup. So we can stop the city bashing as they are carrying more then their share already.

[mr.x]

Mr.X2: Ensuring that should the Fireworks get canceled, all monies will be returned would go a LONG way to assuage people's fears.


If for any reason the full amount cannot be raised in time, a display will be produced regardless, dedicated to the City of Vancouver Community. We have every confidence and assurance that there is time and resource to achieve our goal. Funds will also be used to stage future shows in 2010 and beyond to continue this Vancouver summer tradition.

[jlousa]

Hmm figured they'd update the total constantly, I donated 15minutes after Mr X's recent update, and it's been another 15minutes and the total still hasn't adjusted. Glad I used Paypal just in case.

[mr.x]

^ We rushed to build the website, to get everything "done". The donated total is updated manually every few hours by staff.

[mr.x]

Savethefireworks.ca has officially filed our paper work with the Ministry of Finance BC Registry Services under the BC Society ACT this afternoon.

In the event the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society dissolves and ceases to exist we will be forming a new society to oversee the management of hosting Vancouver's signature summer event - The Celebration of Light.

We need to stress that all funds will be donated to the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society in order to stage The Celebration of Light in 2009 and excess funds raised will be used to stage the event in 2010 and will be working with the public and corporate sector on fundraising efforts and securing sponsorship for the event in 2009 and beyond.

Spread The Light. Spread The Word.






Facebook group works to save Celebration of Light
Thousands of Canadians signing up
Dave White VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) | Monday, February 9th, 2009 8:55 pm

Facebook may be the key to saving the HSBC Celebration of Light. Thousands of people from across the country are joining a group trying to save the iconic English Bay light show.

About $400,000 will be needed to cover the funding shortfall to keep the fireworks alive. Patrick Postrehovsky is the Executive Director of savethefireworks.ca, and the group's administrator.
He says using technology and the Internet are how they are getting the community involved.

"Through the power of social media and Facebook and people being able to connect, we are pretty confident that we will be able to make an inroad here."

Postrehovsky says one member donated $1,000 to the cause. He says the group has only raised $6,000 so far, but is confident they will surpass that.





Celebration of Light fundraiser website launched
By DHARM MAKWANA, 24 HOURS

A group of fireworks enthusiasts could be blowing smoke in their attempt to save the HSBC Celebration of Light.

Patrick Postrehovsky, of Vancouver-based FCV Technologies, Monday launched savethefireworks.ca as a destination for private citizens to raise $400,000 to cover a shortfall that forced the cancellation of the summertime spectacular last week.

“We’re using President Obama as our pinnacle example of what happens when you get people donating and involved at the local level,” he said of the Web 2.0 campaign.

But, according to VFFS board member Shawn Thomas, it's still lights out for the festival.

“If they reach their fundraising goal it still does not save the event because it’s a much more complicated activity than simply coming up with funding at this point in time,” he said.

Thomas said regaining event designation from the city and having sponsors recommit stand as major obstacles.

Postrehovsky plans on holding tours of the barge for media independent of the VFFS.

Said Thomas: “I don’t even know where the barge is.”

[Cypherus]

My hope is if Jim Pattison would donate the remaining, considering he is a proponent for generating run-off economic wealth for small business that benefit every year because of the fireworks crowd.

[twoNeurons]

Jim Pattison is more businessman than philanthropist.

[mr.x]

^ didn't he contribute $1-million to the Stanley Park Restoration Fund?

[baggab]

I love the idea of the side scrolling site, but it could have been implemented more effectively. This is a good cause.

The website isn't much better than the designer's website. They seem to be a small group of people trying to provide website designing services. I browsed around and the transitions between pages and tabs are kind of irritating. The backgrounds remind me of the 1999 and splash wallpapers.

I don't mean to be offensive, but that is my first thoughts and honest opinions.

Either way it was probably done for free.

I'm not too into the event myself, but I'm sure some of my friends might donate. Who knows 400k isn't too much to raise. I'm sure if it gets 3/4s the way through, some white knight will probably come riding in, probably for some kudos and publicity.

As for the year following, I don't think the public will be able to raise that amount... 1 million is pushing it even.

[SpongeG]

I wonder if they've every considered charging for entry onto English Bay after a certain time. They do that in other places around the world... charge for the best seats.

Though perhaps it would be more hassle than it's worth.

they already do that - the area above the english bay changing rooms or whatever that building is is for gold ticket holders who pay $$$ to sit in the prime seats

[Hong Kongese]

On my way to work this morning, listening to the Cantonese news on the Chinese radio station and they were also talking about the Save the Fireworks' donation. Seems like this campaign has spread not only to the mainsteam but to the other ethnic groups as well. Good job! Mr.x

[deasine]

AHA even though I'm chinese, I'm sure many wouldn't donate a penny =)

[baggab]

It might not be a bad idea to solicit local businesses for money too.

$500 name mentioned $1000 logo shown $2500 banner. On that webpage and any news spots that are held.

[mr.x]

Good news coming up over the next few days. :)

In fact, it's looking up to be the best damn news there can be....if you catch my drift. ;)

[Yume-sama]

Good news coming up over the next few days. :)

In fact, it's looking up to be the best damn news there can be....if you get my drift. ;)

You quit and are going to donate the money to me? :whip:

If not, I guess I'll settle for Fireworks. :haha:

[mrjauk]

If the news as we hope and, thanks to this spontaneous burst of civil society activity, the event has been salvaged for this summer, the next step would be to try to build a permanent fund--and endowment of some sort--that would provide for a secure long-term future for the event.

Members of the "Festival of Lights Foundation" board would all be volunteers.

[SpongeG]

^ didn't he contribute $1-million to the Stanley Park Restoration Fund?

i think his companies donated the money not himself personally

[twoNeurons]

So... has it been a couple of days yet?

[misterchill]

i think his companies donated the money not himself personally

Nevertheless, his finances helped fund it.

And didn't he make a $20m private donation to VGH a bunch of years back?

[mr.x]

Hello everyone,

We want to thank everyone for their heartfelt support and generous donations - we have finally surpassed the $10,000 mark in donations and pledges and we need to keep going to save The Celebration of Light in 2009, 2010 and beyond.

We have some important developments to bring to your attention that have been confirmed this week. We have renewed hope that the Celebration of Light 2009 will receive the support it needs to go forward.

We have been asked by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to refrain from any traditional media contact for the time being, as it could jeopardize this slim hope, thus you will not see public announcements on this subject from us. We will rely on the power of social media to spread the word, which has proven quite effective so far.

Last week savethefireworks.ca met with The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society (VFFS) and great progress was made by our group in showcasing the public support for the event.

The VFFS was skeptical of the community's ability to come together to financially support his event, lets prove them wrong!

In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never let it be said that a small group of committed individuals cannot change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

The VFFS is working on securing additional sponsorship support and getting all previous sponsors back on board as these sponsorship agreements were canceled by the VFFS when they announced the cancellation of The Celebration of Light. This is why your donation is vital - you could make all the difference if there is a lack of sponsorship support.

The VFFS stated on Friday to savethefireworks.ca that "We are still working on the opportunity mentioned at our meeting. At the moment it looks promising, but we are still waiting on a few responses before we bring it before the board in order to move forward."

We need to all come together and show The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society the public supports this signature summer event in our city - donations and pledges are needed now more then ever!

Lets keep the momentum going, lets come together and bring this event back on track! We will keep everyone posted on the latest progress and updates next week on Facebook, Twitter, our website and through the media.

Spread The Word. Spread The Light.

Patrick Postrehovsky
Director, savethefireworks.ca

[jlousa]

What they should do is approach the West end business improvement associate. Since their members are the ones that gain the most from the event have them donate say $500 per interested member and in exchange they can proudly hang a "I'd saved the fireworks" sticker in their front window. The public can then make a conscious choice to support the businesses that helped and not shop at the ones that didn't.

[mr.x]

It was considered, but the sponsors have had problems with that in previous years.

[djh]

So what's happening here, X2?

[worldwide]

just send your donations to my paypal account. but seriously this would be a great way to make money. so when the fireworks don't get saved who pockets the donations? where do i sign up?

[mr.x]

Good news within the week. :)

[sacrifice333]

Didn't you say that a month or so ago?!

[mr.x]

Didn't you say that a month or so ago?!

We released a press release on the progress back then. :)

But this time, get your champagne bottles ready!

[Yume-sama]

:P Did RBC or BMO step up and have it renamed the RBC (or BMO) Celebration of Lights?

Talk about smiting HSBC!

[ravman]

Didn't you say that a month or so ago?!

tick tock.... tick tock...

[twoNeurons]

:P Did RBC or BMO step up and have it renamed the RBC (or BMO) Celebration of Lights?

Talk about smiting HSBC!

I think HSBC was still sponsoring... so it would have to be the HSBC's BMO Celebration of RBC Light

[djh]

Good on ya!

The X2 Celebration of Lights?

Hey SSP! Perfect sponsorship opportunity! Throw you $100 in the pot and get a giant banner up there! YAY!

[David]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090311.BCFIREWORKS11/TPStory/National

[ravman]

so to conclude.... this website is a SCAM! PLEASE REFUND ALL MONEY TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED!

donors like the KEG and LONDON DRUGS came onboard to save the fireworks

"The Keg restaurant, The Edgewater Casino and the soon-to-launch radio station Shore FM will cover the $400,000 dollar shortfall from the event's $4 million budget......Other sponsors for the festival, now in its 18th year, include HSBC Bank Canada, London Drugs, Concord Pacific Developments, Tourism Vancouver, BC Hydro, and YVR Airport Authority.

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090311/BC_Fireworks_Story_090310/20090311/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/03/11/bc-celebration-lights-fireworks-festival-vancouver.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/weather/Steakhouse+steps+help+save+fireworks+celebration/1377672/story.html

[mr.x]

so to conclude.... this website is a SCAM! PLEASE REFUND ALL MONEY TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED!

donors like the KEG and LONDON DRUGS came onboard to save the fireworks

"The Keg restaurant, The Edgewater Casino and the soon-to-launch radio station Shore FM will cover the $400,000 dollar shortfall from the event's $4 million budget......Other sponsors for the festival, now in its 18th year, include HSBC Bank Canada, London Drugs, Concord Pacific Developments, Tourism Vancouver, BC Hydro, and YVR Airport Authority.

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090311/BC_Fireworks_Story_090310/20090311/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/03/11/bc-celebration-lights-fireworks-festival-vancouver.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/weather/Steakhouse+steps+help+save+fireworks+celebration/1377672/story.html

:rolleyes:


If it weren't for SaveTheFireworks.com campaigning and pushing the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to continue looking for sponsors AND helping them look for sponsors, the Celebration of Light would have stayed dead.

So Ravman, to you I sincerely say f-you.

And FYI, the money raised from the public - albeit little - will be used for a "Thank You Vancouver" intro display on the first night. If for some reason that doesn't go through, then it will all be refunded.