April 29, 2009

For Immediate Release

Goal for May 5th event is to raise $150,000 to help fund construction of new centre

Toronto, ON — Elmwood Spa is proud to announce that it will host an evening of gathering, celebration and giving on May 5th, 2009 to recognize the work of renowned Canadian contemporary artist Charles Pachter and to build awareness and raise funds for the YWCA Elm Centre, the YWCA’s new $80 million supportive housing development, including Irma Brydson Place.

Charles Pachter is a renowned painter, printmaker, sculptor, designer, historian, lecturer, and one of Canada’s leading contemporary artists. He has graciously offered to donate a major painting for auction during the private viewing on May 5th, in addition to a percentage of all sales of his work from this exhibition to the YWCA No Place Like Elm fundraising campaign.

Marie Picton, Executive Manager, Spa Services, feels that the YWCA and Elmwood Spa share a strong relationship. “We share a common history, through our building, and we also share a common goal, in that the YWCA has a long history of offering respite and support to women, and we also offer respite to our guests,” said Ms. Picton.

‘The Elmwood’ is a Toronto Heritage Building built in 1889 at 18 Elm Street. It was the original Toronto YWCA until the 1950’s when the YWCA moved and the building became ‘The Elmwood Women’s Hotel’. In 1982, ‘The Elmwood’ became the esteemed Toronto women’s club and The Spa at The Elmwood, from which Elmwood Spa continues to evolve.

The YWCA Elm Centre will feature 300 permanent affordable apartments for women in need and their families. It will also house several public venues, including a 200-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, retail space, a restaurant, and the headquarters for YWCA Toronto and YWCA Canada.

The YWCA recently received a $5 million donation from the estates of the late Ken Thomson and the late Audrey Campbell. Given in memory of their sister, Irma Brydson, mother of Elmwood Spa founder, Sherry Brydson, the 17-story tower on Elm Street will be named Irma Brydson Place. Elmwood Spa’s goal this evening is to raise $150,000 towards the construction of one two-bedroom apartment in the YWCA Elm Centre.

Sherry Brydson believes that well-being comes from a balance of inner and outer beauty, as well as living within a healthy environment and society. “Art is an important part of the relaxation experience at Elmwood Spa. We encourage our guests to attend to their physical, emotional and spiritual health and to make our art part of that experience by contemplating its beauty, and letting the artists’ use of form and colour, spark an inner dialogue that stimulates and rejuvenates,” said Ms. Brydson.

Elmwood Spa houses a small permanent collection of Canadian, American and Thai artists, and every part of the spa encourages guests to linger and feel comfortable walking around in a robe all day.

“Having an exhibition of my work at Elmwood Spa is a kind of homecoming for me, as I first gave an illustrated lecture here in 1983. As a fan of historic architecture and a restorer of old buildings, I’m particularly pleased to be installing my works in this handsome, beautifully-restored, 19th-century building. With added contemporary flair, it not only provides elegant public space for large paintings, but each level contains intimate niches that encourage up-close viewing of mid-size and smaller works. It’s a great show space!” said Mr. Pachter.

“The YWCA Elm Centre, including Irma Brydson Place, is now under construction and will provide homes for women at risk and their families. It is an inspired project that is to be lauded and supported, and I am happy to help through the auction and sale of my art works on May 5, 2009,” added Mr. Pachter.

“We are delighted that Charles Pachter has agreed to play such a significant role in support of the spa’s fundraising event,” said Ms. Picton. “He is generous with his time and his talents.”

“Charles supports the community and his work celebrates Canada with unabashed patriotism and confidence. His paintings are bold and passionate, he acts in unconventional ways, and he’s lived through adversity in his own life. Charles has confidence and panache, and nothing gets Charles down. And that’s the link. The YWCA’s support of women and their families gives them confidence to move forward positively in their lives. We are all contributing in our own unique ways to the well-being of women in our community, and to our society,” added Ms. Picton.

Born in Toronto, Charles Pachter holds degrees from the University of Toronto, the Sorbonne, and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He holds an honorary doctorate from Brock University, is a member of the Order of Canada, a Chevalier of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee medal. His paintings hang in public and private collections around the world.
Charles Pachter’s work will be featured throughout Elmwood Spa from May 5 to June 7, 2009. The May 5th art show is a private event. It begins at 6:30 pm.

Elmwood Spa, Canada’s Favourite Urban Oasis™ offers a world of healing including traditional European massage therapies, alternative therapies such as Reiki and Reflexology, exclusive Siam treatments based on Thai tradition, LI’TYA healing rituals from aboriginal Australia, which are exclusive to Elmwood Spa in Canada, and marine-based treatments incorporating infrared sauna and organic seaweeds from the Pacific Northwest Coast.

Elmwood Spa is a founding member of Premier Spas of Ontario and Leading Spas of Canada.

For more information please contact:

Marie Picton
Executive Manager, Spa Services
416-646-0105
mpicton@elmwoodspa.com

or

Gwen Hayes
Senior Manager Sales & Marketing
416-964-4515
ghayes@elmspagroup.com