Sept / Oct 2012 by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 108 • Fall 2012

Photo: Brianne Freedman

CP24 TV’s Patricia Jaggernauth, flanked by two members of Toronto Football Club’s Keith Makubuya, (left), and Ashtone Morgan

BY SPECIAL ORDER

Customers use special Roots service to customize leather jackets, bags and shoes

I N S I D E ISSUE108 BY SPECIAL ORDER Customers use special service to customize leather jackets, bags and footwear

LEMONADE STANDS: NOT JUST FOR KIDS Roots and Minute Maid support mentoring program A SUPRISE IN MOTION An unexpected flash mob excites customers in Toronto LET’S TALK FASHION Chatelaine and Roots host event to chat about latest trends A FLOODED CITY Helping in effort to get Thunder Bay back on its feet GOING THE DISTANCE Store employee makes a difference near and far GREETING ON DRY LAND Olympic kayaker Adam van Koeverden meets his fans

Departments DEJA VU GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL GREEN TIP GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN HEALTH TIP NEW & NOTEWORTHY SPEAK TO MY AGENT STARTING LINE UP

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Interns HAYLEY BONGARD ELYSIA CHEUNG TERESA FAZARI The Source is published by Roots Canada Ltd. We welcome letters from readers for publication. Please address all correspondence to The Source, Letters to the Editor, Roots Canada, 1400 Castlefield Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M6B 4C4 or by email to thesource@roots.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Each issue of The Source is also available as a pdf and most of the content appears on the Roots blog at http://buzz.roots.com

2 • The Source

Ilich Mejia

A MEANINGFUL ZIP-UP Cancer-surviving customer has pleasant suprise at Roots stores

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots WELL RECEIVED

I have some positive feedback for you about my recent visit to your mid-town Toronto store on Bloor St. On a Friday afternoon, I was looking to buy a foam roller and I was greeted pleasantly by all the staff I came across. With smiles on their faces, they seemed genuinely happy to help me, while keeping busy maintaining the sales floor. The store was very clean and well kept, and I was surprised at how beautiful the layout was. In the end, I didn’t buy anything, but I left with a very positive feeling. I will definitely be back when I need some wardrobe touch-ups. As a former manager of a store in the Eaton Center for four years, I appreciate the hard work that goes into running a large store like the Roots location on Bloor. Please pass a copy of my letter to the store staff to let them know that their hard work does not go unnoticed. Neil Goddard Toronto

A WELCOME CHANGE

Following extensive advocacy by the YWCA, British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has announced a change in legislation that will now allow mothers without legal status to receive income assistance. Since such mothers are not allowed to work, many YWCA clients become trapped in abusive relationships

or are forced to work illegally to provide for their children. Thank goodness this is no longer a choice they need to make. We couldn’t have done this without the support of Roots. On behalf of all the women and children whose lives have been affected by this development, a heartfelt thank you. Celia Campos YWCA, Vancouver, BC

ADDING SOME WARMTH

Thank you for the very generous donation of warm winter clothing to the Out of the Cold Program. Operating at Beth Sholom for the last 10 years in partnership with Beth Tzedec, the program is self-funded by both synagogues, relying heavily on donations. We have more than 125 devoted volunteers who help provide a hot meal, clothing and shelter to Toronto’s homeless and needy. Dinner is served to close to 200 people and sleeping accommodation offered to 60 ‘guests.’ Everyone receives a bagged lunch and a subway token and those who sleep at the synagogue receive a hot breakfast. Many of our guests who come to our shelter do not have proper warm clothing. Your generosity has allowed us to offer them warm sweatpants and sweatshirts, for which they are grateful. The support of community-minded companies like Roots helps make the lives of

our guests a little bit easier, and enables our program to achieve its goal of helping those who are less fortunate. Maureen Tanz, Brenda Berger Out of the Cold, Toronto LEAVE IT TO NOEL

When customers have a negative experience, many complain but when things go well, they usually neglect to commend people. I was recently in your Eaton Centre location in Toronto and wanted to use a Roots gift card I’d received. While I was there, I had the pleasure of being helped by Noel Mastine. I love shopping but I often find sales associates very pushy and fake which takes away from the whole experience. Yet as someone who has worked in retail, I also know how difficult certain customers can be. In the case of Noel, she was super friendly, extremely helpful and genuine. She’s a valuable member of your team. I’d also like to say the entire team in the Eaton Centre store was wonderful and made me feel welcome. Tiffany Coelho Toronto

EXPRESS YOURSELF We invite you to send us your letters and/or your most creative photos or illustrations for publication in The Source. Please send your submissions to photogallery@roots.com

Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

UP CLOSE AND PERSONALIZED Increasingly, retail customers are using the special Roots service to custom order their leather jackets, bags and shoes so they will be more original. By ELYSIA CHEUNG

n a recent Tuesday afternoon, Roots leather expert Andy McCurbin stands at the Custom Order desk on the main level next to the stairs in the company’s flagship Bloor St. store in Toronto. A 25-year veteran with the brand, Andy passionately explains to a customer all the ways in which Roots can customize the Award Jacket – by colour, size and embellishments. He excitedly shows the woman his leather-bound folder that contains the colour swatches and all the different emblems people can have sewn onto their oneof-a-kind jacket. The customer makes her choice, and Andy takes down her measurements, so the jacket will be a perfect fit. Thanking Andy for his warm, friendly help, she walks away with the satisfaction of knowing that because her jacket was custom ordered, it will be exactly what she wants. This personable, attentive service is something many customers have experienced before.

there are countless emblems to choose from

Emblem options for custom items

Similar scenes like this one play out every day in most Roots stores across Canada and the United States. Leather jackets, as well as leather bags and shoes can all be personalized through the Roots Custom Orders program, which allows customers to change various aspects of the items, making them more original. “Customization is personalization,” says Patricia Jaggernauth, a TV weather specialist for CP24 in Toronto. “A Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

Customers at the Bloor St. store are often helped with customization by Andy McCurbin (second from right)

customized jacket is something I like because I always want to maintain my originality. I think of myself as a weather specialist but also someone who’s fashion savvy so I want to continue to bring out that side of my personality through the branding of the jacket.” All items can be customized by changing the colour of the leather. Jackets can have emblems added to them, and be made in specific sizes that can fit someone as small as a 6-monthold baby, and as large as someone who is 6XL. Bags can be further personalized by ordering different linings, hardware (zippers, buckles, snaps and buttons) and sometimes the type of leather. Emblems can also be added, lengths of straps can be changed, and embroidery can be done. The lining of shoes can also be changed, and embroidery and emblems can be added as well. Allowing customers to choose from such an array of options is unusual in today’s retail world. The service is available exclusively in stores. “Customization allows people to be creative,” says Andy. “This is where they get to put their unique twist on some-

thing. At Roots, we try to help them as much as we can to get to where they feel happy about what they’re making because it’s so personal.” As Roots manufactures all leather products in its own factory in Toronto, the company is able to customize its leather bags, shoes and jackets. Custom orders are especially popular during the holiday season. Giving a personalized gift means the recipient is getting something unique, that no one else has and that will never be duplicated. In addition to changing the colour of an item, personal messages can be embroidered on leather

products, giving the gift a special sentimental value. Roots first began experimenting with custom ordering in 2003, when it introduced the Initial Program at the Bloor St. store in Toronto. Six styles of bags were brought in, and customers could customize a bag by putting their initial on it. Since then, the company has been creating personalized bags. The customization of Award Jackets began in 2005, also at the Bloor St store. Roots began selling Award Jackets in the 1980s, inspired by the Varsity or Letter Jackets worn by collegiate athletes in North America since the 19th century. Made traditionally of wool for the body and of leather for sleeves, the Award Jacket also has the word “Canada” featured across the back. After the jacket became popular again in 2005, Andy introduced custom ordering to them. He had noticed that a new generation of young people were wearing custom designed shoes that were personalized with names and colours, and he wanted to do the same for the Award Jackets. He visited the Roots leather factory in Toronto and collected a number of emblems that could be sewn onto jackets. He set up a custom order desk at the Bloor St. store and using the emblems and coloured leather swatches, showed customers how they could create their own style of jacket. Continued on next page

Roots has customized jackets for well-known people like Dragonette The Source • 3

Continued from previous page

The program was well received, especially by younger customers, who spread the customization trend by word of mouth. The appeal then extended to parents, who were nostalgic for the Award Jacket style. Eventually, baby sizes were made, bringing the personalized jacket full circle. In 2010, shoes were introduced into the program, bringing customization to the next level. Customizing leather goods is a team effort between in-store sales staff and the factory production team. When customers come into a store, they discuss with the sales associates what they want to do and if it’s possible. Once the order is placed at the store, it’s sent to the factory where Production Assistants Dorothy Krol and Kartika Sari compile all the orders. They first check them to make sure all the changes are doable. They then create a ticket, which has all the specifications the customer has requested, and give it to the people responsible for creating the product – the stitchers, cutters, embroiderers and seamstresses. When the item is finished, it’s once again checked by Dorothy and Kartika for quality control, and then sent to the Distribution Centre that dispatches it either directly to the customer or the store. From beginning to end, the process takes a few weeks. The level of difficulty in producing a customized item depends on what is being personalized. The most basic customizations – like colour or

Two recently customized purses

Close up of possible emblems to put on customized items

A customized bag

lining changes – can be done easily with few adjustments made to the production procedure. Making handles longer, shorter or wider is slightly more difficult. The hardest changes are those having to do with the body of a bag. Because the patterns are programmed in a computer, and cut by a machine, changes to the patterns have to be approved by designers, and done by hand. New patterns are drawn on paper and the most skilled cutters cut the material manually. Highly experienced stitchers then put the item together. Jackets present similar chal-

There are many possible ways to customize an Award Jacket 4 • The Source

lenges. Each jacket is a different size, with different types of customization. Precision and attention to detail when reading the customer requests are essential in making the jacket. Dorothy says that the careful work that goes into these products is why people order customized items. Although most avenues for customization are open at Roots, there are times when certain changes cannot be done, in which case customers are offered an alternative. Some bag styles will not work with specific leathers. Certain hardware for bags may not be available in requested colours. The biggest challenge in producing customized leather goods is having all the materials to make them. “If the order comes, and we have the leather, we tell the customer we can do it and make the ticket,” says Dorothy. “Sometimes by the next day the leather has run out and we can’t make it. If so, we always try to advise the customer to make it in something else. We can offer something instead that’s similar, or sometimes we make it even nicer.” The program has been extremely successful, growing from a few customizations a week to at least 10 to 15 a day. Andy credits its success to two key factors: individuality and Canadian-made products. “Customers are just happy that it’s made in Canada,” Andy says. “When I tell them that the leather is the best quality, coming from Italy and that we make the products in Canada, they are willing to wait for the customization as opposed to buying something off the rack. It’s a special service because you have people from every walk of life who want something of their personality in their clothes.” Custom orders have become so popular that the service is now available in almost every store across Canada and the United States. Andy has customers who buy customized items exclusively, and estimates that 80% of those who customize do not buy ready-made offthe-shelf items after their first experience. There are times when customized products become standards with designers, and stores begin to sell them

regularly. Tall riding boots and certain bags have been made available in particular colours that can be bought off the shelf because of customization. In addition to the positive response from the public, Andy has recently done custom jackets for TV personalities Dan Levy and Patricia Jaggernauth, actor Idris Elba, Toronto F.C. players Keith Makubuya and Ashtone Morgan and for the cast of the film Breakaway. He’s now in the process of designing jackets for hip-hop group Sugar Hill Gang. All these people opt for customized products for the same

TV personality Dan Levy customized the colours and initals of his Award Jacket

reasons. “We like to make our ownclothes and we were inspired to be creative with our clothes and brand ourselves,” Ashtone says. “Working with Roots feels natural. Whenever I come into the store it feels like I’m home.” The special order program is unlike any other that can be provided in Canada. “Few other stores in Canada make their products by hand and can offer this service,” says Dorothy. “A lot of people like to know that it was made for them specially. Sometimes people like to have the exact same bag as in the stores, but they like to know that it was made especially for them. For many people, it’s about identity, that they know it was made for them and that it’s the only one.” In an age of such widespread mass production and anonymity, Roots is glad to offer people the opportunity to add their personal taste and creative touch to products that are part of their daily lives. Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

A SURPRISE IN MOTION

Recent flash mob shows you never know what to expect next in a Roots store

Anne Goad organizes her team during rehearsal

People outside Roots hoping to watch the flash mob

or people who happened to be inside or passing by the Roots flagship store in Toronto on a recent Saturday afternoon, things initially seemed quite normal. That was until suddenly at 2 pm sharp, without warning, ten young adults broke out into a choreographed dance routine on the sidewalk outside the store. This literally set things in motion as the excitement of the first flash mob ever at Roots began to unfold in early September. The store quickly filled with 50 dancers all moving to the sounds of Chris Brown and Dragonette. A flash mob is a group of people that assembles out of the blue in a public place to perform a common act before an unsuspecting crowd. The element of surprise and its usually short duration add to the impact. In recent years, flash mobs have become popular around the world,

often staged for the purpose of a flash mob,” says Anne. “As political or artistic expression, or a choreographer and actor, this simply for entertainment. was an amazing opportunity.” Hoping to motivate emMinutes before the flash ployees and excite the commumob began, the dancers took nity, Roots their respective Bloor Street places throughemployee out the store as and athletic inconspicuously ambassador as possible. The Anne Goad beginning of the came up with music was the the idea to orcue for dancganize a flash ers to break mob. She felt their motionless it would be stance. With the an excellent abrupt storeopportunity wide animation, to expose the shoppers realized Roots athsomething out letic line to of the ordinary Dancers give it their all the dancing was going on. community, Before they knew as well as attract people into the it, dancers seemed to be coming store. from every direction as the flash “It was an honour that Roots mob took over the store. Spread supported my vision of creating out on both floors and along the

The flash mob in action as dancers take over the Roots flagship store in Toronto Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

staircase, there was plenty to see. Dressed in Roots items, the participants moved to the music with great agility, as people stood taking it all in with expressions of amazement. The show incorporated two dancers dressed as policemen, a ballerina and multiple dance types, including swing, contemporary and hip hop. Those involved included Deucendip, a Toronto hip-hop group, students from York University and individuals from different dance studios across the city. As part of their preparation, the dancers and choreographers had multiple meetings and three rehearsals. The full dress rehearsal took place at the store one week before the event, and included the music mixed by Roots employee Jamal Lee. An unexpected guest, actor Bill Murray, happened to walk by and stopped to watch the runthrough. Anne worked closely on the flash mob with members of the charity, Hope in the Fight Against Aids, who also produced the video of the event. They used several cameras to help capture the action from many angles. The team worked feverishly to edit and post the video within 12 hours. Their hard work and talent paid off as the video attracted nearly 20,000 views in the 10 days following the event. (To view it on YouTube: type “Roots flash mob” into the search bar and click the extended edition.) The flash mob was also seen on television, thanks to CTV and Global, which featured it on their newscasts. The Source • 5

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS...

Roots and Minute Maid team up to support Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs

oots prides itself on giving back to the community. This time, paring up with Minute Maid for a weekend event in early September, select Roots locations held a lemonade stand in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Canada. All funds raised at stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax went directly to supporting disadvantaged youth through a wide range of mentoring programs. They teach children the importance of staying in school, participating in the community and respecting their peers and family. For nearly 100 years, BBBS has been making a positive difference in the lives of many children. Supporting this cause was an easy decision for Roots,

Selling lemonade for disadvantaged youth outside Roots in Halifax

which has previously helped BBBS with past initiatives. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great charitable organiza-

tion that supports youth across Canada,” says James Connell, Vice President of E-Commerce and Marketing. “Helping the next generation of Canadians be better people is in everyone's best interest.” Donations made at the selected stores allowed for participants to receive a complimentary beverage and a Roots discount card valid for their next visit at any Roots store. In Halifax, Martin Look, Assistant Manager of the Spring Garden Roots store, set up the lemonade stand just outside the main mall entrance. Actively promoting the stand, he and his team raised funds for the BBBS program. “I think it’s important to do little events like this for charity because it shows the involve-

ment of Roots in the community,” says Martin who’s been working with Roots for just over a year. “I’ve done a lot of events for and with Big Brothers Big Sisters and it’s great to be proactive for a cause you believe in.” Sarah Edwards-Hoar, Manager of the Roots location inside the West Edmonton Mall, welcomed the chance to participate. “I really like doing community events,” says Sarah who’s been leading her Roots team for five years. “Supporting local charities is always a great experience and when it’s for a good cause it makes the work worth it.” • For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters. com

MAKING TRACKS

Walking group meets at Roots store in Toronto every week en route to fitness

t’s not always easy to find time to exercise. Busy schedules at work and at home often get in the way of keeping active. However, exercising doesn’t have to be difficult, or take up much time. Donna Foster-Laroque, a personal trainer, has created a simple and effective way to stay fit. This past summer, she started a walking group that meets every Thursday evening at a Roots store in Toronto and exercises for one hour. After meeting, the group ventures onto the streets and partakes in power walking in the city’s Rosedale area. Each week, Donna, 43, takes the group on a different route and teaches a different style of walking, including speed work, hill training, interval and speed and hill. When the walk is over, there’s an optional 15 -minute core exercise session, followed by stretching at Totum Life Science, located above the Roots store. Donna has worked in the fitness industry for the last 20 years and, most recently, became a personal training specialist. Through her company, Positively Active, she does private personal training and power 6 • The Source

Donna Foster-Laroque teaches her group how to stay in shape

walking and has previously managed health clubs. She has also run a walking group prior to this one, and trained people at the Rosedale Running Room. Donna’s reasons for starting the group were to help people get active, reach their fitness goals and socialize. “I began the power walking group through my company because I wanted to help build a strong community presence within the Rosedale area,” she says. “So why not create a fun fitness program that would allow me to share my passion for be-

ing active and that would benefit individuals overall health?” The group usually consists of 5 to 15 participants, but has recently reached 25 people. Their ages range from 22 to 60, with different levels of fitness. They are mostly local residents, Roots customers, Donna’s friends, clients and members of her previous walking group. Donna has chosen to train participants in walking because it’s something that people of all fitness levels can do. Walking at a fast pace helps burn calories, decrease stress and tension,

improve self-esteem, increase energy levels, improve sleep and it helps with weight loss. She picked Roots to be the meeting spot for her group because of the healthy living and environmentally friendly values the company upholds. Donna and Roots are both supporters of Right To Play, the Toronto-based charity that provides underprivileged children in many countries with opportunities to be involved in sports. She also believes the team members at the Rosedale store reflect the values she tries to emulate. “I always feel so welcome when I walk into the Rosedale store, whether I’m greeted by Natalie, the store manager, or her team,” says Donna. “That’s exactly how I want all of my participants to feel when they come to the program. Welcomed and part of the community.” Anyone interested in joining the group can RSVP through Donna’s Facebook fan page called Positively Active, or simply come to the Roots store in Rosedale at 1073 Yonge Street. The group walks every Thursday at 6 pm, rain or shine, and will continue throughout the winter. Participation is free of charge. Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

A ZIP POLO WITH SPECIAL MEANING

Cancer-surviving customer has a pleasant surprise during visit to Roots store

lothes can represent many different things to different people. They are items by which individuals identify themselves, and are often comforted by. For Roots customer Jodi Pero, her sweats are much more than something she wears when relaxing at home. This past summer she walked into the Roots store in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario looking to replace the Cooper Zip Polo she had worn for nearly two years while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Jodi had first purchased the polo in 1999, while on vacation in Sault Ste. Marie from her home in New Haven, Michigan. It was her first visit to a Roots store, and it took her 13 years to return again this summer. Jodi described the polo as the only comfortable thing she could wear after her cancer surgery. Each time she had to go to the hospital for an operation and return home for recovery, she would wear her sweatshirt. When her radiation treatments began, she wore her sweatshirt to every session. It kept her warm in the cold hospital room during the winter months of her treatment. When Jodi walked into Roots this past August, she was greeted by Jessica Buffone, a keyholder at the Sault Ste. Ma-

rie store. She says Jodi described the polo she wanted, and hugged it when Jessica brought it to her. At that moment, Jodi opened up to her, explaining what the polo meant to her and the experience she had gone through with it. It was important for Jodi to have the same sweatshirt because it symbolized the fact that she was now healed. After her treatments, she was forced to throw out her original polo as it had become worn and faded. She im-

mediately wanted to come back to Roots to purchase a new one. Jodi’s story resonated with Jessica, and while she was in the fitting room, Jessica called Sue Kupka, the District Manager for the Sault Ste. Marie store. She asked Sue if there was anything special Roots could do for Jodi, and right away Sue offered her the polo as a nice gesture. “I immediately wanted to give her the gift of a new sweatshirt to act as a fresh start for

Jessica Buffone, (left), with Roots customer Jodi Pero Jessica Buffone, (left), with Roots customer Jodi Pero

her,” says Sue. “I was touched by the story and proud that a member of my team had made such a strong connection with a customer.” When Jodi began to pay for her things, Jessica told her Roots was giving her the polo as a gift, much to Jodi’s surprise. “When Jess told me her manager okayed her to give me a sweatshirt, I got a little choked up,” says Jodi. “It brought back the time I went through my ordeal, and I didn't expect to get a free sweatshirt!” Jessica says she felt compelled to give Jodi the polo because it’s important to acknowledge when people are able to overcome health issues and to celebrate the road to recovery. Both Jessica and Sue wanted to extend support to Jodi from the company that had been a part of her life through the good and the bad. “Roots is about community and family and not just the bottom line,” says Sue. “This customer had invited us to be a part of something personal and her determination to beat her cancer was amazing. The gift was important as a gesture for her to know that we care about being such a part of her life, recovery and success and that we will continue to be there for her. She is now part of our family.”

WALKING TALL

Store team supports manager in her action against ovarian cancer

(L to R) Back row: Sherry Desmaris, Charlene Chenard, Brenda Sliva. Front row: Margy Kupferschmit, Monica Baker, Allison Fortier Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

hen it comes to providing support for cancer research, commitment and a kind heart are critical. Whether you help raise awareness or donate to a charity, every act counts. One Roots employee recently showed she cares by joining a team to generate funds to fight ovarian cancer. Allison Fortier, Manager of the Roots store in Ottawa’s St. Laurent mall, participated in the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in early September. She was inspired to take action by both a friend who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and a guest speaker at her church, also affected by the disease. Allison,

47, and her team walked 5 km in support of them, and the many others living with ovarian cancer. That same day, supporters, volunteers and survivors of the disease from 47 other communities across the country participated in similar events. With help from all of her store staff, Allison and her team raised more than $500 for the cause. The money contributes to educational projects, ovarian cancer research and programs that assist women living with the disease and their families. • For more information or how to help, visit www.ovariancanada.org or www.ovarianknowledge.ca The Source • 7

Great Style Options for Winter Warmth A guide to new Roots outerwear for men A guide to just-launched Roots products

Vancouver Parka, Charcoal Mix, $268

Trudeau Duffle Coat, Charcoal Mix Plaid, $248

Champlain Softshell, Black Chambray, $158

York Down Filled Jacket, Black, $268

Banff Down Parka, Navy Mix, $288

Down Town Vest, Charcoal Mix, $178

Banff Down Parka, Charcoal Mix , $288

St. Moritz Jacket - J Plonge, Black, $888

88 •• The The Source Source

Issue Issue 106 108 • May • Sept. - June - Oct. 2012 2012

Great Style Options for Winter Warmth A guide to new Roots outerwear for women

Shelby Tweed Duffle Coat, Black Combo, $258

Tremblant Down Sweater, Marl Red, $159

Beaver Canoe Toggle Coat, Charcoal/Moonbeam, $228

Riley Peacoat, Nautical Navy, $138

Laurentian Down Coat, Black Mix, $278

Louise Insulator Jacket, DK Ash Mix, $128

Wellington Softshell, Charcoal Mix, $228

108 • May Sept.- -June Oct. 2012 2012 Issue 106

Victoria Softshell, Coffee Mix, $148 The Source Source •• 99 The

HEALTH TIP #69

Easy ways to help stay healthy

ONE PEDAL AT A TIME: Get out there and take advantage of a beautiful day. Pedal through crunchy leaves and feel the crisp autumn air as you cycle surrounded by the many colours of fall. Not only is it an efficient means of transportation, cycling is also one of the best activities for improving your health. Its many benefits include: Pump it up: Biking can increase cardiovascular fitness and prevent heart disease. It has also been known to help fight against diabetes and high blood pressure. Waist watcher: Depending on your pace, a cycling workout can improve your body’s metabolism and help keep weight down. It increases calorie consumption and can work as an effective fatloss technique. Anti-virus: Cycling can increase the immune system which serves to protect the body from infections and diseases. Challenge yourself by increasing your speed and furthering your distance, but also remember that keeping to a leisurely pace is an effectve way to stay active. Regular cycling strengthens muscles and is great for the mobility of joints. It is much easier on your body than running. Prevent injury and the risks associated with cycling by always wearing a helmet. · Source: http://dsc.discovery. com/adventure/the-top-7-healthbenefits-of-cycling.html

SNOOP REINCARNATED

Rapper and Roots team up for movie premiere

alvin Broadus, better known since 1992 as Snoop Dogg, recently changed his name yet again following a recent visit to the Caribbean. The musician and actor, born in Long Beach, California, traveled to Jamaica earlier this year to study the Rastafarian movement. There he met a priest who rechristened him Snoop Lion as the animal is associated with the Rastafarian religion and reggae music. The footage produced from this journey was made into a documentary entitled Reincarnated, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September.

Snoop Lion shows off his Reincarnated jacket

The film’s producers invited Roots to help with the launch. The company created a custom designed jacket for Snoop

AN EVENING WITH CHATELAINE

Special event co-hosted with style magazine attracts the fashion conscious

n late September, Roots and Chatelaine magazine cohosted an exclusive evening of shopping and fashion at the Roots flagship Bloor St. store

in Toronto. Editors from the long time Canadian style monthly were on hand to speak about the latest fashion trends as guests enjoyed a generous discount on

Customers talk about fashion at event hosted by Chatelaine

DÉJÀ VU A voyage back in a time to a vintage Roots moment from 1991

oots has long been a supporter of projects in the arts and enterR tainment field. Over the years, the company has been involved with various films, often hosting special events and providing mer-

chandise for cast and crew of a wide range of productions. In turn, many producers, directors and actors in Hollywood have shown their appreciation for the brand by visiting stores and often attending Roots functions. In the late winter of 1991, Roots debuted a new line of clothing, branded with the name of Canadian heavyweight boxer Donavan “Razor” Ruddock that it was sponsoring. In connection with the launch just before Razor's fight against Mike Tyson, people from the entertainment industry attended a Roots evening at Elk Mountain Lodge, a historic hotel near Aspen, Colorado. Among those in attendance was actor Sylvester Stallone, (photo), wearing a Roots jacket and Razor hat who portrayed the iconic boxer “Rocky” in the film series of that name. The late comedian John Candy, and Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green and their respective wives Diane Bald and Denyse Green were also present. 10 • The Source

Lion and nine other people who worked on the film. Snoop wore the jacket at the premiere and during media interviews for the movie. Roots also provided 500 leather bracelets that gave guests access to the premiere’s afterparty, for which the company was a sponsor. A hundred bracelets were given away to customers at the Bloor St. store in Toronto the day of the screening. When planning the event, the producers thought of Roots as a natural partner because of both its stature as an iconic Canadian brand and its long-time association with Jamaica and reggae music.

Roots merchandise during the event. Fashion Editor Tyler Franch handpicked styles from the Roots fall collection, ranging from the Active Athletics line to items for men and women, showcasing both casual and dressed-up looks displayed in the store. About 150 guests, mostly women, visited during the evening and had the opportunity to speak with the magazine’s fashion editors about style and the latest trends. Salt & Pepper Catering prepared delicious appetizers from Chatelaine recipes for the guests and complementary beverages were served. The magazine also displayed a candy bar, which proved popular with guests. This was not the first event co-hosted by Roots and Chatelaine. “Chatelaine and Roots are both iconic Canadian brands and there’s a natural fit between our two teams,” says Jane Francisco, Editor-in-Chief. The event was part of a twoweek campaign during which Roots displayed looks picked by Chatelaine. Over a four-day period, customers who spent more than $125 received a complimentary one-year subscription to the magazine. - Grethe Liverud Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

THUMBS UP FOR HELPING

Roots employee volunteers with children with special needs

mong their many attributes, sales associates at Roots are known for their enthusiasm and dedication. Emilie Walsh, a high school student and employee at the Roots store in Markham, Ontario, just north of Toronto, also demonstrates these qualities beyond her retail work. Channeling her love for soccer into helping children with special needs, Emilie encourages them to reach their full potential and step outside their comfort zone. With winter fast approaching, she’s now looking forward to once again volunteer for the Thumbs Up program. In 2008, she began volunteering for Thumbs Up, a soccer program that assists 8-10-yearold boys and girls with mental and physical disabilities. Volunteering every Sunday throughout the winter, Emilie became

involved through a local soccer club, which she has been a member of for many years. “When I stopped playing

Emilie Walsh has volunteered for Thumbs Up for four years

soccer, I wanted to stay involved with the club,” says Emilie, 17. “Working with special needs children was always something that interested me and Thumbs Up was a perfect fit.” The program is designed to be a fun way for children to learn about teamwork and increase their skill development. Divided into groups according to their respective age and physical ability, the participants receive individual attention so they can focus on skills that need to be improved. Over the years, Emilie has become more involved in the organization, taking on more responsibility. Now volunteering with two groups of children, she works with kids who have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism. With each session being one

hour in length, Emilie’s roles vary depending on the group she’s with. Working one-onone, she encourages those with greater needs to be active and get involved to the best of their ability. For those with fewer needs, the goal is to get players to interact with one another and promote teamwork. “There’s nothing I do that’s more rewarding and leaves me feeling more content than two hours working with the members of Thumbs Up,” says Emilie. “The program is not only a great experience for the players, but as a mentor I’ve learned many things. I’ve learned to communicate with people of all different abilities and practice patience and understanding. The program is for the players, but I get just as much, if not more, out of it than they do.”

AFTER THE FLOOD

Helping Thunder Bay wrestle with the consequences of a natural calamity

uch was the scale of the flooding that beset the Ontario city of Thunder Bay in late May, that months later residents are still coping with the aftermath of the disaster. Today, residents are still seeking compensation for what they lost. Hundreds of people were forced

out of their homes and many businesses were severely affected by the devastation. The only consolation has been the response of people who’ve stepped up to aid those in need. Local companies, including Roots, are helping residents get their lives back on track.

A flooded street in Thunder Bay after 77mm of rain fell on the city, prompting Roots to help residents and business owners. Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

The flooding followed an intense rainstorm that caused the sewage system to fail, and prompted the city to declare a state of emergency as many houses, roads and highways were badly damaged. Home to 110,000 people Thunder Bay is the largest city on Lake Superior. Its natural setting and location on the lake’s north shore explains its nickname ‘Superior by Nature’. Following the flood, the city received emergency assistance from the Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross, which supplied clothes, food, drinking water and other badly needed items. Local residents formed the Thunder Bay and Area Relief Committee. It initiated Loonie Days, a three-day event to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund to help rebuild the city and provide assistance to residents and business owners. Along with other local businesses, the Roots store took part in the Loonie Days fundraiser. Decorating the store with special posters to raise awareness and asking customers and staff to donate loonies, Roots contrib-

uted toward helping victims repair their homes, re-open their businesses and move forward with their lives. “The fundraiser showed Thunder Bay’s generosity as people came to the aid of fellow residents,” says Donna Andreychuk, a Roots employee since 1998 and current store manager. “Sewage was flooding houses and business, many of which had minimal or no insurance coverage. It was nice to see Thunder Bay residents come together to contribute toward the community.” Although the situation in the city has improved considerably, there’s still a long way to go. An estimated $15 to $20 million is required to help those affected. To that end, the Ontario government is supporting the emergency effort by contributing two dollars for every dollar raised by Thunder Bay residents. Due to the storm’s enormous impact, the city made a Canadawide appeal for financial donations to help get residents back on their feet. The campaign is still ongoing. For more information, visit www.thunderbay.ca/ flood/ The Source • 11

BADLANDS IN THE BIG SMOKE

Roots hosts event in Toronto to launch campaign shot in Alberta

embers of the Canadian travel industry, executives at Alberta’s tourism marketing agency (Travel Alberta), media bloggers and Roots employees gathered at the Roots flagship store in Toronto in early September to launch the company’s recent ad campaign, shot in Alberta. It’s the second such collaboration with the province in the past nine months. In recent years, Roots has worked with several provinces for the shooting of its ad campaigns, such as British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. This summer, the company did a three-day shoot for its fall campaign in the Alberta Badlands, an area known for its moon-like landscape, and dinosaur fossil-rich soil. This followed the first campaign that Roots shot in the province’s Banff National Park last winter. The Alberta-themed party was entertaining and a great means of promotion. Two Alberta natives – celebrated

Travel Alberta delegation at a Roots soirée in Toronto

chef Jamie Kennedy and musician Jordan Klassen – added a particular Alberta feel to the event through tasty finger food and lighthearted folk music. Along with Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and several

head office staff, guests included CBC Radio host Jian Ghomeshi and Hollywood writer George Christy. Given the fall 2012 ‘Globe and Field’ collection, the Badlands were chosen as an ideal

backdrop for photographing the season’s products. James Connell, VP of Ecommerce and Marketing, and Creative Director Stephanie Holden felt the area’s Wild West look fit the mood and tone they wanted in the campaign. As part of the collaboration, Travel Alberta assisted in many aspects of the shoot’s production, included the scouting, travel arrangements and co-promotion of the resulting images. “Roots is an iconic, identifiably Canadian company,” says James. “By working to promote Canadian travel destinations, we are further asserting our association with Canada and promoting economic development and culture by encouraging our customers both in Canada and worldwide, to visit Canada.” Based on the success of the two projects so far involving Roots and Travel Alberta, there’s good reason to believe there’ll be more such collaborations in the future.

A BIG HEART AND A HELPING HAND

Store employee Michelle Forrester loves assisting those in need near and far

here are many ways to give back to the community. For one Roots employee, giving her time is the best way to help those in need. Michelle Forrester, 24, is a sales associate at the Durham Outlet store in Ajax, Ontario, who has been assisting those less fortunate than herself since 2009. She began volunteering because she wanted to take part in something meaningful and her first experience inspired her to continue. “I really enjoy volunteering because it's an incredibly rewarding and educational experience and also because of the travel aspect,” says Michelle. “Both force me out of my comfort zone, and to confront my own biases, fears, and limits.” Michelle’s most recent endeavour aiding those in disadvantaged countries happened this summer when she volunteered in a community in South America. A charity called Heart Links, based in London, 12 • The Source

Ontario, sent her and a group of seven other Canadians to build a playground in an impoverished part of Peru. One of the volunteers designed the playground with input from children in the community. During the building process, the volunteers were helped by the families of the children for whom they were building the Michelle Forester hopes to help children after completing school

playground. They donated supplies and contributed to the construction whenever they could. For Michelle, the best reward was when the playground was finished. “One of the most gratifying moments was when the play space was officially opened to the public,” she says. “The mayor and every mother, father and child from the community were present. When it was officially opened, it was awesome to see all the children run in with smiles on their faces as they played with everything.” This wasn’t the first time Michelle travelled across the globe to help people in need. Last year, she went to Africa, volunteering for Bulembu Ministries Swaziland, which placed her at a pre-primary school. She worked closely with teachers and children, helping them transition into life at the school, which also serves as an orphanage and clinic. Previously, she travelled to

Arkansas and Louisiana where she assisted local communities, helping young people use what they learn in classrooms to solve real problems. In 2009, she went to Milan to volunteer for the Homeless World Cup, which uses soccer to motivate the homeless and change their lives. Although these experiences have had different kinds of impact on Michelle’s life, all of them leave her with the same feeling. “The most difficult part is always saying goodbye,” she says. “I always try to make a point of really getting to know the people I'm volunteering with. They have so much to teach us, and I just love being around them and experiencing their culture. However, when it's time to go, there's always a ton of tears.” Michelle’s work at Roots is helping pay for her current studies at teachers college. After she graduates, she plans to continue helping children in Canada, hoping to mentor at-risk youth. Issue Oct. 2012 Issue108 106••Sept. May -- June 2012

Issue Issue 106 108 •• May Sept--June Oct. 2012

The TheSource Source• •13 13

FINE PRINT A selection of coverage of Roots in the media

Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the newspapers, magazines and websites:

· Canadian Living. Oct. issue Featuring the Pauline Wrap in red and black, and the Parisian Leather Envelope Clutch · Toronto Star. Sept. 10. Snoop Lion arrived at a TIFF premier wearing his custom Roots Leather Jacket. · DailyXY. Sept 6. Article on Fashions Night Out, highlights Roots as a participant in the event. · Now. Sept. 6. Keith Jacket, Brewster Western Shirt and Matthew boots featured on a Toronto International Film Festival actionstar outfit recommendation. · Ivillage. Sept. 4. Cozy Stretch Fleece Legging featured on a stylish throw-on-and-go blog post. · Canadian Living. Sept. Spotlight on Salt and Pepper Zip-Up Hoody, Quilted Leather Jacket, Madame Bag and a leather mini skirt. · Chatelaine. Sept. Featuring the new Women’s Quilted Baseball Jacket in the ‘Look Smart Now, Add Edge With Quilting’ article. · Fashion. Sept. New Kiltie Shoe featured. · Sharp. Sept. Men’s Moto Melyon Jacket is highlighted in editorial spread. · Cityline. Aug. 29. Roots outfits for boys and girls shown in a back-to-school segment. · National Post. Aug. 25. The Raider’s Pack in Ranger Leather featured in a back-to-school spread. · TheFashionScoop.com. Aug. 23. Women’s High-Top Boot and Rollover Boot in Tribe in a showcased feature about new shoes for the fall season. · TheCloset.com. Aug. 23. Six Roots leather bags included in ‘To Have And To Hold’ article featuring fall bags. · Hello! Canada’s Style Guide. Aug. 15. Spotlight on Roots - Line Knitwear collaboration and new Quilted Leather items. · Girls of T.O. Aug. 14. Highlight on new and upcoming Fall/Winter leather collection. · Precedent. Aug. 13. New City Briefcase in Box Leather featured in magazine’s inaugural issue. · Trend Hunter. Aug. 8. Spotlight on Roots and Line Knitwear collaboration featuring cozy fall sweaters. · Flare.com. Aug. 3. Roots and Line Knitwear collection featured in an editorial about Canadian collaborations for fall. · IVillage.ca. Aug. 2. Roots items are featured in segment about dressing for a long weekend at the cottage. 14 • The Source

MEETING AND GREETING

Recently named Canadian Male Athlete of the Year, Adam van Koverden spends time with his fans in various Roots stores

ongtime Roots ambassador Adam van Koeverden likes nothing better than to meet with his fans. He often stops by Roots locations to show appreciation to his Canadian supporters. Touring three different provinces in recent months, he brought an added attraction to his visits following his Silver Medal victory at the Summer Games in London. Celebrating his latest Olympic achievement, the 30-year-old World Champion kayaker paid tribute to his wellwishers as he welcomed guests, signed autographs and posed for pictures with his Medal around his neck. With his performance in London, Adam now has four Olympic medals to his name – one Gold and Bronze from Athens in 2004 and a Silver win in Beijing in 2008. He has also won several World Championships in recent years. Making his East Coast debut in Halifax, Adam arrived at the Spring Garden Roots store in early evening to find a line-up out the door of excited fans and local paddling club members impatient to greet him. “It’s very exciting to meet Adam,” says Emily Armstrong, a part-time keyholder who’s been with Roots since 2011. “He’s a very down-to-earth and nice guy who shook everybody’s hand and made the event more personal.”

Adam van Koeverden at Halifax store

Before his evening at Roots came to an end, Adam walked around the store, mingled with staff and tried on several items that caught his eye. Continuing his cross-Canada tour in Toronto, the Roots flagship store on Bloor St. welcomed a crowd of 150 – 200 people who waited in line for their chance to meet their Olympic hero. “I was surprised by the large number of people that showed up,” says Daniela Santibanez, the Bloor St. Assistant Manager since 2011. “There was a huge line of fans wrapping all around the store and out the door. One fan brought a scrapbook, another brought in a kayak helmet that

Adam signed and there was a group of women who freaked out when they saw him.” Adam opened the session by extending a huge thank you to all his fans that came to see him. Staying true to his humble, friendly nature, Adam signed postcards and photographs, took pictures with fans and answered numerous questions ensuring that all who made the effort to meet him got their chance to speak to him. “I’m very happy with how the event played out,” says Daniela, who helped prepare and set up for this event. “It was more personable and intimate then any other event that I’ve been to at the Bloor St. location and in turn, everyone was very excited and having a good time.” Staying true to his Canadian ties, Adam embraces his role as Roots Ambassador and is grateful for all of the hometown encouragement he receives. “It was great visiting Halifax and Toronto,” says Adam. “I grew up in Toronto so I always love coming back home. I also visited Whistler recently and stopped by the Roots location there. This is just my way of saying thank you to all my fans who continue to support me throughout my career.”

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing Roots stores based on their sales results S

hortly before going to press, we received the final sales figures for stores in recent months. Taking the top spot for company stores in both August and September was the Bank Street store in Ottawa, Ontario for the third consecutive month. As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, the Beacon Hill store in Calgary, Alberta claimed the top spot in September. In August, it was the Fanshawe store in London, Ontario (pictured). Congratulations to Sarah Mersereau, Manager of the Bank Street store; Stephanie Reid, Manager of the Beacon Hill store; Wade Stansbury, Manager of the Fanshawe store; and to their respective teams. Hats off to all of the other stores that surpassed their sales goals in September and August.

Fanshawe store team, L to R: Logan Kimmel, Victoria Kimberley, Laura Winkler, Tienna Stempowicz, Candace Crosby, Susan Yu Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

GREEN TIP #72 Easy ways to help the environment

LESSONS WORTH TEACHING: With a new school year underway, academic lessons aren’t the only important thing for students to learn. The classroom is a vital link in instilling good environmental habits among young people. Children should be made aware of the many small ways in which they can help save our planet. Teachers can encourage them to turn off lights when leaving a vacant room and keep any materials left over from projects for future use. When writing, students should use both sides of the paper, and pick up any garbage they see on the playground to dispose of properly. Parents shopping for school supplies for their children should pick items with less packaging so as to produce less garbage. Likewise, preference should be given to school supplies made of organic materials, as their environmental footprint is smaller. Parents should consider buying better quality items to ensure they will last longer. Children should learn to re-use any school supplies left over from the previous year in order to conserve resources and save money. If children have old supplies that function but have already bought new ones, they should either donate the former to their school or take the new ones back to the store. Parents should also help their kids by packing ecoresponsible lunches for them, using re-usable containers and lunch bags instead of plastic wrap and paper sacks and re-fillable water bottles rather than juice boxes or pop cans. Parents should also remember to check containers for harmful toxins such as PVC. If the school doesn’t offer bus service, families that have children living fairly close to each other should consider car-pooling. By taking turns dropping kids off and picking them up, parents will save on time and fuel. · Source: www.earthshare.org Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN...

Taking attendance of special guests at Roots

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots and developing friendly ties with the brand. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures in the entertainment industry and sports world who recently visited the company’s stores, the head office, factory or were seen wearing Roots. · Bloor St., Toronto – Reality star Scott Disik stopped by to pick up some men’s T-shirts. · Bloor St., Toronto – Film actor and comedian Bill Murray was at the store twice during TIFF. · Bloor St., Toronto – Film actor Edward Norton stopped by in September. · Bloor St., Toronto – Star of Kick-Ass and Savages Aaron Johnson and his wife, filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood picked up some jackets for their children. · Bloor St., Toronto – Members of the Canadian Women’s Olympic Bronze Medal soccer team Desmanpurchasing visited Shawn in September, Western Riding Boots and Original Sweatshirts and hoodies.

· Bloor St., Toronto – Olympic flag-bearer Christine Sinclair stopped by, picking up clothes for an interview including two tank tops, a watch, a bag and shoes. · Bloor St., Toronto – NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies guard Jerryd Bayless did some shopping in August. · Bloor St., Toronto – Songwriter and Canada’s Got Talent judge Stephan Moccio stopped by the store in September. · Bloor St., Toronto – Television show Suits was filming outside the store in early October and the entire cast came in. · Eaton Centre, Toronto – Harry Potter series actress Emma Watson visited the store in August. · Eaton Centre, Toronto – The Wire actor Michael Williams was at the store in September, purchasing a Banff Bag, scarves and socks. · Queen Street, Toronto – Rookie Blue actor Gregory Smith visited the store. · Vaughan, ON – Singer/dancer

Shawn Desmon came into the store. · Centreville, Montreal – Academy Award winning actor Helen Mirren visited the store twice in early September. · Robson St., Vancouver – Dog Whisperer Caesar Milan came by and picked up the Anthony Chino Pant, the Terry Pullover, the Nickel T-shirt and the Globe T-shirt. · Aspen, CO – Hollywood couple Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffin dropped by in August, picking up sweatpants and an Aspen T-shirt. · Aspen, CO – Reggae band The Wailers came to the store, purchasing Zip Polos, Classic Full Zip Hoodies, Poor Boy hats and Aspen T’s. · Aspen, CO – Musician/singer Chris Isaak treated himself to an Aspen baseball cap and Tshirt in August. · Aspen, CO – Alex Scally, one half of pop duo Beach House, visited in August, leaving with an Aspen T-shirt and baseball cap.

Jerryd Bayless

Shawn Desman

Emma Watson

Canadian Olympic women’s soccer team

Michael Williams Michael Williams

Stephan Moccio, centre, and Michael Budman The Source • 15

NEW & NOTEWORTHY AAguide guideto tojust-launched just-launchedRoots Rootsproducts products

5 Pocket Stretch Pant, Black, $72

Jade Sherpa Biker Jacket, Black Mix, $128

Maggie Hoody, Cabernet Mix, $48

Taylor Lounge Top, Grey, $78

Maple Intarsia Cardigan, Storm Cloud, $178.

Roll Over Boot Tribe, Africa, $248

Edie Bag- Ranger Leather, Oxblood, $88

Celeste Print Shawl, Black, $64

16 • The Source

Milan Headband, Black and Brick Red, $18 Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

NEW &just-launched NOTEWORTHY guideto tojust-launched Rootsproducts products AAguide Roots

Nickel T, Brick Red Mix, $30.

Neil Longsleeve T, Blade Grey Mix, $42.

Selvage Organic Demin, Selvage, $128.

Maple Hoody, Black Pepper, $72.

Reversible Jacket, Multi, $148.

Matthew’s Boot - Stampede, Brown, $198

Modern Satchel, Tribe, $338

McKay Belt, Brown, $40.

Rock Forest Toque, Brick, $26.

Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

The Source • 17

STAYING POWER

Saluting those who go the distance hroughout September and October, several Roots employees are celebrating benchmark anniversaries with the company. Congratulations to the following people for their huge contribution and enduring loyalty to Roots:

Rosa Galarza, Sewing Machine Operator, Factory, 35 years Gail Solnick, Toronto Sales Associate, 20 years Iolanda Marcucci, Stitcher, Factory, 15 years Chan La Ngoc, Leather Table Worker, Factory, 15 years Nam Nguyen, Stitcher, Factory, 10 Years Rawatti Persaud, Team Leader, DC/Warehouse, 10 years Karla Capili, Assistant Manager, Scarbough, ON, 5 years Beverley Elcock, Picker Packer, DC/Warehouse, 5 years Chanh Loi La, Sewing Machine Operator, Factory, 5 years Melissa Mazza, Keyholder, Thornhill, ON, 5 years Oukham Elise Pravat, Store Manager, Kanata, ON, 5 years Lorenzo Richards, Store Manager, Toronto, 5 years Cheryl Somek, Store Manager, Sudbury, ON, 5 years Jacqueline Thomas, District Manager, West Coast, 5 years

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores

As part of our continuing series of team pictures of the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is spotlighting the Mayfair Shopping Centre store in Victoria, British Columbia. Top row (L to R): Carey Knight, Baldeep Gill, Emily Wright. Back row (L to R): Kasey Anderson and Casmine Pandher. Absent Jan Hutchings. Brandon Kirbyson, 18 months, Santa Monica, CA

Leanne Pollack, 19, Thornhill, Ontario

ON THE MOVE

New appointments at Roots

Sarah Briscoe, Supervisor, Customer Service Alana Krenbrink, Creative Coordinator Victoria Lee, Director, Multilevel Ecommerce Aimme Nicole Listar, District Visual Coordinator Ashley Lotecki, Associate Designer Tamara Thompson, Buyer Jeremy Watt, Website Designer Tanja Zelko, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing

Sophie Romanello, 2, Burlington, Ontario

Will Daku, 3, Wells, British Columbia

SPEAK TO MY AGENT Little – and not so little – customers show their Roots

EXPRESS YOURSELF

We invite you to send us your letters and/or your most creative photos or illustrations for publication in The Source. Please send your submissions to photogallery@roots.com 18 • The Source

Jackson Glofcheskie, 2, Kitchener, Ontario

e often receive unsolicited photos from people eager to show us pictures of their children, cousins, grandchildren, or even pets, wearing Roots. Sometimes the senders ask if we could use the photos in a future advertising campaign for Roots. While we can’t promise that, we are happy to publish them in The Source. Over the years, Speak To My Agent has become one of the most popular items in our

magazine because it showcases everyday people wearing Roots. Everyone is welcome to submit their favourite shots to be considered for publication. Please send your pictures to photogallery@roots.com. Be sure to include the name and age of each child or pet in the photo, where it was taken, place of residence and a sentence stating that you agree for the photos to be used in The Source.

Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

MUSICAL ROOTS

This time, we spotlight Canadian singer/songwriter Mo Kenny

Mo Kenny is on a fall tour showcasing her self-titled debut album

lready celebrated in Atlantic Canada, Mo Kenney – if her career continues as it has so far – she will soon be known to people across the nation and beyond. At 22, Kenney is quickly making a name for herself due to her impressive musical talents. She has already garnered praise from veteran singers like Ron Sexsmith, Gordie Sampson and Steve Poltz. Her eponymous debut album was released in late September, showcasing songs she has been writing since she was 15.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Kenney began writing music when she was in her early teens. At 14, she began casually recording songs at a studio in her native province. The next year, she met fellow Nova Scotian, former Thrush Hermitt musician and producer Joel Plaskett, which gave Kenney her first break into the music industry. “I was doing some recording at a school in Halifax that had a little studio setup that was recording bands,” says Kenney.

“They had Joel come in and listen to my songs.” Five years later, Plaskett’s manager was looking for participants for the first Gordie Sampson Songcamp. He remembered Kenney, and recommended her for one of the spots. In 2011, Kenney and Plaskett began the recording process for her album, a collaboration that proved a true partnership. “Joel and I are the only musicians playing on the album,” says Kenney. “He definitely influenced the production. He does all the recording onto tape and uses analogue gear. I just love the warmth of that sound.” Kenney and Plaskett cowrote two songs on the album, both of which are highlights. The first is “Scene of the Crime,” a heady song that leads to an emotional guitar crescendo, sung with a deep, heartfelt connection. Then there’s “Déjà Vu,” which puts a rare positive twist on the break-up of a relationship. Kenney’s song composition process always starts with her Hensel Parlour guitar. Often she writes the guitar part first, followed by the melody and then lyrics. Her style is influenced by her musical heroes, of which there are many. As a teen, she admired artists like The Shins,

Elliot Smith, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Their influence can be heard in the eclectic mix of sounds found on her album. This sense of musical adventurousness is best demonstrated in her song “I Can’t Talk,” in which she uses non-lexical vocals, something that’s always been part of her song writing. She says one of the most significant changes in the evolution of her song writing happened when at age 15 she tried to teach herself Elliot Smith’s guitar finger picking style. “I wanted to learn to fingerpick since that’s how he played,” she explains. “It took a while, but I have my own style now. Learning how to do something different on my guitar definitely gave me confidence and a fresh new start with song writing.” The instrumentality of classic and alternative rock artists is clear in the originality of Kenney’s songs. Her style is not one that can be easily described, but best expressed as pop music with a folk twist. Kenney is currently touring Canada as Plaskett’s opening act. - Davin Bujalski • Listen to Roots Radio to hear Mo Kenney’s latest music. For more information, visit www. mokenney.com

CHEF’S CORNER

Roots-friendly recipes for a healthy diet and to bring pleasure to your palate PUMPKIN PANCAKES: Turn your Halloween jack-o-lantern into something delicious and nutritious. These low fat pumpkin pancakes are the perfect trick-or-treat for you and your family to enjoy this fall season. Pancakes on their own are a relatively nutritious food option being low in calories and fat. By adding condiments such as syrup and butter, both the sugar and fat contents are significantly increased. For a healthier choice, throw on some chopped apples, a handful of raisins, or even some chopped cranberries. This recipe, serving 8-10 pancakes, takes only 15 minutes to make and provides a long list of nutritional benefits supporting a balanced lifestlye. One cup of pumpkin puree provides vitamin A, B, C and E, containing more potassium than in one banana, has 25% Issue 108 • Sept. - Oct. 2012

of your daily fiber intake and is high in antioxidants. Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 tbsp canola oil 1 cup nonfat milk 1/3 cup pure pumpkin Preparation: 1) Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. 2) Combine egg, oil, milk and pumpkin in a small bowl. 3) Stir pumpkin mixture into dry ingredients. Leave to stand for five minutes. 4) For each pancake, scoop ¼ cup of batter on to a hot griddle or nonstick

skillet sprayed with cooking spray. 5) After about two minutes or when bubbles appear flip over the pancake. Cook for 1½ minutes on opposide side.

6) Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Source: http://lowfatcooking.about. com/od breakfastandlunch/r/pumpkinpancakes.html

The Source • 19

View the film at roots.com