December 2009. by Roots Canada

A window into the world of Roots

Issue 93 • December 2009

GREAT PRESENTS WITH GREAT PRESENCE A guide to the best Roots gifts for the holiday season

Issue 93 - December 2009

The Source • 1

I N S I D E ISSUE93 AN AUSPICIOUS DEBUT Leather bags almost sell out in last month’s Shopping Channel segment ROOTS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2009 Showcasing a series of gifts for men, women and babies ROOTS CARES UPDATE Customer donation campaign raises impressive amount for Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots campaign CAMPAIGNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Roots employee joins ecoaction on Parliament Hill THE POWER OF GIVING Roots leather bag brings joy to recipient after heart surgery AND THE WINNER IS... Poetic words capture top prize in ‘What Makes Canada Priceless’ contest

Departments FINE PRINT GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN

SPECIAL DELIVERY

A selection of recent letters from the world of Roots A JEWEL IN JACKIE

During a recent visit to Vancouver, I shopped at your RobsonThurlow store. It was a highly positive experience and I want to let you know that you have an absolute jewel in Jackie Thomas, the store manager. Her attitude, her knowledge of the inventory and the comments I received from her sales staff were outstanding. Jackie was such a delight that I went back the next day to buy some more items for my grandchildren. Bruce F. Fein Keswick, Virginia

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL STAYING POWER GREEN TIPS HEALTH TIPS

Publishers MICHAEL BUDMAN, DON GREEN Editor ROBERT SARNER Editorial Assistant CAROLINE IWANOWSKI Interns ALLISON COLALILLO NADIA MALIK

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, both in blog and PDF formats, on the Roots website at www.roots.com

2 • The Source

CHEERS TO CHERYL

I felt it was important for me to let you know about the wonderful experience I had with Cheryl Somek, the manager at your Sudbury store. I’d gone there to see if I could do anything about a travel purse I had previously purchased at the airport in Toronto. With her professional kindness, Cheryl went out of her way to be helpful. She took care of me as if I were a VIP customer. Her friendly manner was supreme and you are most fortunate to have Cheryl as one of your valued employees. There are not many like Cheryl around. The store did not have my bag but Cheryl took the time to call other stores to be able to replace it. Her efforts were very

much appreciated. She went beyond the duty of an employee. It’s a pleasure shopping at the Roots store in Sudbury. Gail Firby Sudbury, ON GOING THE DISTANCE

These days, it seems all we hear about customer service is the lack of it. At the Roots store in the Halifax Shopping Centre, I had a different experience. Nada Jaber went out of her way to be friendly and helpful and she was able to do it without being pushy. She even recommended a book series to my 10-year-old daughter, which we later purchased. My daughter started reading it that night and is already looking forward to continuing the series. A big thank you to Nada for encouraging a good habit with her recommendation. She is a gem of an employee. Keep up the good work. It will be a pleasure to return to this outlet. Sheila MacDonald Middle Sackville, NS A VALUABLE ASSET

As a regular customer at the Roots store in Kelowna, BC, I thought you should be aware of the repeated great customer service I receive there. The store manager, Cindy Manchur is exceptional. She is always very pleasant

and goes out of her way to help customers. Being in sales for 30 years myself, I know how often negative comments can be made. When I see someone like Cindy doing such a terrific job, it needs to be noted. I just wanted to let you know I always have a great experience at your Kelowna location. You have a valuable asset in Cindy. Karl Woll Kelowna, BC HATS OFF TO WENDY

I want to comment on the great customer service I received from your Manager Wendy McMahon at the White Oaks Mall in London, Ontario. I had an issue with a purse I had purchased and she was fantastic in taking care of me. She was quick and very understanding. This was my fifth leather purse purchase in three years at Roots and my sixth will be from you as well. Roots has great quality items and you truly stand behind your products. I love my new Olivia Bag. Krista Buruma London, Ontario

EXPRESS YOURSELF We invite you to send us your letters and or most creative photos or illustrations for publication in The Source. Please send your submissions to photogallery@roots.com Issue 93 - December 2009

PRESENCE AND PRESENTS Roots brings feelings of warmth, comfort and style this gift-giving season

n the world of business, some periods are more critical than others. For much of the retail sector, the holiday shopping season, running from early November to late December, is of utmost importance due to its disproportionate impact on total sales for the year. Centered around the Christmas/New Year celebration, the holiday period is driven, in large part, by the tradition of gift giving. As a popular destination for shoppers seeking great holiday gifts, Roots starts its preparation well in advance of this important season. The planning involves the coordinated efforts of several key players in various departments, under the direction of Shyrose Kassam, VicePresident of Merchandising. Her mandate is broad and strategic. Shyrose coordinates the design and buying process for almost all Roots products, (except Roots Home and licensed goods) and, as such, is intrinsically involved in the holiday collection. She’s also responsible for product assortment, positioning and sourcing, and inventory management, and plays an influential role in the company’s visual, marketing and advertising initiatives. It helps that Shyrose knows Roots inside out having joined the company 13 years ago. She began at Roots as Director of Planning before moving to the merchandising department in 2005. Earlier this month, Shyrose shared her insights with The Source on the 2009 holiday collection and other related matters.

What is the theme for this year’s holiday collection?

has translated this theme in all our stores by using a Canadiana lodge look.

SHYROSE: The theme for this year is “Home for the Holidays.” How do you choose products to In reflecting Roots style, we feature in the Roots holiday gift wanted our holiday products to guide? transmit a feeling of warmth and I concentrated on items that comfort, things associated with reflected current being with family fashion trends and friends at this like plaid shirts time of year. and accessories. Roots is associI also focused on ated with ‘Canada’ heavy knit and ‘celebration,’ sweaters, which so to be home for are staple pieces the holidays with for winter and Roots is a perfect easy-to-give gifts fit. like mitts, hats Canada is and scarves. always a large Also, this year we part of the introduced edible inspiration behind Canadian treats Roots holiday like Roots maple products. I’d like syrup and to think our cookies, as well clothes and as an assortment Shyrose Kassam accessories not of books. only reflect our Are there any special items this Canadian heritage, but also holiday season? represent our lifestyle and how The Canada Collection By Roots we aspire to live. Comfort, looking good, and feeling athletic is very important to Roots this season, especially as it helps the are all key to the inspiration at Right To Play charity. The Roots. partnership between Roots and The colour chosen to match Right To Play reflects our our theme is red. It’s illustrated company’s core values. The on our shopping bags, gift boxes fleece and leather products in and gift cards. The Visual team Issue 93 - December 2009

the collection demonstrate just how much inspiration comes from the Canadian heritage of Roots. The plaid theme is very prominent in apparel, accessories and leather bags this season. Knitwear with cabling and native Canadian-inspired motifs are also worth highlighting. How involved are you with the holiday merchandise?

I oversee the design and buying process to ensure that all areas come together to convey our holiday theme. The entire process begins about a year in advance. The most critical factor is the product, of course, so the design and buying process begin far in advance. The design and inspiration for the products themselves come from the designers at Roots. Under my direction, the Visual team translates the collection’s theme in our stores and marketing campaigns. How important is the holiday period to Roots?

The fourth quarter, which makes up the holiday season, is an extremely important, if not the most important, part of the year for Roots as it is for most retail businesses. It contributes to a significant portion of the annual sales, both in our stores and online. Does Roots have any product

traditions for the holidays?

Sweats and leather have always been a big part of our tradition at holiday time. Roots offers the best selection of fleece in the marketplace with a variety of colours, styles and price points. Our leather bags, all made in Canada from the finest Italian leather, are a timeless gift that most people look forward to receiving. Over the years, how have items for the holidays changed?

People have become more selective in their purchases and are now shopping for quality, timeless pieces to add to their wardrobe. The culture of buynow-wear-now has transcended into an investment outlook, where customers ask themselves: “Will this piece see me through more than just this season?” Roots fleece and leather products have seen tremendous growth due to this consumer trend as they meet this standard. For Roots, quality and integrity have always been key principles.

So far, all signs point to a highly successful holiday season, thanks to a great team effort at Roots. There is a diverse range of products available for the whole family to enjoy, especially as gifts. The following six pages offer a preview of a much larger holiday collection. View the Roots Holiday Gift Guide at www.roots.com. The Source • 3

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 3.

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1. Diane’s Motorcycle Jacket Bruschetta, $488. 2. Women’s Massett Sock; Vintage white, Black, Grey mix, $12. 3. Capri Hoody; Black pepper, Imperial purple mix, Harmony mix, $74. 4. Russian Vamp Tall Boot Raging Bull; Black, $288. 5. Icy Cable Earflap; Aran, Black, $30. 6. Icy Cable Legwarmer; Aran, Oxygen, $30. 7. Beaconsfield Zip Up Cardigan; Soapstone mix, Black/bone, $128. 8. Fluid Down Vest; Black, Amethyst, $120. 9. Women’s 2-Pack Paris Stripe Knee Sock; Black, Charcoal, $15. Issue 93 - December 2009

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 1.

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1. Roots Original Crop; Medieval blue mix, Charcoal mix, Imperial purple mix, Salt and pepper, merlot, black, $54. 2. Award Plaid Backpack; Black, Heritage red, $64. 3. Vintage Heather Tee II; Vintage white, Wood violet, Firebrick, Imperial purple, $30. 4. Matthew Earflap Cap; Red, $40. 5. Vest; See item 8, page 4. 6. Women’s Snowy Fox Chunky Mitt; Dove stone, Vintage white, $32. 7. Julie Gathered Top; Black, Wood violet, Grey mix, $42. 8. Karen Lamb Glove; Black, After dark, $78.

The Source • 5

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 1.

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1. Women’s Trapper Nightshirt, Heritage red; Peacock $54. 2. Award Tote; Black, Heritage red, $58. 3. Women Trapper Lounge Pant; Heritage red, Peacock, $54. 4. Skugog Knit Earflap; Black/ Aran, Chocolate/ Black, $46. 5. Village Bag; Classic Prince leather, $128. 6. Icy Cable Earmuff; Aran, Black, Oxygen, $34. 7. Douglas Duffel Tribe Leather, $418 8. Blanket Buffalo Plaid, $158. Coming Soon. Issue 93 - December 2009

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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1. Men’s Tuffer Boot; Raging Bull, $248. Coming Soon. 2. Classic Plaid Scarf; Black, $38. Royal Thermal Scarf; Aran, Charcoal, Dark cayenne, $58. Buffalo Check Scarf; Black, $38. 3. Elgort Cardigan; Barbor green, $198. 4. Oberlin V Nock Sweater Argyle; Nautical navy, $88. 5. Men’s Texting Glove; Black, Salt and pepper, $20. Men’s Chalet Glove; Black, Salt and pepper, Charcoal, $28. 6. Organic SS Holiday T-Shirt; Black, Medium grey, $30. 7. Men’s Summer Cabin Sock 2-Pack; Heritage red, Black, $15. 8. Jason Leather Glove; Black, After dark, $78. 9. Men’s Snowy Fox Toque; Vintage white, Black, $26. 10. Cooper Zip Polo; Atlantic, Black pepper, Blue haze, Earth, Heritage red, Thistle, $58. The Source • 7

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2.

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1. Closed Bottom Sweat Pant; Black pepper, Earth, Navy pepper, Thistle, $60. 2. Men’s Snowy Fox Scarf; Stripped multi, Chunky black, Chunky vintage white, $48. 3. Tatlow Full Zip Hoody; Black, Burnt ochre, Medium greymix, Nautical navy, $80. 4. Men’s Cavill Down Hooded Bomber; Thistle, $225. 5. Roots Maple Syrup; $14.95. 6. Roots Cookie Tin; $19.95. 7. Roots All-Natural Beeswax Candle; Maple, $14. Issue 93 - December 2009

2009 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 1.

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1. Babies Fuzzy Friends Hat; Ice kitty, After dark bear, Merlot beaver, $16.95. 2. Babies Precious Bundle Wrap; White, $34.95. 3. Babies Softee Moccasins; Ice, Desert palm, $18.95 4. Babies Sherpa Beanie; White, $12.95. 5. Babies Beaver Sleeper; Icelandic, $27.95. 6. Babies Festive Bodysuit; Icelandic, Ruby red, $16.95. 7. Mocassins; See item 3. 8. Babies Fuzzy Friends Mitts; Ice kitty, After dark bear, Merlot beaver, $16.95. 9. Mitts; See item 8. 10. Roots Canada Moose; Heritage red, $16. 11. Hat; See item 1. The Source â&#x20AC;˘ 9

FINE PRINT A selection of coverage of Roots in the media Here are some recent sightings of Roots in the pages of newspapers and magazines:

· Where Magazine, Dec. issue. Roots women’s Tall Boot in brown and the Village Bag in red featured in Holiday Gift Guide. ·Globe and Mail, Nov. 20. Roots highlighted in article “Have yourself a merry-digi Christmas,” about digital strategies of top Canadian brands. · Globe and Mail, Nov. 17. Canada Toque featured in Style Counsel section. · Marketing Magazine, Nov. 9. Article entitled “MasterCard and Roots help kids play,” about partnership with Right To Play. · Globe and Mail, Nov. 9. Article about marketing of Canada Collection By Roots. · National Post, Nov. 7. Spotlight on items from the Canada Collection By Roots. · Canadian Press, Nov. 6. Article entitled “Crazy for Canada” featured Canada Collection By Roots. · Toronto Star, Nov. 5. Article entitled “Roots showcases its roots” features the Canada Collection By Roots. · Chatelaine, Nov. Olivia Bag in red and black buffalo check included in holiday issue. · Fashion, Nov. Spotlight on Roots Duffle in red and black buffalo check. · 2 Magazine for Couples, Nov. Little Olivia Bag featured in Holiday Shopping Guide. · Flare, Nov. Spotlight on Roots Motorcycle Jacket in pebble leather. · Glow, Nov. Little Olivia Bag featured in latest issue. · Metro News, Oct. 23. Article on plaid trend entitled “Hip to be Square” featured small Olivia Bag in red and black buffalo check. · Now, Oct. 21. Spotlight on the Michelle Bag in article entitled “Purse Perfect.” · Canadian Press, Oct. 15. Article entitled “Roots making boots again” focuses on Roots making shoes in Canada. · Los Angeles Times, Oct. 12. Article entitled “Halloween Hangover style” featured Village Bag in tribe leather. · Anokhi Magazine, Oct. Carla Bag in merlot featured in Holiday Gift Guide. · Elle Canada, Oct. Spotlight on Roots Motorcycle Jacket in black leather. · Men’s Fashion, Oct. Highlighted Men’s Desert Boot and Unisex Tote in tribe leather. · Metro News, Sept. 24. Spotlight on Roots Motorcycle Jacket in black leather. 10 • The Source

AN AUSPICIOUS DEBUT Leather bags almost sell out in last month’s Shopping Channel segment

n early November, for the first time ever, The Shop ping Channel (TSC) devoted a major segment to Roots. Initiated by Patricia MacInnis, Manager of Product Development and Key Accounts in the Business-ToBusiness Department, the show served as an impressive showcase of Roots leather bags for hundreds of thousands of TSC viewers. Leading the way, Diane Bald, Creative Director, and Andy McCurbin, leather specialist, enlightened the public about the quality, design and functionality of each leather bag. Viewers also got a behind-thescenes glimpse of how Roots hand makes products in its own

Toronto-based leather factory though a video clip that aired during the segment. Approximately 90% of the leather bags were sold of the stock within three hours. The show featured many items such

as the Village Bag, the Banff Bag, the Lauren Tote, and the Side Saddle. The most popular bags proved to be the classic Roots styles such as the Roots Original Flat Bag collection. As a result of the of the TV debut, Roots.com experienced a major jump in traffic and sales of leather bags in the several days following the broadcast. “I had tons of fun being on The Shopping Channel,” says Andy. “I sell Roots bags everyday, but it was cool to do it in front of a camera for thousands of people on live television! It’s natural and easy for me to sell Roots bags, especially because I believe in the product.”

TUFF LOVE

Roots ‘Tuff Skin’ completes first year on market with impressive milestone

oots licensee Gentec International recently celebrated a noteworthy achievement. The company sold more than 100,000 Roots Tuff Skin mobile phone and gadget cases during the first year of sales in Canada. Roots Tuff Skin cases are made of soft, flexible, rubber-like material that wraps around the back of a

‘ROOTS CARES’ UPDATE Customer donation campaign raises impressive amount for Jane Goodall Institute

the Retail Operations department n late November, Roots Coorganized a contest to reward the Founder Don Green presented a stores that raised the most money cheque for $80,300 to Jane for JGI. Six stores across Canada Lawton, Executive Director of the won prizes in their Jane Goodall Institute store-size category for of Canada (JGI). It was their exemplary efforts the culmination of a during the campaign. highly successful threeThe winning stores, in month, in-store no particular order, are: campaign in which Robson Street Roots employees (Vancouver), Banff invited customers to (Alberta), Whistler donate to JGI when (BC), Sudbury making a purchase. (Ontario), CrossIron Retail staff members Mills Outlet (Alberta), rose to the occasion, JGI’s Jane Lawton and Signal Hill Centre working hard to help and Don Green Outlet (Calgary). raise funds for a good Staff members of each winning cause, as part of the latest Roots store received a JGI certificate and Cares initiative. a goody bag with Roots and other The money will go toward Roots treats for their efforts. Winning & Shoots, JGI’s environmental/ stores also received two humanitarian education program autographed copies of Jane and global network of youth from Goodall’s upcoming book Hope for more than 100 countries. Animals and their World. At the outset of the campaign,

mobile phone or gadget, providing practical protection against various types of damage. The protective rubber cases are designed especially for the iPhone and various iPods and Blackberrys. Roots Tuff Skins are available at retail stores that sell electronics in Canada. Prices range from $29.99 to $34.99.

STAYING POWER Saluting those who go the distance Laurinda Silva, Leather Stitcher, 20 years Franco Abate, Leather Cutter, 15 years Ling Chow, Product Manager, 15 years Celina Vaca, Leather Stitcher, 15 years Walter Brunet, Financial Analyst, 10 years Maxine Correia, Warehouse Manager, 10 years Kim Court-Hampton, Executive Assistant, 10 years Jocelyn Lemaire, Stock Supervisor, 10 years Kam Ryatt, Product Coordinator, 10 years Tamara Thompson, Manager, Merchandise Planning, 10 years Daniela Castriota, Keyholder, 5 years Daisionelle Childs, Ontario Sales Associate, 5 years Katy Harris, Part-time Sales Associate, 5 years Lindsay Harris, Store Manager, 5 years Rachel Roos, Store Manager, 5 years Issue 93 - December 2009

GUESS WHO JUST DROPPED IN Taking attendance of special guests at Roots stores

elebrities have long made a point of shopping at Roots. Here are the latest sightings of prominent figures from the world of entertainment and sports who visited Roots stores recently: · Robson St., Vancouver - Ming Na, best known for her role in the TV series ER, stopped by to pick up a pair of men’s Texting Gloves.

Ming Na

· Bloor St. Toronto - World figure skating champions and Right To Play Canadian athlete ambassadors Jamie Salé and David Pelletier dropped by and purchased a variety of Roots items. · On the streets - Nick Jonas, from the Jonas Brothers, was spotted wearing his Roots Satchel on Spadina Ave. in Toronto. · Beverly Hills, Los Angeles -

Justin Chambers, actor on the CTV series Grey’s Anatomy, recently came in and purchased two Cape Breton Track Jackets for his daughters. · Bloor St., Toronto - Luc Robitaille, newly inducted Hockey Hall of Fame member and former NHL star left-winger, stopped in to check out new Roots merchandise. · Robson St. - Actress Marlee

Nick Jonas

Jamie Salé and David Pelletier

Luc Robitaille and his family

Marlee Matlin

Matlin, a competitor in the sixth season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, purchased a Village Bag in Prince black leather and a Venetian Village Bag in China Red on a recent visit. · Roots Leather Factory, Toronto - Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd visited the facility where he met with Henry Kowalewski.

Justin Chambers

Dan Aykroyd and Henry Kowalewski at Roots factory

GREAT MOMENTS IN RETAIL Spotlighting the top performing stores in October and November

hortly before this issue of The Source went to press, we received the final sales figures for stores in recent months. Topping the pack in terms of company stores for October and November was the Stone Road Mall location in Guelph, Ontario that captured the ‘Store of the Month’ honours, beating its sales target by a wide margin. As for the Roots 73/Outlet category, for the third month Issue 93 - December 2009

Employees of Guelph store

in a row the Cross Iron Mills location in Rocky View, just north of Calgary (Alberta), took first place for October and the Lansdowne Place location in Peterborough, Ontario took first place in November. Both stores far surpassed

others in terms of monthly sales budgets. Congratulations to Janine Gordon, Manager of the Guelph store, Trevor Chambers, Manager of the RockyView outlet and Todd Fournier, Manager of the Peterborough outlet, and to their respective teams, for their winning performances. Hats off to all of the other stores that surpassed their sales goals in October and November. The Source • 11

GREEN TIP #57

STARTING LINEUP

Introducing the people who make it happen at Roots stores As part of our continuing series of team pictures of all the stores in the Roots retail family, this issue of The Source is shining in the spotlight on the Cambridge Shopping Centre store in Cambridge, Ontario. From left to right: Chelsea Willis, Brenda Westbrook (Manager), Sophie Noreen and Emma Slater. Missing in photo: Nancy Hart, Elyse Wilkinson and Deanna Vickery.

SPEAK TO MY AGENT The littlest customers show their Roots

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. We can’t promise that but we are happy to publish them in The Source. 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.

Jenin Halabi, 2 years, Saba Halabi, 4 years, Kettering, Ohio

Emelia Santos, 5 months, Kingsville, ON

Nathan Hughes, 2 years, North Bay, ON 12 • The Source

Easy ways to help the environment ON A WINTER’S DAY: As temperatures get colder, many people have a tendency to crank up the heat in their homes. You can save energy and money this winter by following a few simple steps: Minimize the energy needed to heat your home by making sure windows and doors are well sealed. One of the quickest dollarsaving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. This easy, inexpensive fix can save as much as 10 percent of winter heating costs. Turning your thermostat down just five degrees can cut energy bills and pollution by 10 percent. Keep it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Using a programmable thermostat, you can automatically turn down your heat at night or when you are not at home. Keep the drapes and shades on your windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. Fireplaces can make your home more cozy in winter months. Look for artificial logs made of wood only. Avoid those that contain paraffin, a petroleumbased by-product that generates high emissions. Some alternatives include fireplace logs made of recycled cardboard, recycled paper briquettes and logs made out of used coffee grounds, which burn hotter and longer than wood, while producing fewer emissions. • For more information on how to conserve energy, visit: http:// www.countmeinontario.ca Issue 93 - December 2009

CAMPAIGNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Roots employee travels to Ottawa to take part in eco-action on Parliament Hill

rue to the company’s core values, Roots employees often take initiative to give back to their communities by devoting time to worthy causes. Recently, Diego Garzon, a part-time sales associate at the ‘Roots 73’ store in London, Ont., participated in Climate Day: Fill the Hill, as part of his commitment to fighting global warming. “I strive to help others become aware of the effects our actions have on our planet and the power we have to help make a difference,” says Diego, 18.

Diego in Ottawa on Parliament Hill for Climate Day

“That’s why I felt it was important to join the many others on Parliament Hill on Climate Day who share my ideas, and passion for the environment.” As part of the worldwide effort to affect legislative action on climate change, most notably at the much anticipated United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December, Canadian environmental groups hosted Climate Day in late October in Ottawa. To learn more about Climate Day, go to http://cday.atypical.ca/.

THE POWER OF GIVING Roots leather bag brings joy to recipient after heart surgery

ometimes giving a Roots gift has greater impact than expected. Recently, while in a Toronto hospital for heart surgery, Fred Leber was pleasantly surprised to receive a special gift that had been first sent to his office and then brought to him by his daughter. Wrapped in a black box with a black and white bow, Fred opened the gift to oohs and ahhs from his family members. Inside the box, to Fred’s delight, was a black leather Roots Destiny Bag.

“After receiving my bag, my family used it every day to bring things back and forth to the hospital for me,” says Fred. “It is one of my newly treasured

possessions.” The bag was a gift to Fred from Bullock Associates, an interior design firm in Toronto. Earlier this year, it ordered custom-designed Roots Awards Jackets and Destiny Bags for its staff and clients to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary. Bullock Associates worked with Roots five years ago when Roots Co-Founder Don Green enlisted the firm to help design the company’s award-winning global headquarters on Castlefield Ave. in Toronto.

HEALTH TIP #54 Easy ways to stay healthy A HEARTHEALTHY DIET: Simple changes in your diet can extend your life no matter where you live. Studies show that eating a Mediterranean-style diet can help improve your cardiovascular system. The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating, plus olive oil and red wine in moderation, among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats, but subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk of cardiovascular problems. To reduce your risk of heart disease, try the following recommendations from the Mediterranean diet: Eat a generous amount of fruits and vegetables. Use herbs and spices instead of salts on your food. Consume healthy fats such as olive and canola oil. For protein, eat fish or shellfish at least twice a week and consume very little red meat. • For more information about how the Mediterranean diet can decrease the risk of heart disease, visit www.mayoclinic.com

AND THE WINNER IS… Poetic words capture top prize in ‘What Makes Canada Priceless’ contest

Contest winner Rhonda Short, (2nd from left), with her family

ver the summer, Roots and MasterCard Canada held a month-long contest that focused on the true north, strong and free. In tribute to Canada Day, the contest encouraged people to answer the question: What makes Canada

Issue 93 - December 2009

priceless? Contestants were invited to submit a video or short story for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 MasterCard shopping spree or one of four $100 Roots gift cards. In total, more than 200 people sent in submissions with

a wide range of styles. After reviewing all the entries, a panel of Roots staff selected the words of Rhonda Short of Newmarket, Ontario as the winner. “The poem I submitted for the contest is something I wrote over the summer while waiting up late for my teenage daughter to return home from a party,” says Rhonda, a full-time mother and interior decorator. “I used to write a lot of poetry as a teen and this one was easy to write because I love Canada and Roots is a great place to shop.”

A crackling lakeside fire Marshmallows on a wire Mosquitoes humming about A freshly caught trout Make Canada priceless to me. Touring along a winding road While fall colours expertly explode Heading off to Roots When in need of new hiking boots Make Canada priceless to me.

Why Canada Is Priceless To Me

Frosty days spent at the rink Warming my hands with a Tim Hortons drink Swooshing down my favourite slopes Friends and neighbours and really bad jokes Make Canada priceless to me.

Evergreen trees A warm summer breeze Crystal clear water The agile swimming otter Make Canada priceless to me.

Watching syrup trickle out Of that tiny little spout Wishing the snow would finally melt Make Canada priceless to me. The Source • 13

14 â&#x20AC;˘ The Source

Issue 93 - December 2009