TORONTO – Hollywood Suite announced today it is investing in the next generation of women in the entertainment industry.
During the month of December, the independent broadcaster will match, dollar-for-dollar, any funds raised for the Foundation for Women in Film & Television – Toronto. The campaign aims to raise a total of $30,000 for the foundation.
"We have seen first-hand the difference WIFT-T's fundraising efforts have made for individual bursary winners, who otherwise would not have been given the opportunities to grow and succeed in the entertainment industry,” said David Kines, president of Hollywood Suite, in its press release. “We are proudly supporting this campaign for the third year in a row. I throw out the challenge to our industry peers to follow suit and continue to empower women and have their voices represented in film and television."
“Once again, we are delighted and extremely grateful to see Hollywood Suite take a leadership role in creating impactful opportunities for women in the screen-based industry,” added Karen Bruce, executive director, WIFT-T.
“Our organization empowers women to connect, learn and advance and this fundraising campaign will provide necessary scholarships and bursaries for women to gain invaluable business skills, gain access to industry and academic leaders and provide advancement opportunities.”
WIFT-T provided career development support to over 500 women through three cash prizes to emerging filmmakers at its annual WIFT Showcase; 426 media professionals (at different career stages) with industry and business-focused learning through four intensive programs and network-building initiatives; five tuition-free bursaries to those programs; 45 mentorship matches through WIFT Connect; community support through five awards of membership and programming passes to aspiring filmmakers in partnership with three schools and two film festivals; and access to industry-sponsored mentorships, says the release.
To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.hollywoodsuite.ca/wift
