NAYA RIVERA PARTNERS WITH WINNERS & HOMESENSE IN TORONTO FOR THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION

Naya Rivera in Toronto - July 2012

"It didn't take much. It was just a question of whether I had the day off and I'll be there!", says stunning Glee Star Naya Rivera. The Actress/Singer flew into Toronto yesterday, her first-ever appearance in the City on her own other than having toured with her Cast Mates last June. Dressed in an eye-catching neon number, she colour-coordinated perfectly to shine a bit of her radiance to the Occasion.  That Occasion of course being her working together with Winners and HomeSense in their on-going efforts for the Sunshine Foundation. The Clothing and Home Furnishings Retailers since 1999 have been helping make the dreams of disabled and severely ill Children come true.

Attaching her name to a noble Cause is nothing new to Rivera.  Since propelling to Stardom in her starring role as Cheerleader Santana Lopez on Fox's prolific Musical Comedy Series, the Actress/Singer has shown her support for a variety of Organizations raising awareness for the GLBT Community, Alzheimer's Disease, Autism and Down Syndrome.  "I'm definitely always looking for any cause that I feel really is making a difference and it doesn't matter where it is", Rivera says. "Obviously, Kids are very near and dear to my Heart having Siblings and always growing-up with younger Kids.".

Appearing alongside Rivera this Morning were Fraternal Twins Ty and Jasmine (pictured above), born prematurely and  suffering from Cerebral Palsy.  Although Jasmine appears calm and reserved, her Brother Ty is the Yin to her Yang, being the outspoken one.  They are just an example of the Children who are benefiting from the kind and hard work of the Sunshine Foundation, recently spending a magical week at Great Wolf Lodge with fond memories of endless Buffets and Prizes. "A Kick-off?  Is she here to play Football or something?", jokes a spirited Ty, drawing a big laugh from Rivera after she is introduced to myself and two other Journalists on her reason of visit. "He's definitely a Comedian!", Rivera jokes.

NAYA RIVERA IN TORONTO FOR THE "SUNSHINE FOUNDATION OF CANADA"

Naya Rivera in Toronto - June 2011

Gorgeous Glee Star Naya Rivera will be arriving in Toronto on Monday, July 30, 2012 to lend her voice to a Cause dear to her Heart.  Rivera will help launch the Spread a Little Sunshine Campaign for Winners and Homesense's 13th annual Fundraising efforts in support of the Sunshine Foundation of Canada.  

The Foundation was established in 1987 by a London, Ontario Police Officer whose Son passed away from Muscular Dystrophy.  It aims to make the dreams come true of Children with severe disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. Currently the Foundation has eight Chapters throughout Canada.

This marks Rivera's first-ever Canadian appearance outside of the Glee Franchise. The 25-year-old Actress who stars on the Series as Santana Lopez, also currently is at work on her debut Disc to be released via Sony Music.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DANIEL GILLIES IN TORONTO FOR "SAVING HOPE" | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY

Daniel Gillies & Mr. Will-W.

After debuting at number one in its prime 9:00 PM Thursday Timeslot last week in Canada, NBC/CTV's Saving Hope is riding high on the buzz factor right now.  I caught-up with one of its Stars Daniel Gillies who plays Dr. Joel Goran on the Series earlier today, as he was walking his adorable Labrador named Cooper. After enjoying the first Episode of the Series v. much last week, he tells me, "Many are curious to see the Love Story looming between Joel and Alex (Erica Durance).". And I would be one of those People! The above Photo in fact is one of my fave Celeb Photos of 2012. A genuine moment.

Many of you might recognize Canadian-born, New Zealand-raised Gillies from his work in The Vampire Diaries in which he plays the role of Elijah and even earlier in his Career he appeared in popular Titles like Spider-Man 2 and Bride and Prejudice.

An all-around Great Guy, Gillies was kind enough to chat for a minute and I commended him for his work on his personal Charity Project for a two-year-old Boy named Isaias Quintana, who is suffering from a rare form of Cancer.  Click here to find out how you can contribute to the Fund.

EMMANUELLE CHRIQUI IN TORONTO FOR "THE POWER OF 2"

Emmanuelle Chriqui in Toronto - June 2012

Toronto's own Emmanuelle Chriqui got a Heroine's welcome home today from Fans, making an appearance at CityTV's Breakfast Television. The Actress in-town on a Press Blitz raising awareness for Colon Cancer. In 2011, 22,000 Canadians were diagnosed with Colon Cancer resulting in half of those People dying. As it is preventable, Colon Cancer Canada aims to raise awareness in how we can detect it early.

Chriqui is being pitted against former 'NSync Member Lance Bass in a Match called The Power of 2, with both competing to raise funds for their respective Charities.  Find out how you can donate here.

The Entourage Star was greeted by Fans who came ready with "WE LOVE YOU" signs, which she later Tweeted to her Followers.  One Fan even hand-delivered her a Donation, which earned him a big hug.

See the Photo Chriqui Tweeted below (yes, that's me and Billy!):

SUPPORT KIDS' HEALTH: SICKKIDS HOSPITAL'S "DO THE HAPPY" CAMPAIGN

Toronto SickKids Hospital's Do The Happy Campaign

Toronto's SickKids Hospital is raising awareness towards Children's Health Issues this May. Problems at the forefront include Childhood Obesity which has tripled in the last 25 years, and Traumatic Brain Injuries - the leading cause of Death and Acquired Disability in Children under 14. You can help by pitching-in to raise awareness and funds simply by attending one of their Do The Happy Events or by making a Donation!

See some Stars in Toronto show their support for the Do The Happy Campaign - a few connections which Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven might have played a small part in making happen!

Lear more about the Do The Happy Campaign here.

(Photo/video credit: SickKids Hospital)

JERRY SEINFELD HEADLINES "LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE" GALA

Jerry Seinfeld at Laughter is the Best Medicine Gala - April 2012

Laughter really can cure all. Toronto's v. own Will Arnett returned home tonight for a cause close to heart. Allstream Centre (Exhibition Place) was the venue of choice for an über-glamorous Black Tie Affair titled Laughter is the Best Medicine. The Evening was hosted by the Up All Night Star, who also was accompanied by his talented Wife - Parks & Recreation Star Amy Poehler (whom we met late 2010), while Comedian Derek Edwards warmed-up the Audience. 

Arnett's Father Jim, served on the Board for the Toronto East General Hospital between 2002 to 2009, serving as Chairman between 2006 to 2008. $3 million in proceeds raised from the $1k-per-head Gala will go to support the Hospital's $211-million-dollar Capital Redevelopment Project. The Project will see the establishment of a new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, enhancing access to critical Inpatient and Outpatient services for more than 500k in the Greater Toronto Area. The Gala honoured Arnett as the Hospital's first-ever Honourary Doctor.

With over 1,500 Attendees in-house, Guests were treated to a Surprise Performance with legendary Comedy King Jerry Seinfeld headlining the Event, which had him billed mysteriously as "one of the World's most well-known TV Personalities". Seinfeld pleased the Crowd with his signature and v. familiar brand of Humour with Twitter Reviews ranging from "amazing" to "killing it" to "tearing it up".

Seinfeld will be returning to Toronto soon again with two Shows scheduled at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, May 4-5, 2012.  Click here for more details.

See a brief Clip of Seinfeld expressing his thoughts on Toronto:

JOIN THE "TOUCH EXPERIENCE": LAUNCHING TOMORROW

The Touch Xperiment

With one week to go until its Premiere on Global Television, I am one of 125 Canadians who have been asked to help kick-off a Social Experiment launching a new Series named Touch starring Kiefer Sutherland.

The Drama explores hidden Human Connections through Science and Spirituality and sees Sutherland working to make a difference in people's lives due to Text Messages he receives on a lost Cell Phone. To celebrate and demonstrate the power of Individuals and how they can touch the lives of Others, the Experiment will be launching tomorrow.

There are three simple steps to the Experiment:

• Take a picture of a Person, Place or Thing that has touched your Life (big or small)

• Text the photo to Global (it will be uploaded to a Photo Gallery on GlobalTV.com)

• Pass it on to Someone – be it a Friend, Family Member, or Stranger on the street – and ask them to do the same 

I will be at Scotiabank Theatre (Richmond x John) at 6:15 PM tomorrow in the Lobby and will be passing on this Phone to the next person.  Don't be shy! Touch somebody.

$0.10 from each Photo taken will be donated to The Children's Wish Foundation, so let's get it out there! Touch premieres on Global Television, Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 9:00 PM EST.

Keep track of the Touch Experience on Twitter with the Hashtag #GlobalTouch.

(Photo credit: Global Television/Mr. Will-W.)

LADY GAGA TO LAUNCH "BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION" ONLINE

Lady Gaga in Toronto - June 2011

At long last, Lady Gaga will be launching her Born this Way Foundation today at Harvard University, Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 from 4:00-5:30pm EST. The Foundation aims to explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment and the Launch to be attended by the likes of Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey and The Mother Monster's Mother herself, Cynthia Germanotta, will be streamed live here.

RSVP for the Event here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

iceFEST 2012: ON THIS WEEKEND

Billy at iceFest 2012

iceFest 2012 is on once again and the theme this year's theme is its Winter Wilderness Exhibit, complete with an Ice Log Cabin. The Festival is on today and tomorrow at Village of Yorkville Park (Bellair Street x Cumberland Street) between 12 to 5 PM. You also can have a professional Photo taken with any Ice Sculpture of your choice for a $5 Donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Billy migrated to this Sculpture from Holt Renfrew, knowing Daddy too well!

Read more here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SYLVESTER STALLONE RAISES $100K FOR CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCATION

Sylvester Stallone in Hamilton - February 2012

Although regretfully I couldn't make it out, I'm thrilled to show you these awesome Photos submitted by our Good Friend Saul Porto, who ventured out to Hamilton last night to photograph legendary Actor/Director/Writer Sylvester Stallone's appearance at Carmen's Banquet Centre. The Event saw the 65-year-old Actor reflecting on his storied Career before an intimate audience of 900, raising an impressive $100k for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Stallone revealed that there will be no more Rocky Films to come at this his first-ever appearance at a Canadian Fundraiser. He didn't however, object to making another Rambo Film, laughing "Rambo is me before Coffee in the morning". 

2012 will see two new Films coming from Stallone including The Expendables 2 and also Bullet to the Head. He soon will begin production on The Tomb alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Tonight and tomorrow, he is appearing at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

 Lookin' good, Sly!

 See more Photos below:

RECORD-SETTING OLYMPIAN CLARA HUGHES PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: "BELL LET'S TALK DAY"

Clara Hughes in Toronto - February 2012

Six-time Olympic Speed Skating and Cycling Medalist Clara Hughes is lending her smile to raise awareness for Mental Illness together with Bell's Let's Talk Campaign. Making various stops today including visits to both CBC for George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show, Hughes is making Canadians aware about Bell's initiative.   Five cents for every Long Distance Call and Text Message sent by Bell customers tomorrow, February 8, 2012 - Bell Let's Talk Day - will be donated to Mental Health Programs.

Clara Hughes & Mr. Will-W.

Followed around by an Entourage which included a Camera Crew, Hughes was gracious to stop and pose for a Photo together allowing me a chance to wish her a heartfelt congratulations for serving me proud as a Canadian and myself, a one-time Bell Canada Employee.

Hughes, who openly acknowledges and discusses her battle with Depression, was able to work together with the Canadian Telecommunications Giant, raising a whopping total of $3,303,961.80 in 2011.

Learn more about the Initiative here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

WILL ARNETT & JERRY SEINFELD TEAM-UP FOR TORONTO EAST GENERAL HOSPITAL

Jerry Seinfeld & Will Arnett

How awesome is this? Toronto's v. own Will Arnett will be flying-in to host Laughter is the Best Medicine, a $1000-per-head Black Tie Affair in support of Toronto East General Hospital. Proceeds from the Event will be going towards the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, which will provide greater access to critical inpatient and outpatient care for up to half a billion people in the GTA. His Father, Jim Arnett, also severed on the Board of the Hospital from 2002 through 2009. The question on all of our minds however, is whether or not the Up All Night star will be bringing his lovely Mrs., Amy Poehler!

If that already weren't major enough, another NBC star - the one and only Jerry Seinfeld - will be providing the Entertainment at this first-ever Comedy Gala, among a line-up of other famous Comedians.

Laughter is the Best Medicine takes place Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Allstream Centre, located at the Canadian National Exhibition.

(Photo credit: NBC)

STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO GILDA RADNER IN TORONTO AT "IT"S ALWAYS SOMETHING" GALA

2011 It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto

Some familiar faces came back to Toronto last night in honour of a Friend. Gilda's Club Toronto opened its doors in 1991 in memory of Comedienne/Actress Gilda Radner - known best for her work on Saturday Night Live - who had passed away in 1989 after a three-year battle with Ovarian Cancer.  The Club offers free Group Support to the Families-of and those who are suffering from Cancer.  Radner once said publicly, "No one should have to face Cancer alone".  Having battled Cancer for a brief period in my life myself, I understand the truth in that statement.

Although for the past nine years the It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto was held at the Royal Alexandra and Elgin Theatres, the venue was upgraded to Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, selling-out 3,100 seats to accommodate.  Over the past nine years, the Gala has raised over $3 million for the Cause.

Some famous Friends of Radner's like Andrea Martin, Jeanne Beker, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Shaffer, Fred Willard came-out to show their support, performing a two-act Variety Show, hosted for the fifth year by our v. own Russell Peters.  Tributes were paid in Speeches, Dedications, Skits, Song and Dance, reminding us that her Spirit still is v. present.

CHARLIE SHEEN HOLDS WALK IN TORONTO FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

Charlie Sheen & his Goddesses walk to benefit Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders

Absolutely out-of-the-blue, Actor Charlie Sheen announced in the wee hours of the morning via Twitter today  that he would be holding a Walk to raise awareness for Bipolar Affective Disorders. The Walk was to begin today at 6:00 PM at his Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, concluding at the venue of his Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is not an Option Tour, Massey Hall.

Calgary-based Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders was shocked to learn earlier today of Sheen's decision to spontaneously to throw a Fundraiser, offering to match every dollar donated for the cause. Above this, $1.00 from each ticket sold from his Tour will be donated towards Disaster Relief in Japan.

Fans grew restless as the Walk began 45 minutes late at Sheen's Hotel, opening off with a Speech where the Actor confessed, "I'm not sure what the fuck Bipolar even means!".  With Helicopters flying over the City and Police being rushed-in at the last minute to keep everything in order, Sheen, two of his Goddesses (Bree Olsen, Natalie Kenly) and Co. journeyed along University Ave., onto Queen St., up to Yonge St. and then over to Shuter St. where even more Fans were waiting at the venue to catch a glimpse of the charismatic Star.

Upon completing the Walk, Sheen took to a balcony at Massey Hall, addressing the cheering crowd in the manner of Eva Perón to Argentina. "That was epic!" he proclaimed, before thanking all involved in making the Walk a success.  He also reaffirmed his commitment to matching all donations made today dollar for dollar, before heading off to prepare for his Show.

Did that seriously just happen?

See some more snaps I got of Sheen below:

BOB BARKER IN TORONTO FIGHTING FOR ELEPHANTS

Bob Barker & Mr. Will-W.

So Wong it's Right! Legendary TV Personality and Animal Rights Activist Bob Barker flew into Toronto last night in a rare visit to these parts. The former Host of The Price is Right is here to raise awareness in his plea for the Metro Toronto Zoo's relocation of three Elephants: Toka, Thika and Iringa to a warmer sanctuary in the U.S.

Since 1984, a total seven elephants housed at the Zoo have died. Experts cite that Toronto might actually be too cold for these Elephants to survive and that the Zoo lacks sufficient space for them to roam.  Barker told the Toronto Star last night, "If necessary, I certainly will (donate cash). I think that there are organizations who are prepared to pay for that, but if they run short, yes, absolutely.".

A decision is to be made May 14, 2011 by the Zoo's Management Board regarding the fate of the three Elephants.

21,000-LB DAIRY QUEEN ICE CREAM CAKE TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN TORONTO

Dairy Queen's OREO Ice Cream Cake

Dairy Queen will be attempting to set a Guiness World Record and Toronto will play host to the historic event. Yonge-Dundas Square will be undergoing a deep freeze on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 as a 21,000 pound Ice Cream Cake, modelled after Dairy Queen's signature OREO Blizzard Cake, is to be constructed on-site.

A record was set previously by Carvel with 12,096 pounds of Ice Cream Cake being constructed at New York City's Union Square Park in 2004.

The Celebration and serving of the Cake takes place from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, with its construction beginning in the morning.  There will be plenty to go around so let's help spread the word, Mavenati!

SickKids Hospital Collectors will be there to accept your generous donations, so don't forget to bring some cash along with that Sweet Tooth!

TORONTO BAKES FOR JAPAN

If you’re in the Toronto area this weekend, please support this wonderful cause.  Toronto Bakes for Japan will be held this Sunday, April 10, 2011 across multiple venues in the City.

It is a fun and yummy way for you to show your support for the Disaster Relief in Japan and I hope to see you there!

SARAH FERGUSON, HARVEY WEINSTEIN & MORE ATTEND MARCHESA GALA IN TORONTO

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York & Mr. Will-W.

Suzanne Rogers, Toronto Fashionista and Wife of Cable Heir Edward, combined two of her greatest loves together for an ultra-exclusive Bash this evening at The Carlu. That is, her desire of Philanthropy and passion for Fashion - specifically Marchesa, which made its official Toronto debut tonight.  Proceeds from the Gala were to benefit the SickKids Hospital Foundation.

Co-founded in 2004 by Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman, who is known more in the public eye as the Wife of Movie Mogul Harvey Weinstein, the Brand is a Red Carpet favourite among Actresses.  Both Craig and Chapman arrived in Toronto for the festivities, doing Press out of their Yorkville Hotel earlier in the day before Rehearsals for the Show.  Accompanying Chapman of course was Weinstein, who is said to have taken care of Baby Daughter, India Pearl while Mommy was hard at work. 

Needless to say, guests of the Marchesa Gala this evening had nothing but rave reviews, with many taking to Twitter to express their excitement.

H&M RELEASES NEW "FASHION AGAINST AIDS!" COLLECTION

Penn Badgley in H&M

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, affordable Fashion Retailer H&M will be releasing their latest Fashion Against AIDS! Collection. In the past, the Retailer has teamed-up with Celebrities to raise money for the Charity Designers Against Aids and various other HIV/AIDS Prevention Organizations around the World.  25% of sales from the Limited Edition Collection will go to these charities.

Names like Selma Blair, Penn Badgley, Akon, Sky Ferreira, Nikki Reed and Scissor Sisters, the latter who previously have collaborated with H&M for the Cause, are among those Celebrities involved this time around.  Unlike previous years, the Collection is Unisex.

Peruse the Collection here.

(Photo credit: H&M)

HOW YOU CAN HELP JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI VICTIMS

Devastation in Sendai

Nothing in the world of Pop Culture could be more important than the Disaster which has struck Northern Japan. Following an Earthquake of 8.9 on the Richter Scale, its aftershocks have left Japan in a state of crisis with a Tsunami engulfing Sendai.  Hawaii is now being impacted by the effects.

Although I'm glad that my friends in Tokyo are safe and sound, I hope we can join together and all help our Friends in Japan with a small donation in the v. least. For details on how you can help, please do so here via Red Cross.

Thank you for being generous. Please continue to send your love and prayers to all those affected by this Tragedy.

(Photo credit: The Guardian)