T&T: Organizations highlight need for creativity in attracting support

Exerpt from:
By Cathy Donaldson
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday January 30th, 2008
Appeared on page D1

When it comes to making contributions of in-kind support (resources other than money), one of the more innovative programs that does just that is Geeks on Ice, which contributes to various agencies supported by the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick.

About five years ago, Trevor MacAusland of Moncton came up with the idea of holding a hockey tournament that would not only get those in the information technology sector -- like himself -- moving, but would also help give back to the community.

Since then, the April tournament has partnered with United Way and raised more than $15,000, which has been used to buy computers and related software for community agencies, says Micha Fardy, United Way's director of community development.

In addition, a group of about 15 'Geek Warriors' now offers professional IT expertise to non-profit groups that might not be able to afford the assistance, says Micha.

"It's definitely a unique way to raise funds and increase resources in the community," she says. "Before the Geeks' support, some smaller agencies were not even able to access email on a regular basis. It's a win-win."

Organizations have to be creative in developing resources, both financial and non-financial, Micha adds.

"Yes, we need the dollars but we also need the resource of knowledge," she says. "Opportunities like Geeks on Ice, and now the Geek Warriors, allow people to give what they can -- their time, their talent or their treasure."

Team Registration

We've had several inquiries surrounding team registration so we thought a quick update would help.

Team registration will open on February 1st, 2008 and the deadline for payment and rosters will be February 29th, 2008. Spots will not be reserved. At this point we have more companies that have expressed interest then we have room, so if you have been thinking about entering a team please send a brief email to geeksonice@gmail.com to add your name to our contact list.

At this time we can tell you that the tournament will take place in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada from April 17th-20th. The cost per team will be $800.00 for a guaranteed 3 games.

Stay tuned for the official announcement!!!

TJ: 21 leaders program gets started

Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday January 19th, 2008
Appeared on page A2

Twenty-one promising community leaders will begin a 10-month training program this weekend.

21 Inc., a government-sponsored non-profit firm, will bring this group of young New Brunswickers through a leadership development program.

This year's program launch will begin this evening at the Fredericton Delta with workshops and a dinner with Andrea Mandel-Campbell, an author and journalist specializing in international business and global competitiveness.

"Truly moving forward as a province means identifying, cultivating and enlisting the contribution of new leaders," Tim Coates, 21 Inc.'s executive director, said in a release. "We had a great response and have assembled an incredibly talented group of young people ready to take up the challenge."

The winners are:

Elaine Albert, a 33-year-old accountant from St-Jacques, focuses on the importance of family.

Patrick Albert, a 28-year-old business development specialist from Moncton, says New Brunswick is due to be reborn.

Matthew Alexander, a 32-year-old environmental scientist from Saint John, says New Brunswickers must work together to preserve the province's fresh water.

Julie Breau, a 23-year-old political science masters graduate from Saint John, is questioning whether she will leave the city to find work.

Scott Brittain, a 29-year-old Saint John lawyer, wants all New Brunswick-born residents to remain in the province.

Diane Carey, a 26-year-old youth development officer from Tracadie-Sheila, says now is the time to address the "brain drain" affecting the province.

Andrew Clark, a 34-year-old legal affairs executive from Fredericton, says New Brunswickers must take pride in who they are, rather than what they are not in comparison to the rest of the country.

Nathalie Cyr, a 34-year-old probation officer in Edmundston, says the province must work with its young people to ensure they are ready to take the torch when it's handed to them.

Marc Duguay, a 31-year-old business director from Caraquet, says New Brunswick must focus on boosting its exports in order to enhance the provincial economy.

Ryan Griffith, a 29-year-old Fredericton playwright, wants the province to become a thriving centre of cultural significance within the Maritimes.

Jessica Guimond, a 30-year-old oncologist from Saint John, says the New Brunswick of tomorrow is made up of healthy, vibrant, empowered communities.

Christopher Lane, the 28-year-old executive director of Opera NB, is working to ensure culture takes a leading role in the development and growth of New Brunswick.

Tao Tao Liu, a 25-year-old Saint John entrepreneur, says New Brunswick has to position itself as a global village and brand itself to the world.

Phillippe Ouelette, a 25-year-old policy advisor in Fredericton, says it's time for New Brunswick to begin fulfilling its potential through the dedication and ambition of those who choose to contribute.

Trevor MacAusland, a 28-year-old social entrepreneur from Moncton, says New Brunswick must empower its people to overcome the digital divide by rewarding creativity in our education system.

Jason MacLean, a 31-year-old Saint John entrepreneur, wants to help New Brunswickers lead happier, healthy lives.

Kamal Mahmud, a 34-year-old Moncton entrepreneur, says if New Brunswick is to move forward as a province, people have to learn to stop competing and learn how to work together.

Kalin McCluskey, a 21-year-old university student from Bloomfield, says New Brunswick has the potential to transform itself from a "have-not" province to a have one.

Jennifer McCumber, a 23-year-old social worker from Fredericton, says her vision for New Brunswick is an inclusive province that is non-judgmental and barrier-free for every single person.

Alycia Morehouse, a 24-year-old climate change coordinator in Fredericton, says New Brunswickers must work toward reducing their carbon footprint.

Nathan White, a 26-year-old Telegraph-Journal reporter from Moncton, wants more educated and ambitious New Brunswickers to build a more diversified economy, with companies competing on a global scale.

Links: http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/actualities/article/187327

What is Launch32?

Chris Nadeau of eVolving Solutions and Geeks on Ice Steering Comittee member does a great job at summarizing what PropelSJ and Launch32 are all about in his latest post(Read here).

What many people do not know and I only found out through my discussions with Jeff Roach is that this program is not specific to the Saint John region. If you have an idea and need help getting it off the ground, give Jeff Roach a call @ 506-642-9029.

RISING STARS finalists!

Congratulations to New Brunswick’s TOP twenty five (25) IT professionals, nominated by peers and managers for their superlative work and contribution to the industry and their community.

Ten (10) winners will be awarded the coveted RISING STARS trophy and will be enrolled in the year-long RISING STARS mentorship program with the Knowledge Industry’s most prominent Leaders and Entrepreneurs.

John Burn, UNB Centre for Enhanced Teaching
Brent Caldwell, Innovatia Inc
Judy Chase, Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Tifani Chowdhry, Spielo
Larry Cossaboon, Innovatia Inc
Joy Cummings-Dickinson, UNB
Will Davidson, UNB
Etienne Fontaine, Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Ronald Forbes, Bristol
Amy Grant, Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Jacques Guitard, IC-Agency
Yves Hache, Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Aaron Hardwick, Sykes Assistance Services Corporation
Adam MacDonald, Spheric Technologies Inc
Roland Malliet, Advantage Communications
Mark McAllister, CGI
David McCluskey, Atlantic Lottery Corporation
Andrew Mitchell, Innovatia Inc
Chris Newton, Radian6
Iuli Popescu, AdvansysTMC
Greg Rekounas, OAO Technology Solutions Inc
Lynne Sampson, Whitehill Technologies Inc
Tanya Stokes-Jones, Spielo
Sylvain St-Onge, Computech
Curtis Wiseman, Ambir

You are invited to join us in celebrating their accomplishments at the Rising Stars Gala:

When: Thursday, January 17, 2008Where: Delta Beauséjour Hotel, Moncton
Reception at 5:30 pm
Dinner from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Tickets: $75 per person, $600 per table of 8

Guest Speaker:
Nancy Mathis
Executive Director of the G. Wallace F. McCain Institute for Business Leadership

To purchase your tickets please return the completed request form.

Rising Stars Program

The strength of the Knowledge Industry is built on its ability to attract and retain a high caliber workforce. Understanding the importance of recognizing IT professionals throughout New Brunswick, Rising Stars has awarded over 40 IT individuals for their achievements in their profession.

New for 2007 - Junior Stars

This year, the Greater Moncton Knowledge Industry Network (GMKIN) is excited to announce the addition of Junior Stars to the Rising Stars Awards. This year the award, which is aimed at High School students throughout New Brunswick, will be presented to six deserving individuals who have distinguished themselves in fields related to Science and Technology in their schools and/or communities. We want to encourage youth to strive for their dreams and allow them to be recognized for their strengths.
ObjectiveThe Rising Stars event is an annual provincial event to recognize knowledge industry workers, in companies or organizations throughout New Brunswick, who have distinguished themselves with the quality of their work and for their positive impact in their community and the industry.

Mentorship
These Rising Stars, in addition to being recognized for their work, will be provided with a mentorship program for the year. The objective of the mentorship program is to prepare them to become our future leaders … and entrepreneurs.

RisingStars.ca - Celebrating the strength of the Knowledge Industry!

RISING STARS… CELEBRATING THE STRENGTH OF NEW BRUNSWICK’S KNOWLEDGE INDUSTRY!

The strength of the Knowledge Industry is based on its ability to attract and retain a high caliber workforce. During the past five (5) years, the RISING STARS program has recognized over one hundred (100) individuals for their achievements in their profession.

Join us for the RISING STARS Gala & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, January 17th in Greater Moncton and meet New Brunswick’s TOP twenty five (25) IT professionals nominated by peers and managers for their superlative work and contribution to the industry and their community.

Ten (10) winners will be awarded the coveted RISING STARS trophy and will be enrolled in the year-long RISING STARS mentorship program with the Knowledge Industry’s most prominent leaders and entrepreneurs.

When: Thursday, January 17, 2008

Where: Delta Beauséjour Hotel, Moncton
Reception at 5:30 pm
Dinner from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Keynote:
Nancy Mathis
Executive Director of the G. Wallace F. McCain Institute for Business Leadership

Tickets: $75 per person, $600 per table of 8


The ticket request form is attached and available at www.RISINGSTARS.ca


WHAT IS RISING STARS?

The RISING STARS program is a province-wide recognition and mentoring program for individuals working within our Knowledge Industry.

The key objectives of the Rising Stars program are to:

• Recognize the accomplishments of individuals working in the Knowledge Industry
• Provide mentorship opportunities to the individuals recognized
• Generate networking opportunities with the Knowledge Industry’s most prominent leaders and entrepreneurs!

For more details on the RISING STARS program visit www.RISINGSTARS.ca or contact me directly!

Patrick Goguen, Chair of Rising Stars Committee
Enterprise Greater Moncton
Tel: 506-858-9550
Cell: 506-872-3934
Fax: 506-859-7791
patrick.goguen@greatermoncton.org

Gala Étoiles Montantes - Célébrons les professionnels en informatique au Nouveau Brunswick!

ÉTOILES MONTANTES… Célébrons le succès de l'industrie du savoir au Nouveau Brunswick !

Le succès de l'industrie du savoir est basé sur son habileté d'attirer et de retenir une main-d'œuvre hautement qualifiée. Depuis cinq (5) ans, le programme des ÉTOILES MONTANTES a reconnu plus de 100 personnes pour leurs réalisations dans leur profession.

Soyez des nôtres le jeudi 17 janvier prochain au Grand Moncton. Venez rencontrer vingt-cinq (25) professionnels distingués de l'industrie du savoir nominés pour leur contribution au sein de l'industrie du savoir et de leur communauté.

Dix (10) gagnants se verront attribuer le trophée ÉTOILES MONTANTES et seront inscrits dans le programme de mentorat de 12 mois ÉTOILES MONTANTES avec les grands leaders et entrepreneurs de l'industrie du savoir.

Date : Le jeudi 17 janvier, 2008
Lieu : Hôtel Delta Beauséjour, Moncton

La réception débutera à 17h30

La soirée se déroulera de 18h30 à 21h00



Conférencier :
Nancy Mathis
Executive Director of the G. Wallace F. McCain Institute for Business Leadership

Billets : 75 $ par personne, 600 $ par table de 8


Vous trouverez ci-joint, le formulaire de demande de billets. Il est aussi disponible à l'adresse suivante : http://www.etoilesmontantes.ca/


Qu'est-ce que les ÉTOILES MONTANTES?

ÉTOILES MONTANTES est un programme provincial dédié à la reconnaissance et le mentorat d'individus œuvrant au sein de l'industrie du savoir.

Les objectifs clés du programme des Étoiles Montantes sont :
· la reconnaissance des réalisations d'individus œuvrant au sein de l'industrie du savoir,
· la disponibilité d'opportunités de mentorat pour les individus reconnus,
· l'organisation d'événement de réseautage avec les grands leaders et entrepreneurs de l'industrie du savoir.

Pour plus de renseignements concernant le programme des ÉTOILES MONTANTES veuillez consulter le www.ETOILESMONTANTES.CA, vous pouvez aussi communiquer avec moi en tout temps !


Je vous souhaite mes meuilleurs voeux pour le temps des fêtes !


Patrick Goguen, président du comité des Étoiles Montantes
Entreprise Grand Moncton
Téléphone : 506-858-9550
Cellulaire : 506-872-3934
Télécopieur : 506-859-7791
patrick.goguen@greatermoncton.org

Skate for Heart

Skate for Heart is a brand new event planned to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick in its fight against Canada's #1 killer – cardiovascular diseases.

Skate For Heart is a non-competitive team skating event for all skill levels. It will incorporate families, businesses and heart and stroke survivors. This event is focused on increasing physical activity, nutrition, health, fun and fundraising.

What to expect at the event:

• The Wild Cats & Mascot Wild Willy


• Survivor testimonials: Mark Black Motivational Speaker


• Silent Auction


• Wonderful local entertainment


• Healthy Living Information booths


• Heart Healthy Lunch


• Skate For Heart T-shirt


• Fabulous prizes: Best Team Mascot, Best Theme Dressed Team


• Scavenger Hunt for teams and many more prizes all day long.

Where: Moncton Coliseum

When: Saturday, February 23^rd, 2008 9am-3pm

Testimonials

H eart and Stroke survivor stories and testimonials at the event will inspire you to skate and to continue to want to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick further it's mission in reducing the incidences of heart disease and stroke right here in New Brunswick.

Why get involved

· This will be an excellent event with lots of fun activities for businesses to team build, friends to share in some fun and families to create lasting memories.

· More Canadians die of cardiovascular disease than any other disease – more than 74,000 deaths every year in Canada.

· Due to lifestyle changes, more children are being affected by cardiovascular disease.

· 40% of Canadians will develop some sort of heart disease or stroke in their lifetime.

· One person in Canada has a stroke every 10 minutes.

· 20% of people die when having a stroke.

Skate For Heart goal

· Skate For Heart has a goal of a minimum of 300 participants. Your help is needed! Help us to keep the circle going, register your team today.

For more information please contact any member of our committee:

Nisha MacBeth: 855-9636

Email: hsfmctn@nb.sympatico.ca

Katie Campbell:

kate.campbell@mbsradio.com

Chelsea Dunfield: 204-0819

Margaret Eaton: 382-6146

Doris Murray: 389-3124

Liz Spear: 386-7742

Nathan Steeves: 852-4535

Beth Stymiest : 382-0629

Patricia Zinc: 860-3412

Connie: conorm@nb.sympatico.ca

Geeks on Ice Fan Mail

I love getting mail! Especially when it isn't from VISA, NB Power or Aliant... Over the last week I have received very touching messages of thanks from community leaders concerning our 2007 Geeks on Ice campaign.

This is the time of year to reflect and be gratefull that we live in a compassionate community like the maritimes. The messages are addressed to me, but emcompass anyone who volunteered, played or sponsored Geeks on Ice over the last 5 years.

Happy Hollidays to everyone!

LETTER 1:

Mr. Trevor MacAusland;

On behalf of the Association Integration Communautaire de Memramcook Inc. and L'Artisan worshop I would like to thank you Mr. MacAusland for providing our organization with such a great computer equipment. It will be put in good use. It is all set up in my office and it is quite a good change. It is very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time and effort in helping organizations like ours.

I am truly grateful and may God Blees You,

Anita LeBlanc

manager of l'Artisan Workshop

LETTER 2:

Dear Trevor,

I am writting to thank you on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Riverview. The Geeks On Ice fundraiser was like a Christmas come earlyfor us. To receive computers like we did was very much needed at our center.

The computers and general office equipment we have at the Club are often donated and not necessarily up to date. This was an amazing donation for us and one that will really benefit the day to day computer needs of the organization.

The programs we offer at the Boys & Girls Club of Riverview would not be possible without the generous community support we receive from organizations such as yours.

Thanks from all of us at the Boys and Girls Club of Riverview and to all of you a Happy Holidays and Wonderful New Year.

Thank you,

Greg Hickox
Executive Director

Geeks to the Rescue...

I was delighted to read on Canadaeast.com yesterday that Geeks on Ice alumni and Moncton based Speilo, a GTECH company, has agreed to donate a brand new computer lab to Forest Glen School. The article states that the average donation is $15,000.00 in hardware, software and volunteer hours.

Spielo is only the tip of the iceberg for what our ICT sector can do in this region to eliminate digital barriers and place our youth on equal footing as the rest of the developed world. One area that I am excited about is the potential for our Geek Warriors to volunteer in the setup of the equipement. I have asked Micha Fardy of the Geeks on Ice committee to get in touch with Carole Murphy, the district's community schools co-ordinator.

Kudos to Speilo for taking an active leadership role in the community! Send us your stories on how you plan to eliminate the digital divide in our community.

If you would like to volunteer a couple of hours as a Geek Warrior or learn more about the program, please contact Micha Fardy at mfardy@moncton.unitedway.ca.

Read the article here:

Spielo donates computer lab to school
Forest Glen gets first contribution as a community school

By Aloma JardineTimes & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday December 13th, 2007
Appeared on page A11

Forest Glen School hasn't wasted any time taking advantage of its new community school designation.

The K-4 school was one of 13 schools around the province that received the designation Monday. On Wednesday, District 2 announced Spielo has agreed to donate a brand new computer lab to the school.

District 2 administers English language schools in southeastern New Brunswick....(Continue)

How to make a Geek blush...

Anyone who has ever worked with me knows that I have no problem with a microphone or a crowd. In fact, I enjoy public speaking unlike most people who turn to stone at the thought of getting in front of a crowd. But I do have a weakness… My uncomfortable spot is when people give me recognition. In fact, It makes me blush even if I do appreciate the gesture.

So to my astonishment this morning, I found myself blushing in private as I read on Canadaeast.com that someone had nominated me as a United Way Community Hero for my work with Geeks on Ice. While I do want to emphasize that a Captain is only as good as his team I want to thank the person(s) whom took the time to nominate me.

At this time I also want to thank everyone that has helped Geeks on Ice become a pillar of the community over the last 5 years.

Article: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/151761

Trevor MacAusland

Geeks on Ice Founder

What to get your Geek for Xmas?

As the holiday season is upon us many loved ones are puzzled as to what they should buy for the Geek in their life. WebbAlert.com has come up with a great list of suggestions. You can view their list by following going here.

If that video didn't help, there's always thinkGeek.com

Last but not least, there's a Geekman action figure is never a bad idea!

SportsWire Live - Episode #1

SportsWire LIVE is our hot highlight show that serves up the best of what's going on across the YourTeam Online network. Each month we pick interesting stories from the SportsWire section of YourTeam Online & broadcast them to the world on SportsWire LIVE!

Click Here to Watch

Get excited. Get involved. Get in on the action

Le français suit.

Any solution to New Brunswick’s economic and social challenges has to start with people – specifically, with new and emerging leaders.

That’s why we’ve launched a province-wide search for 21 young people, between the ages of 20-35, to participate in our 21 leaders for the 21st century leadership development program.
Get excited. Get involved. Get in on the action. Apply to be one of 2008’s 21 leaders for the 21st century. Visit http://www.21inc.ca/ today.

21inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating the capacity for change in New Brunswick by developing the best community leaders in Canada.
***
Toute réponse aux défis économiques et sociaux confrontant le Nouveau-Brunswick doit être fondée sur les gens : spécifiquement de nouveaux leaders et des leaders en émergence.

Nous avons donc lancé une recherche à l’échelle de la province pour 21 jeunes gens âgés d’entre 20 et 35 ans qui participeront à notre programme de développement du leadership 21 leaders pour le 21e siècle.

Passionnez-vous. Impliquez-vous. Participez. Inscrivez-vous au projet des 21 leaders pour le 21e siècle 2008. Consultez : <http://www.21inc.ca/>

21inc. est une organisation sans but lucratif dévouée à renforcer la capacité de changement au Nouveau-Brunswick en développant les meilleurs leaders au Canada.

21 leaders for the 21st century 2008

Original '21' aim to create the capacity for change by developing the nation's best community leaders

Moncton, NB - Together with Premier Shawn Graham, 21inc. today launched a province-wide search for 21 enthusiastic and energetic young New Brunswickers to participate in its renewed 21 leaders for the 21st century program - a unique leadership development exercise designed to give new and emerging leaders the tools, networks and confidence to help advance New Brunswick's self-sufficiency agenda.

Born of UNB's NextNB: 21 leaders for the 21st century initiative, 21inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating the capacity for change in New Brunswick by developing the best community leaders in Canada.

Established in 2006 by the original group of 21 leaders, 21inc. Executive Director Tim Coates said: "The 21 leaders experience offered us considerable attention and encouragement. We want to offer other young New Brunswickers the same chance we had to broaden our networks and gain a deeper understanding of our province and its challenges."

Participants in the 2008 21 leaders for the 21st century program will have the opportunity to meet with - and learn from - established provincial and national leaders; accelerate their leadership development by designing and implementing community solutions projects and, importantly, join a dynamic and diverse network of engaged young New Brunswickers committed to their province, and its future.

The 2008 class will be selected by an inter-disciplinary panel of judges. Applicants will be chosen based on a combination of criteria, including: their vision; their academic, professional and extra-curricular contributions; and for their capacity to have an impact on the province and its people. Application guidelines and more detailed program information are available at www.21inc.ca.

"Achieving the kind of large scale transformation we're seeking for New Brunswick means identifying, cultivating and enlisting our next generation of leaders," said the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, acknowledging 21inc. as the first link in this new network of emerging leaders. He said, "21inc.'s 21 leaders for the 21st century program closes an important gap - instilling in our young people a sense of opportunity, community and responsibility here, in New Brunswick. Thanks to 21inc.'s efforts, our province will have a forever-growing pool of promising young people working to ensure New Brunswick remains the kind of place where people want to live, study, invest and raise families."

21inc. is supported by the Government of New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick, Revolution Strategy, Caisses populaires acadiennes, Major Drilling, Mariner Partners, McCain Foods, Moosehead Breweries, Diversis and the Barrett Corporation.

Event photos and interviews with members of 21inc. and the original '21 leaders' are available.
For more information, contact:

Anne McInerney Tim Coates
(506) 875-4390 (506) 260-8362
anne@21inc.ca tim@21inc.ca

Forbes: Business And Community

Everyone knows by now that I am a big fan of Scott McNealy's vision and ambition to eliminate the digital divide. Since Geeks on Ice has reinvented ourselves based upon the principles of business and community collaboration, I thought I would share the following commentary from the man himself. Enjoy!

~Trevor MacAusland

Commentary
Business And Community
by Scott McNealy
12.14.05, 6:00 AM ET

We're really just beginning to understand the Internet--a phenomenon that has not only changed the way we do business, with more and more of it happening online, but also the way we think about it.

Who would have thought, only a few years ago, that business leaders have a responsibility to their shareholders to build communities and encourage participation?

Read the rest of the commentary here

Geeks on Ice plan to take on the world

Annual Metro Moncton fundraising hockey tourney aims to spread to other countries

By Yvon GauvinTimes & Transcript staff
Published Saturday November 24th, 2007
Appeared on page A4


Geeks on Ice is going global with its campaign to provide non-profit organizations with the tools to become more efficient and effective.

The event, created by information and communications technology professionals to raise money for computers and computer software for United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick member organizations, is widening its scope to include participating of outside firms in the fund-raising and on-ice play in 2008.

Over the past five years, the Geeks on Ice campaign -- which culminates with a hockey tournament in Moncton -- raised more than $15,000 to buy desktop and laptop computers, hardware and software along and offer professional expertise for non-profit groups who might not be able to afford them or the upgrades to help them in their quest.

Among the United Way member organizations that have received help to date include the YWCA, Tantramar Family Resource Centre, Riverview Boys & Girls Club, Moncton Regional Learning Council and Memramcook atelier l'Artisan.

Campaign organizers are calling the 2008 event Skate to Eliminate the Digital Divide where the goal is to close the gap between those organizations with "regular, effective access to digital information technology, and those without this access."

The first step is to rally community stakeholders then work to eliminate this "threat to education, economic development and social services."

Limited access to computers and emerging technologies hamper an organization's efforts to deliver key services, said organizers.

The Geeks on Ice World Championships take place April 17-20 in Moncton and is open to all ICT related firms across the world.

A celebrity player draft for the top four teams will be held. The top teams are those that raise the most money and donates the most expertise to United Way agencies. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers.

The targets for the campaign include traditional ICT market areas in Silicon Valley, New England, Ottawa, Waterloo, Ont., Redmond, Wash., Texas and Europe. Professionals from those areas will be invited to form teams and come to Moncton to play in the tournament or as spectators.

A Geek Week Conference is also planned for the same week with some of the brightest minds around the world expected to attend and discuss such topics as digital divide, web 3.0, economic development, raising venture capital and leadership. Participation to the conference is open to everyone.

The organization describes Geek Warriors as mild mannered ICT professionals who work in consulting, programming, web design, networking, marketing, finance and sales to name a few. Geeks on Ice and the United Way are looking for people to join their steering committee and help with recruiting, fund-raising and the mission itself.
Inquiries should be directed by e-mail to geeksonice@gmail.com

PG Canucks pick Leblanc, Maxwell in first round of Labatt's Blue Line League Draft

ThinkNB Picture Gallery

facebook Trevor MacAusland 11:13am Nov 20th ThinkNB To geeksonice.geeks@blogger.com Trevor sent you a message. To read this message, follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=714055090&k=Y6FU4YQ2363MWFMCVKYTS Trevor has shared an album with you. To view the album, follow the link. Are your friends bothering you? You can opt out of emails from friends on Facebook.

From The Press Box

Introducing The Press Box! Your newsletter for everything Geeks on Ice. In this issue:

• Reaching Self-Sufficiency
• Eliminating the Digital Divide
• Answering the Call
• Geeks on Ice World Championship
• 2007 Campaign Update
• Access to Professional Expertise
• Geek Warriors
• Rising Stars
• Help Wanted!

Read The Press Box here