Shaw Rocket Fund, Pitt launch charity event

The Shaw Rocket Fund in Canada and industry veteran Adina Pitt have come together to set up a charity event during MipTV next month alongside C21 Media.

Adina Pitt

The Canadian production investment outfit and the Cartoon Network executive have partnered to host the inaugural Kids Charity Dance Event on April 8 in Cannes at C21 Media’s ClubC21, with proceeds going to the kids’ foundation Halle’s Hope.

Proposed as an annual fixture, the Kids Charity Dance Event will support a chosen charity for kids each year and encourage the children’s media community to donate to the cause.

Halle’s Hope works with organisations and schools to provide resources to children in need and was set up by Cynopsis founder Cynthia Turner in memory of her five-year-old granddaughter, Halle Anne Root.

So far, 12 sponsors have donated more than US$10,000 to kick off the event campaign. Along with the Shaw Rocket Fund, Pitt and C21 Media, sponsors include 9 Story Media Group, Boat Rocker Media, Cake Entertainment, Distribution 360, Epic Story Media, Guru Studio, PGS Entertainment, Sinking Ship Entertainment and Sonar Entertainment.

Agnes Augustin

A target donation goal of at least US$5,000 has been set over and above the sponsor donations. Those interested in participating can donate here and are being asked to include #KidsCharityEvent2018 in their donation to track total contributions.

“There is no better time for our incredible community to come together to help children and embrace kindness,” said Pitt. “This is the beginning of a fantastic global kids community initiative.”

“Partnering with Adina Pitt, C21 Media and the charity Halle’s Hope gives us the opportunity to do more for children while encouraging others within our community to join this fantastic mission,” added Shaw Rocket Fund president and CEO Agnes Augustin.

“Halle’s Hope is determined to share what Halle inspired in just five short years: a courageous – and contagious! – optimism. Her sparkling spirit was a beautiful reminder that anything was possible,” said Halle’s mother and president of Halle’s Hope, Marilee Root.

“Today, our efforts share her powerful message of hope by working with organisations, schools and hospitals to provide resources needed to build hope and create possibilities for children and families.”