State Farm laces up for Winterlude 2012

North America’s largest mutual insurer official sponsor of the world famous Rideau Canal Skateway

Aurora, Ontario.  February 02, 2012.  – One of Canada’s most unique and endearing winter traditions; the 42nd edition of the Rideau Canal Skateway is on now through March 2012, and State Farm is proud to be an official sponsor of this world renowned event.

The Rideau Canal Skateway is in association with the 34th edition of Winterlude; taking place from February 3 to 20, in Ottawa, Ontario; the heart of Canada’s Capital Region.

As part of our commitment to safety in our communities, State Farm is also the exclusive sponsor of the Skateway Patrollers (skilled skaters who traverse the Rideau Canal helping those that need assistance) and sponsor of the Skate Safe Program presented by the City of Ottawa in partnership with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

The program is located at the Rideau Canal Skateway Concord Rest Area and takes place on each of the Winterlude weekends (February 4-5; 11-12; 18-19); it encourages skaters to wear helmets when skating.

“State Farm is always proud to have the opportunity to sponsor world renowned events, and being part of the Rideau Canal Skateway is a great way to show support for Canadian families,” says Caroline Quinn, State Farm Canada Marketing Manager. “This event highlights the opportunity for family and friends to be able to interact and enjoy time together in a safe and friendly environment. Our relationship with the National Capital Commission, City of Ottawa, and CHEO to support the Skate Safe program is a great way to enhance this family experience. We’re excited to be an official sponsor of this celebration which continues to be a memorable event, year after year. ”

State Farm Zone

State Farm is also the title sponsor of the Concord Rest Area, located near the University of Ottawa on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Dubbed the ‘State Farm Zone’, this area will host the ‘Have Fun, Skate Safe’ contest, where one digital media device will be given out per day during Winterlude weekends. Other promotional items will also be given away to the public from the State Farm Zone activation tent on every Winterlude weekend, including Monday, February 20th.

Media Invitation

Please join us as we celebrate the Rideau Canal Skateway and the launch of Winterlude 2012.

Where: Skate Safe tent on the Rideau Canal south of Laurier Ave.
Ottawa, ON

When: Saturday, February 4, 2012
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

On-site media contact: Paul Hill, State Farm Agency Field Executive, will be making a formal announcement along with other dignitaries and will be available for interviews.

About State Farm®

State Farm has been serving Canadians since 1938. State Farm and its affiliates are the fourth largest auto insurance provider, and the seventh largest property and casualty insurer in Canada. In addition to providing affordable car insurance rates, State Farm has more than 525 Canadian agents and 1300 employees providing insurance and financial services including mutual funds, life insurance, vehicle loans, critical illness, disability, home and auto insurance to our customers in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. For more information, please visit www.statefarm.ca, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or see us on YouTube.