Toronto Brigantine

Firms’ support of Toronto Brigantine’s Bursary Fund enables less fortunate youth to benefit from unique maritime programs

TORONTO, CANADA (October 25, 2010) – Sim & McBurney, and Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay have made a major endowment contribution to the Toronto Brigantine Inc. (TBI) Bursary Fund that will provide youth ages 12-18 with unique and valuable skills and leadership training aboard two, Canadian tallships: STV Pathfinder and TS Playfair.

This contribution was made in memory of Stephen Lane, their late partner in the firms who served as a Director on TBI’s board.

Young people from diverse communities seldom consider taking part in TBI activities and funding has always been one of the principle barriers. As part of its commitment to support youth in underserved communities, this endowment will cover the costs of tall ship sail training for two youth in perpetuity. It will pay for transportation to and from the vessels, food and accommodation. Selected young people are expected to continue their learning experience in the following Winter Program.

At Sim & McBurney, Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay, Tim Lowman, one of the firms’ senior partners said “We are pleased to support a cause that was near and dear to Steve Lane’s heart, because he was near and dear to ours. We know that these funds will remove financial barriers that  prevent less-fortunate young people from participating in this unique program which provides them with the opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills, build self confidence and experience the joys and challenge of working and sailing aboard a tall ship.”

Participants also benefit from the sense of belonging and shared responsibility for each other and the vessels they sail on. They also learn respect and appreciation of the environment, knowledge of Great Lakes heritage and the impact of the shipping industry on economic development in our province and across the country.

Sailors discovery and confront their limits and fears.  “It’s this entire crew working together against the elements, wind and waves in your face. Taming this tall ship that is getting tossed around, you really feel like you’re doing something important” says Tessa Alexanian, a Senior Watch Officer. “Where else would I be trusted with such great level of responsibility?”

Toronto Brigantine is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1962 to ensure the ongoing development of youth through the demanding and challenging requirements of tall ship sailing.  In the 48 years since, more than 20,000 young people have participated in the programs  Alumni find the programs have assisted many of them in transcending the difficulties of adolescence by helping them to find their vocational calling and develop courage, confidence

and life-long relationships. Sim & McBurney and Sim, Lowman, Ashton and McKay are firms of patent and trade-mark agents and lawyers active in the professions and in support of community causes since 1970. To learn more visit www.sim-mcburney.com

Firms' partners from L-R: Toni Polson-Ashton, David Ruston, Tasha Hyndman (Sr. Watch Officer, TBI), Michael Stewart, Timothy Lowman and Lola Bartoszewicz.

Media contacts: Marguerite Pyron, Chief Development Officer, Toronto Brigantine Inc., 416-551-3423, marguerite.pyron@torontobrigantine.org or

Tim Lowman,  Partner, Sim & McBurney and Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay,

Tel: 416-849-8360, lowman@sim-lowman.com