Media releases

Virgin Mobile and Serena ryder TEAM UP TO STOMPA OUT YOUTH HOMELESSNESS WITH MONTRÉAL BENEFIT CONCERT

RE*Generation gig will raise funds for at-risk and homeless youth programs

MONTREAL (Quebec) October 21, 2013

“By teaming up with talented Canadian performer Serena Ryder, fans can catch an awesome live show while doing good in their local community,” says Joseph Ottorino, managing director, Virgin Mobile Canada. “With over 65,000 homeless youth in Canada, this issue continues to be our top priority with the RE*Generation movement. At Virgin Mobile we’re excited to work with Virgin Unite to support great organizations like Dans la Rue in their fight against youth homelessness.”

Located in Montréal, Dans la Rue offers assistance to homeless youth and youth. With dedication, empathy and respect, Dans la rue cares for their immediate needs, and helps them acquire the skills and resources needed to lead more autonomous and rewarding lives.

“I’m happy to be working with Virgin Mobile and Virgin Unite to support RE*Generation,” says Serena Ryder. “This benefit concert allows me to support a cause I’m passionate about and inspire my fans to make a difference!”

Tickets for the Serena Ryder show on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 are $20 each (plus taxes and applicable service charges) and will be available for purchase online starting Friday, October 25, 2013. Doors will open at 7 p.m. EST. For a limited time, Virgin Mobile Members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. EST until 10 p.m. EST before the public sale.

The RE*Generation movements brings together organizations that care about at-risk youth and issues affecting youth homelessness in Canada. To date, more than $2.5 million has been raised and dispersed to youth serving agencies across Canada as a result of ongoing programs like the RE*Generation benefit concerts, Change for a Dollar and limited edition Samsung RE*Generation phones.

Whether you’re attending the show or not, Canadians can support Virgin Unite by texting REGEN to 30333 from their mobile phones to donate $5 for at-risk and homeless youth programs in Canada.  For more information on how to get involved, check out "www.virginmobile.ca/regen.

About Serena Ryder

In 2013, Serena Ryder has been breaking new ground on all fronts with her latest release, "Harmony (Serenadar Source / Universal Music Canada), certified Platinum status in just a few short months of release (November 2012). The lead single, “Stompa” has jumped to double Platinum certification – a first for Ryder. "Harmony’s success is due in part to this infectious first single as well as the equally anthemic follow-up track, “What I Wouldn’t Do”, has gone Platinum, “Stompa’s” amazing sales and radio feats. Ryder is quickly becoming a sensation south of the border, with massive radio airplay and topping the Triple A charts.

Ryder is an artist adored by fans, peers and critics alike which is due mainly in part to her immense raw and earnest songwriting talent and beautifully electric live performances. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades including three prestigious Juno Awards that include: 2008 New Artist of The Year, 2009 Adult Alternative Album of The Year ("Is It O.K.) and 2010 Video of The Year (“Little Bit of Red”) and just last month, after two knock-out performances in Regina (solo “Stompa” & a killer Billy Talent collaboration), took home her fourth Juno for Adult Alternative Album of The Year.

Ryder has also seen fantastic album success over the years, with "If Your Memory Serves You Well (2007) and "Is it O.K. (2009) both achieving Gold selling status. In 2012, her single “Weak In The Knees” also achieved Gold Certification.

Virgin Mobile’s RE*Generation Movement

In early 2008, Virgin Mobile Canada and Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin group of companies, joined together to create the RE*Generation movement and empower a generation to help its own.  The RE*Generation brings together organizations that care about Canada's homeless and at-risk youth and connects them with people who want to help. RE*Generation is a movement to support solutions to youth homelessness and support at-risk youth programs in Canada.  To date, more than $2.5 million has been raised and dispersed to leading youth serving agencies across the country through programs such as Change for a Dollar, limited edition Samsung RE*Generation phones and ongoing RE*Generation benefit concerts. The RE*Generation movement is working with a number of Canadian charitable partners to help get kids off the streets and onto a path for a brighter future. For more information visit "http://www.virginunite.com or go to "www.virginmobile.ca/regen to sign up and join the movement.

About Virgin Mobile Canada

Virgin Mobile Canada rewards, entertains and connects like no one else, delivering the super-hot phones on the blazing fast 4G LTE network.  Virgin Mobile Members also get benefits like exclusive VIP access and deals and award-winning service. 91 percent of Members would also recommend Virgin Mobile to a friend.

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 18 million customers worldwide. Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations nationally including The Source, Virgin Mobile retail locations and additional retail partners. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online or by calling 1.855.BE.VM.VIP (1.855.238.6847). Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook and Twitter.

About Virgin Unite

Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We connect people and entrepreneurial ideas to catalyse a better way of doing business for the wellbeing of people and planet. We do this in three ways: Firstly, we shift the conversation through new approaches to leadership and advocacy, such as The Elders, the Carbon War Room, and The B Team. Secondly, we innovate the way we do business across the Virgin Group, helping our companies prioritise people and planet. And finally, we support and grow a new generation of entrepreneurs, both in the UK and abroad.

Virgin Unite’s overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100 percent of donations received go directly to the frontline where they are needed most. To learn more, join us at www.virginunite.com, follow us @virginunite and like us at facebook/virginunite. 
 
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