June 20, 2012

On Tuesday June 19, 2012, Aloha Toronto officially introduced itself at a press conference at The Balmy Beach Club at 11:00 AM, with special guests Beaches Improvement Area Chair Charles Cameron, legendary Surfer Izzy Paskowitz and visual artist David Arrigo and Hawaiian dancers from The Spirit of Aloha 'Ohana Hula.

Toronto – The first all-in-one beach party, concert venue, autism benefit and surfing extravaganza of its kind, Aloha Toronto is taking over Woodbine Beach from Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26. The ticketed opening night kicks off with a Hawaiian luau launch party with an all-white dress code at The Balmy Beach Club.

Day two features a charity elite and leisure stand up paddleboard competition benefiting Sick Kids Hospital and Surfers Healing. In addition, legendary surfer Izzy Paskowitz, legendary long-board surfer and co-founder of Surfers Healing (a surfing day camp for autistic children and their families), and other celebrated surfers—including Guinness Book Big Wave surfer Garrett McNamara—will host Surfers Healing’s first Canadian surf clinic. Paskowitz, whose son Isaiah was diagnosed with low-functioning autism, started the surfing camps after discovering the powerful, therapeutic effects surfing had on Isaiah. A second ticketed luau will follow into the evening.

Both Saturday and Sunday will not only include the Surfers Healing camps, but also performances from Aloha Toronto ‘surf’ house band The Calrizians musicians, traditional Hawaiian dancers from The Spirit of Aloha 'Ohana Hula, DJs and entertainers, as well as classic surf films. Commemorating the inaugural Aloha Toronto, renowned Toronto visual artist David Arrigo will be painting a surfboard to be displayed in SickKids Hospital and the Beach community.

This event is in support of Surfers Healing and SickKids Hospital to support the free camp, autism research and awareness.

“I experienced the magic of Surfers Healing at Pacific Beach, California in 2009. That compelling moment offered a promise to Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz - to bring this incredible free camp to Toronto. I am thrilled beyond belief that (now three years later), this profound experience will happen in our own backyard. The entire weekend will celebrate traditional beach culture, surfer stoke while making a difference!” Helen Hatzis, founder of Aloha Toronto.

All activities at Woodbine Beach are FREE and open to the public.  To learn more about Aloha Toronto:

· Follow us on Twitter (@AlohaToronto)

· Join us on Facebook (facebook.com/AlohaToronto)

· Visit our website (www.AlohaToronto.com)

For more information, contact Helen Hatzis at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 416-508-5652.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 416.508.5652 | www.AlohaToronto.com

Aloha Toronto is an exciting new event coming to Toronto this summer!

Save-the-date: Friday August 24 to Sunday August 26, 2012.

We're bringing aloha to Toronto!