RBC Innovators' Ball boosts Ontario Science Centre's 50th Birthday Campaign

Community invests in best-in-class experiences and access programs

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Fifty years to the day it opened, the Ontario Science Centre hosted the 50th Birthday RBC Innovators' Ball to celebrate a half-century of inspiring dreamers and doers. Welcoming nearly 500 science, technology, business and community leaders, the gala raised $1.6M to advance the Science Centre's world-class learning experiences, improve visitor facilities and expand community access programs.

"Fifty years—what an incredible milestone! And one that would not have been possible without our sponsors, donors and leadership volunteers," said Maurice Bitran, PhD, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "Science and technology are needed now more than ever to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow. As we embark on the next 50 years, we will continue to serve the community by championing lifelong learning to create the next generation of informed and engaged leaders, innovators and citizens."

The 50th Birthday RBC Innovators' Ball theme centred on pushing the boundaries of the possible and featured a video message from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who spoke about seeing a moon rock at the Science Centre in 1969, inspiring him to believe he could go to space one day. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, spoke of the importance of science in our society, and the role the Ontario Science Centre plays in planting the seeds for lifelong learning.

Fresh off the heels of their new single "I'll Be There," charting in Canada and the U.S., Walk Off The Earth graced guests with a riveting performance. Attendees were also treated to interactive science and technology experiences—from live experiments to an anti-gravity green screen to Life of the Earth, a new large-scale art installation by Canadian artist Director X.

This year's event was guided by an organizing committee comprised of industry leaders, led by co-chairs Dave and Karen McKay and Sam and Claire Duboc.

"Science and technology are essential to cultivating the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators," said Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC. "By supporting the Science Centre, we're investing in our future prosperity."

"Since it opened in 1969, the Science Centre has had an incredible impact in the community and beyond," said Sam and Claire Duboc of MindBeacon Group. "Last night's event underscores the invaluable role the Science Centre plays in inspiring and broadening young minds and supporting innovation."

The gala drew guests who credit the Science Centre for sparking and supporting a love of science. They included Nobel laureate in physics Dr. Donna Strickland, 15-year-old environmental activist and Weston Youth Innovation Award winner Stella Bowles and Hamayal Choudhry, inventor of smartARM, an advanced, ultra-affordable bionic arm.

The 50th Birthday RBC Innovators' Ball is part of a year long 50th Birthday Campaign, which has raised $5.4 million to date to support the Science Centre's educational and community access programs. For more information about the RBC Innovators' Ball, please visit RBCInnovatorsBall.ca. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre and its 50th birthday campaign and celebrations, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

Title Sponsor: RBC

Visionary Sponsors: Air Canada, Cossette Communications Inc., Interad

Celebration Sponsors:Adgar Canada, Avison Young, BDC, BGIS, BMO, Cadillac Fairview, CIBC, Ernst & Young LLP, Hatch, IBM, McKinsey & Company, RBC Ventures, TELUS, The&Partnership

Media Partners: Corus Entertainment, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, National Post and many other generous supporters and volunteers.

About the Ontario Science Centre
Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning; a vital link in Ontario's education and innovation ecosystems; and a convener of public dialogue about technology, science and society. The Centre has welcomed more than 53 million visitors since opening as a Centennial project in 1969, pioneering an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Centre relies on funding from the province, as well as donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share the Centre's vision to contribute to a more curious, creative and resilient world. Learn more at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper.

As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre