8/14/2019 Media Release APRL 8

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April 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GEEKS ARRIVE AT A TURNING POINT

Moncton, NB Geeks on Ice and United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB have done itagain! This years charitable hockey tournament took place this past weekend at the J-LouisLevesque arena. The event rose over $1100.00 for Turning Points Youth Center. Funds will be usedto help overcome digital barriers for the agency whose goal it is to help youth parents finish highschool and give them the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education.

When asked what Geeks on Ice meant to Turning Points Youth Center, board member ClaudetteLeger said: It represents a new beginning for Turning Points. Our agency relies heavily ontechnology to ensure that young mothers can finish assignments on time, conduct research over theinternet and in some cases use eLearning as a means to complete their GED. Access to technologyis no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.

According to Human Resources and Social Development NB, the financial return on investment totaxpayers for supporting a teen parent in becoming self-reliant through education can be upwards to$141,000.00.

This statistic is not lost on Geeks on Ice founder, Trevor MacAusland.

Turning Points Youth Centermandate aligns perfectly with our goal to eradicate the digital divide.Youth parents face incredible challenges, technology or lack thereof should not be one of them saidMacAusland. It is no coincidence that Moncton was named this year as one of the ICFs Top 7Intelligent Communities. We are a model for others to follow on the way we embrace technology.Moncton has demonstrated over the years that when given access to proper infrastructure the regionis competitive throughout the world in the broadband economy. We are fortunate to be living in sucha progressive and compassionate community.

This years event was low key compared to previous years due to logistical challenges, however;organizers maintain that Geeks on Ice is still on track with its 5-year goal to host teams from acrossthe world. Even in our current economic climate, Geeks on Ice hosted players from as far as Toronto.Companies who participated were T4G Limited, Service Canada, Moncton Flight College, GTECH,Oracle, Aliant and Gogii Games.

On Sunday afternoon, fans witnessed Gogii Games successfully defend the Whitehill Cup, whileOracle walked away with the RisingStars.ca Most Generous Geeks Award for raising the mostpledges.

Geeks on Ice organizers say that they will begin working on the 2010 edition of the tournament overthe summer and continue to help those without regular affective access to digital technologyovercome the divide. Meanwhile, Turning Points will be launching their $2 for 2 Generationscampaign this spring.

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Media Contact:Geeks on Ice: Trevor MacAusland 863-8096United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB:Micha Fardy 858-8600