Learning Enrichment

Rotary’s “Brush-a-mania” Promotes Oral Health to Kids and Gets Boost from Minister Best

March 30, 2012 – Toronto –During the month of April, dentists and Rotarians will visit elementary schools across Ontario and the rest of the country to teach kids how to take good care of their teeth. The volunteer program, now in its 12th year, is called “Brush-a-mania” and is part of Oral Health Month in Ontario. It celebrated its official 2012 kick-off at Sathya Sai School in Scarborough, Ontario, on March 30.
The Honourable Margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Consumer Services, was on hand as the event’s featured guest who helped lead the proceedings. Over a hundred young students at the school were handed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and brochures and given hints on proper brushing techniques. Best spoke enthusiastically to the kids amid wild shouts of “Brush-a-mania” about the merits of keeping their pearlies bright and healthy. At the end, she joined in on a three-minute mass “Brush-Off.”
“Brush-a-mania is a program that teaches youth about the importance of oral hygiene,” said Best. “Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Toronto Don-Mills and the Ontario Dental Association for being leaders in this cause. Today is Toronto’s Oral Health Day and April is Ontario’s Oral Health Month. A healthy body needs a healthy mouth. Brush and floss the month away to a bright, healthy smile and a healthy body.”
Brush-a-mania Chair Dr. Raffy Chouljian added, “Our main message to students and kids everywhere is to brush three times a day for three minutes.” Brush-a-mania, which is operated by the Don Mills Rotary Club in conjunction with numerous sponsors and other Rotary Clubs across the GTA, has reached over 400,000 students since it began in 2001. “Brush-a-mania promotes oral health among young students in a fun way, and aims to develop good brushing habits that will last a lifetime,” said Chouljian.
Sponsors include: Rotary Clubs of Toronto—Don Mills and Toronto-Eglinton; Colgate; Tippet Richardson; TD Canada Trust; RBC; Shaw Group; Toronto District School Board.

For more information:

Mahendra Singh,  416-483-7667 (office); 416-893-2708 (cell) Jaan Koel, Koel Communications:  647-991-6774

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