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DAUGHTERS OF ROOTS CO-FOUNDERS RECEIVE AWARD FOR THEIR INITIATIVE TO HELP CARIBBEAN HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS
February 3, 2005
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TORONTO - Deeva Green and Alex Budman, the two teenage daughters of Roots Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman, were honoured today for their achievements in fostering a spirit of community and multiculturalism. They were among six recipients of the Bob Marley Day Awards that were presented during a special ceremony in Toronto. The other recipients were Judge Stanley Grizzle, businessman Eddison Doyle, music producer Ivan Berry, and police officer David McLeod.

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The event, which took place at the Roots flagship store on 100 Bloor Street West, was part of the 15th annual Bob Marley Day Celebrations. Deeva, 15, and Alex, 13, were selected for their work in raising money for the victims of last fall’s terrible hurricanes in Jamaica, Haiti and Grenada. To that end, they created three Roots leather bracelets in the national colours of the three Caribbean nations and sold them at Roots stores and schools to raise funds. 100% of the proceeds went to the Canadian Red Cross for use in providing humanitarian relief for the countries ravaged by the storms.

“The individuals who were honoured today represent the true spirit of multiculturalism, and have worked tirelessly to make this city, this planet, a better place for everyone,” said Courtney Betty, Organizer of Bob Marley Day in Toronto and who presented the award to Deeva and Alex. “Through their actions, they’ve helped promote the benefits of cultural diversity for all Canadians.” Presenting the other awards were Keith Forde, Kirt Charter and Farley Flex.

This week marks the 60th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birth in Jamaica. Marley, who died in 1981, was the first superstar of reggae music. In addition to his huge achievements in music, he was an international ambassador for peace, speaking out against oppression, poverty, slavery and apartheid and for human rights. He was honoured by the United Nations with the Peace Medal of the Third World and by his home country of Jamaica with the Order of Merit.

“Alex and I were honoured to be chosen for the Bob Marley Day Award,” said Deeva. “Ever since I can remember, both Bob Marley’s music and Jamaica have had a special place in our hearts and in our families.”

“We have always enjoyed our visits to Jamaica and been touched by the incredible warmth of the people there,” said Alex. “We’re huge fans of Bob Marley, both his music and his life and how he brought so many people together from all over the world while he was alive.”

Recently, Deeva and Alex presented Canadian Red Cross officials with a cheque for more than $11,300 at a ceremony at the Roots flagship store in Toronto. It represented the amount of money they generated for hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean through the sale of their bracelets. (See photo).



Roots Co-founders Don Green and Michael Budman have long had a strong relationship with Jamaica - the place, the people and the culture. Throughout their lives, Don and Michael have both spent a considerable amount of time on the Caribbean island that has had a highly positive and creative influence on Roots since its inception.

There was a distinctly Jamaican atmosphere at the Bob Marley Day Awards ceremony. The tasty Jamaican food, featuring “jerk chicken”, was prepared by the Ritz Caribbean restaurant while DJs Captain Kirk and Short Circuit of Four Korners provided the good sounds. Adding to the event, singer Odele Johnston and guitarist Anthony Barrett accompanied Courtney Betty’s daughter Justice Betty who sang Bob Marley’s One Love to the delight all those present.

Recently, Roots launched a new collection called Roots Rock Reggae, inspired by Jamaica and Bob Marley. It features a variety of styles, mostly in Jamaica’s sizzling national colours of black, green and yellow.

Roots and Jamaica and Reggae go way back. The styles and sounds of Jamaica, particularly Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and Third World, have been an intrinsic part of the Roots mosaic since it was established in 1973.

Over the years, Roots has been actively involved with Jamaica. We have worked closely with widely acclaimed, Kingston-based record and film producer Chris Blackwell; co-sponsored the Goldeneye Film Festival in Oracabessa Bay; outfitted performer Sean Paul, designed and provided the uniforms for the Jamaican bobsled team for the 1988 Winter Olympics; and promoted Toots and the Maytals, and Third World. In 2001, Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman was recognized by the Bob Marley Day Foundation in Toronto for his on-going support of the ideals of Bob Marley and the Jamaican community.

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For further information, contact:
Robert Sarner, Director of Communication and Public Affairs
416-781-3574 ext 4280
E-mail: rsarner@roots.com

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