(Halifax, NS) - Top-ranked Canadian golfer and philanthropist Mike Weir has chosen the Maritimes as the next location for his annual fundraiser.  The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, benefitting the IWK Health Centre, will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 30 and 31, 2009.

Mike Weir spoke to IWK patients and staff, key sponsors and supporters and the media at the official event launch this morning via teleconference from Park City, Utah.

"I'm excited to be bringing this event to the Maritimes and doing whatever I can to support children in your community," he said.  "It's going to be a great event, and I thank you all in advance for getting involved and helping kids who rely on hospitals like IWK," he said.  "I look forward to seeing you all in a few months - I hear people from the Maritimes know how to have fun."

Fun indeed!  Just ask the lead sponsors for The Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids - BMO, RBC, ScotiaBank, TD Canada Trust and CTV Atlantic - all of whom appeared wearing white caddy uniforms and posed for photos with IWK patients Brian Dumaresq and Matt Brown.

"We're thrilled our lead sponsors have combined forces to create this unique 'dream team' in support of the IWK," said Robbie Shaw, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation.  "These four banks and CTV are already recognized for their corporate sponsorships and charity work.  Their commitment to this event reinforces a dedication to making sure Maritime children and youth receive excellence across a broad spectrum of care."

This will be the third Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids - the first for Atlantic Canada.  Details on how to get involved, including a chance to win tickets to the two-day event, courtesy of CTV, are available online at www.IWKBravo.com.

In 2007, the Mike Weir Foundation partnered with Children's Miracle Network to create the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids.  So far, the Foundation has raised over $5 million to support children's wellness initiatives, including mental health initiatives across Canada.

Media contact: Carla Adams,  IWK Foundation, (902) 470-7744 or carla.adams@iwk.nshealth.ca