For Immediate Release

LAURIE HAWKINS CARBON MONOXIDE TRAGEDY ONE YEAR LATER:

Family announces foundation to "end the silence on the silent killer"

TORONTO, December 1, 2009 - On the one-year anniversary of the shocking death of his niece and her entire family from carbon monoxide poisoning, the uncle of Laurie Hawkins has announced he is starting a new foundation in their memory.

John Gignac, a recently retired 34-year veteran of the Brantford Fire Department, says The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education will be a registered charity dedicated to public education about the dangers of carbon monoxide as well as raising money to donate CO alarms to needy Canadians.

"One year ago we lost my niece Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and both their kids Cassandra (14) and Jordan (12) when they were poisoned by carbon monoxide gas in their Woodstock home," Gignac says. "With the blessing of both the Hawkins and Gignac families, I have now made it my personal mission to make sure their deaths are not in vain."

Gignac says he wants to "end the silence on the silent killer" - referring to carbon monoxide's telltale characteristics of being colorless, odorless and tasteless. Tragically, CO backed up into the Hawkins home because vents carrying emissions from their gas fireplace to the outside were blocked. The deadly gas had overtaken and fatally poisoned Richard, Cassandra and Jordan by the time the accident was discovered. Laurie somehow managed to survive the initial exposure but succumbed to it several days later.

The family did not have a CO alarm in their home.

"It is painful to think that Laurie and her family might still be alive today if they had been more aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide," Gignac says. "An inspection by a licensed heating system professional might have uncovered the venting problem. And had they installed one or more CO alarms in their home, they would have had early warning that something was wrong before it was too late. This enormous loss was preventable, so through this new foundation I will do everything in my power to ensure no family has to endure what ours has been through this past year."

Despite still being in the formative stages, the foundation and Gignac himself have already attracted attention and critical support. MPP Ernie Hardeman was so moved by the tragedy he drafted a private member's bill to the Ontario legislature looking to make CO alarms mandatory in all the province's homes. Brantford MPP Dave Levac has also been a vocal supporter.

"I have known John and his family for years," MPP Levac says. "His big heart and passion are evident to everyone he meets. I am sure Laurie is looking down very proudly on her uncle and approving of his commitment to warn Canadians of the dangers of carbon monoxide."

Several corporations are also helping: Lowe's is among many companies supporting the foundation's First Annual Memorial Golf Tournament next September; and Kidde Canada is providing technical and communications support as well as carbon monoxide alarms donated for Gignac's public speaking efforts.

Gignac says the foundation will focus on two primary activities. The first is finding ways to warn as many Canadian as possible about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of taking steps to be protected. The second, which will begin in earnest once the charitable registration process is complete, will be fundraising to purchase CO alarms that will be donated to fire fighters for distribution to needy Canadian families.

"Starting today, we will be on TV, radio and the internet with a series of public service announcements that I hope will make everybody take action to protect their family from carbon monoxide. It comes down to three things... have your heating system inspected; install CSA-approved CO alarms; and, if you already have CO alarms make sure you replace them every five to seven years depending upon the manufacturer," Gignac says.

"We are also launching a foundation web site. It will feature insights into Laurie and her family, safety tips, and a purple ribbon campaign where people can email a purple ribbon and CO safety tips and a PSA to friends and loved ones. Purple was Cassandra's favourite color. Fire departments can also apply for a Grant requesting CO alarms they will donate in their community. Once we begin fundraising, we will approve and fulfil those requests as our funds allow."

Gignac knows his objectives are ambitious. But "Laurie is tapping me on the shoulder, wanting me to do this," he says. For more information on the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education visit www.endthesilence.ca.