TORONTO, ON – February 7, 2014 – Pfizer Canada Inc., the Canadian distributor of EpiPen® (epinephrine auto-injector) is proud to announce its entry in the 2014 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as the title sponsor of Alex Tagliani’s No. 18 car.
“Pfizer is pleased to be entering the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series as Alex Tagliani’s title sponsor,” said Allen Van Der Wee, General Manager, Global Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer Canada Inc. “We are looking forward to partnering with Alex for a second year to raise awareness for food allergies and anaphylaxis management.”
At the eighth annual Canadian Motorsports Expo in Toronto powered by Inside Track Motorsports News, Tagliani unveiled the car that he will drive next season in Canada’s premier stock-car series that competes across Canada from May to September.
Tagliani also announced the second year of the Summer of TAG (Treating Allergies with Genuine care), which will support his charity of choice, Anaphylaxis Canada, in their efforts to engage Canadians in a conversation about effective management of food allergies and what to do in the event of a reaction.
This spring, Tagliani will visit school students in three Canadian cities, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton where he will raise awareness for anaphylaxis management. Food allergy is a growing public health issue in Canada with approximately 2.5 million Canadians affected by at least one food allergy, including Tagliani himself.
“As someone with a severe allergy to peanuts and tree nuts, I am extremely happy to once again be teaming up with Pfizer Canada and Anaphylaxis Canada to raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis,” said Alex Tagliani. “I’m looking forward to an exciting summer of racing with the NASCAR Canadian Tire series and meeting fans right across Canada.”
With the goal of getting school children actively involved with Team EpiPen, Tagliani’s school visits will coincide with the launch of a Race Car Design Contest and a second edition of the Helmet Design contest. These two initiatives will give students the opportunity to see their allergy awareness message and design appear on the Canadian driver’s car and helmet. The helmet with the winning design will be auctioned off at the end of the season to raise funds for Anaphylaxis Canada.
Anaphylaxis Canada is the national leader in advocacy and education for people with food allergies. The organization’s approach to reducing the risk of anaphylactic reactions in both children and adults is focused on self-management, community engagement, understanding, and respect.
“We are very excited to launch the Summer of TAG again this year,” said Laurie Harada, Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada. “As the mother of a son with multiple food allergies, I appreciate how Alex can inspire young people, encourage them to follow their dreams, and not let food allergies
define them.”
For more information about the Summer of TAG, school visits, Helmet Design contest and the Race Car Design contest click here [www.summeroftag.com].
For more information about the 2014 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, visit NASCARHometracks.com.
About Pfizer
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. The company is one of the largest contributors to health research in Canada. Pfizer’s diversified health care portfolio includes biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines for humans, and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/ Pfizer.Canada)
Important Safety Information
EpiPen (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors are indicated for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions in patients who are determined by a physician to be at increased risk of anaphylaxis.
EpiPen (epinephrine) Auto- Injectors are designed as emergency supportive therapy only. After administration, patients should seek medical attention immediately or go to the emergency room. This product may not be right for you, always read and follow the label. For details on EpiPen, or educational and product safety information, please visit www.EpiPen.ca.
About Anaphylaxis Canada
Anaphylaxis Canada is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping those at risk for anaphylaxis and those who care for them. The organization is committed to creating a safer world for people with life-threatening allergies through education, advocacy, and research. For more information, visit www.anaphylaxis.ca.
About Alex Tagliani
Alex Tagliani, also known by his racing name TAG, developed a passion for racing at the age of 10 when he was introduced to karting on a visit to see his paternal grandfather in Northern Italy. The Montreal native has shown his fans that he can drive anything – from Indy Car to NASCAR to a
prototype. Since the beginning of his career in open wheel racing, Alex has accumulated 10 wins, 10 pole positions, 28 podiums and 35 top-10 finishes. A fierce competitor, Alex has many passions including training and nutrition and always takes precautions when managing his life-threatening allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, including carrying his EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-injector.
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Contact
Manon Genin
Manager, Corporate Communications
Pfizer Canada
1-866-9PFIZER
manon.genin@pfizer.com
Narimane Doumandji
Publicist for Alex Tagliani
514-554-3056
narimane19@me.com
Reena Kudhail
Senior Consultant, Health & Wellness
Porter Novelli
416-422-7187
reena.kudhail@porternovelli.com
Erik Tomas
Media/Public Relations Tagliani Autosport/Team EpiPen
905-892-0411
289-407-4410
TOMASERIK@aol.com
Christopher Holcroft
Principal, Empower Consulting
For Anaphylaxis Canada
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca