Home | Rogers OMNI.1 to Present World Television Premiere:

Rogers OMNI.1 to Present World Television Premiere:

"Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story"

In Recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month and In Memory of Martin A. Kruze
Sunday, October 28th at 10PM ET

TORONTO, October 18, 2007– In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month and in tribute to the memory of Martin A. Kruze, Rogers OMNI Television is pleased to announce the world television premiere of Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story.  The 60 minute documentary, an intimate portrait of a brave man whose story changed the lives of so many, launches on Rogers OMNI.1, Sunday, October 28th at 10:00 p.m. ET.

OMNI’s airing of Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story on this date marks an emotional anniversary -- Kruze took his life on October 30, 1997 – and at the same time a reaffirmation of heroism and hope.  His courageous decision to come forward with details of the horrible sexual abuse he endured at Maple Leaf Gardens hit the headlines in February of that same year and resulting public outcry still resonates; today his legacy lives on, inspiring legislative change, abuse prevention education and survivor support.

“This is a very emotional, but proud time for the Kruze family,” echoes Martin’s brother Gary. “We have suffered an enormous loss but we are so proud of Martin for bringing forward the issue of child abuse awareness; his courage has saved lives.”

“Malcolm Dunlop and OMNI Television first approached me in November of 2006 to ask if I would consider putting together a documentary on Martin’s life,” says Teresa Kruze, Producers/Writer/Director of Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story, and Martin’s sister-in-law.  “Everyone knew what an emotional toll re-telling his story would take, but then we asked ourselves, ‘Would Martin want this to be made?’ We had our answer and OMNI generously provided us with the means -- for which they are to be commended. ”  

Production of the documentary was indeed a gesture of family, love and remembrance, on both sides of the camera.  In telling its tale, Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story draws upon the recollections of family, friends and colleagues within the child abuse prevention society – including a special appearance by renowned comic, actor and showman, Jerry Lewis.

“Rogers OMNI Television is proud to support Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story,” says Malcolm Dunlop, Executive Vice President of Programming for Rogers Media Television.  “We applaud Teresa Kruze and her team for their heartfelt, historical and educational account; this documentary holds enduring value that will honour the memory of Martin Kruze by helping many communities to deal with the difficult issue of abuse.”

Among other notable anti-abuse advocates appearing in Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story are former NHL great Ken Dryden, founder with the Kruze family of the “Martin’s Hope” event to address the needs of abuse survivors, and Sheldon Kennedy, another former NHL player and also a survivor of abuse.

Voice of Courage – The Martin Arnold Kruze Story was exclusively funded through OMNI's Independent Producers Initiative, a $32.5 million independent production fund that to date has supported over 200 new documentary programmes.  Interested producers can access funding criteria at OMNI Television’s web site http://www.omnitv.ca/ontario/info/funds .

About Rogers OMNI Television
Rogers OMNI Television is a free over-the-air regional broadcasting system operated by Rogers Communications in the Rogers Media division. The OMNI stations have the collective mandate to reflect Canada’s diversity through the airing of inclusive and accessible multilingual/multicultural programming. OMNI.1 is currently available across Canada to Starchoice subscribers on channel 343 and to ExpressVu subscribers on channel 215. LOOK carries OMNI.1 on channel 65 in Ontario.

About Teresa Kruze, Producer/Writer/Director
With over 25 years in television and film production, Teresa Kruze is skilled on both sides of the camera. She is well-known for her work with TSN – The Sports Network -- where as commentator, reporter and producer she covered such high profile sporting events as the Olympics, World Series and Stanley Cup Finals.  She recently created, produced and hosted Changing Lives, a 15 episode lifestyle series for The Biography Channel. Along with her work in television and film, Teresa Kruze is active with many charities including, The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness; Reach for the Rainbow and Special Olympics Canada.

OMNI Media Contact:
Sandy Zwyer – Programme Information Coordinator, 416-260-3590 sandy.zwyer@rci.rogers.com
Andrea Gagliardi – Director, Public Relations, 416-260-3803 andrea.gagliardi@rci.rogers.com