"Inspire a little Peace" - Canadian music legend, Ra McGuire and fine arts champion, Debbie McGuire receive international peace award

WHITEROCK, CANADA, 25 APRIL - Ra McGuire, acclaimed singer and songwriter of the iconic Canadian rock band, Trooper, and his wife Debbie, founder of the first fine arts school in Surrey, will receive the Torch Bearer Award from the World Harmony Run for their collaborative commitment to inspire cultural harmony and community spirit through music, and champion the importance of fine arts in education.

The ceremony will take place at the Peace Arch Park on April 25th at 11am. All are welcome to come an join.

"We are grateful to be included amongst the illustrious recipients of the Torch Bearer Award," said Debbie McGuire.

"Each of us has a significant and important role to play in this world - not only in ‘raising a little hell' but, more importantly, in ‘inspiring a little peace'," said Ra McGuire riffing on Trooper's cross-generational rock anthem "Raise A Little Hell".

Ra McGuire is being honoured for his tremendous contributions to Canadian music and his wife, Debbie, for her unfailing and successful efforts to foster a Fine Arts School in Surrey. In 1996, Debbie McGuire spearheaded a campaign, which led to the creation of the Intensive Fine Arts Program, a program that offers a
stimulating and culturally enriched learning environment for children by combining fine arts with traditional academics. McGuire and his band Trooper opened the Winter Olympics in 2010, and after more than 40 years together, multiple gold records and a six-time platinum greatest-hits album, they still offer more than 100 sold-out concerts around the world every year.

The Torch Bearer Award recognizes and celebrates extraordinary individuals for their tireless inspiration and service to humanity. Previous recipients include international and local heroes that range from entrepreneur and music producer Russell Simons, Slovenian Head of State Dr. Danilo Türk to sports legend Billie Jean King. World luminaries such as President Nelson Mandella, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, President Mikhail Gorbachev and Mother Theresa have held the World Harmony Run Torch.

"The McGuires have made the world a better place through their heartfelt commitment to bringing people together and sharing the gift of peace through music," said World Harmony Run Executive Director, Salil Wilson.

Founded in 1987 by peace visionary Sri Chinmoy, the bi-annual event is now the world's longest global relay covering more than 45,000 miles in over 100 countries. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, runners have logged enough miles to circle the earth more than thirteen times.

Over the coming months the Canadian team will cover 2755 km, relay fashion, stopping in towns across the country. In parallel, Runs will take place throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Along the route, thousands of children will participate when the Run visits their schools, day camps and athletic associations. The message that "Harmony begins with me'' has resonated with children of all ages and added to curriculums promoting cross- cultural understanding, self-esteem and positive learning environments.

The World Harmony Run is a non-profit event organized entirely by volunteers, which strives to encourage goodwill among peoples of all nations.

To find out more about the World Harmony Run visit www.worldharmonyrun.org

For the McGuires please visit:
Website: www.ramcguire.com
Twitter: twitter@ramcguire

For Trooper please visit:
Website: www.trooper.com Facebook: Facebook.com/trooperband Twitter: twitter.com/trooperband

Contact: Vilupti Barrineau 250 222 0247