Latest news with #JulieCole
Global News
4 days ago
- Global News
Old photo of Ontario children used in phony fundraiser for Texas flood victims
A Burlington, Ont., mother was unsettled to discover that an old photo of her children had been used in a fraudulent GoFundMe that attempted to elicit donations in connection the recent Texas floods. Julie Cole told Global News that a friend had contacted her on social media to say that an old photo of her six children was being used in an attempt to collect ill-gotten gains. 'She reached out to me and she was like, 'Hey, here's a link to a GoFundMe. Sorry this has happened to you, but obviously a picture of your kids has been used without your consent and it's being used for a GoFundMe to raise money, to help a family dealing with the Texas floods,'' she said. Cole explained that the fake GoFundMe, which has since been removed by the company, was looking for donations to support a widowed mother of six kids in connection. Story continues below advertisement At least 120 people have died while more than 100 others remain unaccounted for as a result of the flooding, including 27 children and councilors from Camp Mystic. 'They were trying to raise $40,000 because of the three daughters had been victims of the Texas floods,' Cole said. 'And the way it was presented felt very much like they were part of maybe that girl's camp.' View image in full screen Julie Cole told Global News that a friend had contacted her on social media to make that an old photo of her six children was being used in an attempt to collect ill-gotten gains. Provided Cole said once the listing was sent to her, she immediately contacted GoFundMe to get the fundraiser taken down. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy By Wednesday morning, the company had done so and in a statement to Global News, GoFundMe said that the fundraiser did not receive any donations and the account has been banned from creating any further fundraisers on the platform. 'GoFundMe has the most robust donor protection processes of any platform of our kind. We have round the clock trust and safety support, humans and technology making sure funds will get to where they are intended,' the statement offered. Story continues below advertisement After contacting the company, Cole said she shared the incident on her social media pages to raise awareness. 'So I did put it on my Facebook and I put it in my LinkedIn as like a heads-up learning experience kind of thing and there was a lot of outrage,' she said. Cole also noted that while she is disappointed by the incident, she is well aware that her troubles are miniscule in comparison to those affected by the flooding. 'I do feel a little bit in myself that what I'm feeling is in no way comparable to what the actual families are feeling who have gone through the tragedies of the flooding,' she said. The photo came from an old blog post she had written 16 years ago. Cole can date the picture as the baby in the photo is now getting ready to go for his driver's test. 'I'm one of those, like, OG mommy bloggers from 20 years ago. So my kids have been on the internet. They have been sort of in the public eye,' she explained. 'And I know the risk is out there. And I think parents need to remember that, that their kids' photos can be just screenshotted and used without consent. So there's one lesson. Story continues below advertisement 'I felt a little, well, very unsettled about it, particularly because of what it was being used for.' In addition to being a parenting blogger, she also helped found Mabel's Labels, which offers washable labels for kids clothing and other school items, in an effort to keep them out of the lost and found. View image in full screen Julie Cole and her six kids in 2025. Provided Being a spokesperson for the company while raising six kids keeps her in the parenting sphere and she offered some other advice to parents about the images and social media. 'I think parents just have to be mindful and aware that once it's out there, you know you'd like to think you'll get consent or you'll give consent if somebody asks or they want to use it, but people will just take it and they can just take,' she said. Story continues below advertisement 'You have to be especially careful now with AI, because these photos can be altered.' She also warned parents to check with their kids as they get older to see if they are OK with pics being posted and that people should be mindful of where they are sharing their donations. 'Another lesson out of this is people need to really be cautious and know where they're putting their fundraising dollars,' Cole said.
Toronto Star
6 days ago
- Toronto Star
‘Where did they find it?' GTA mom ‘unsettled' after photo of her children used in Texas floods GoFundMe campaign
A Burlington woman is searching for answers after a photo of her six children was used for a GoFundMe campaign that attempted to raise funds for victims of the Texas floods. Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel's Labels Inc., which makes name labels for kids clothing, was informed by a colleague on Tuesday that someone was using her children's photo on the crowdfunding platform.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Women in PR North America Announces Final Speaker Lineup, Agenda and Event Partners for the WorkWell Conference in Toronto
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations and the Organization of American Women in Public Relations proudly announce the final speaker lineup for the highly anticipated Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference. This inaugural event, celebrating a decade of empowering women in the public relations industry, will take place on May 7, 2025, in-person at the Old Mill in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during Women's Health Month. Designed to unite public relations, investor relations, media, marketing, communications, and business professionals, the WorkWell Conference features three keynote presentations and five expert-led panels with over 20 speakers, offering insights on leadership, health and wellbeing, emotional intelligence, creativity, personal branding, media and public relations. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Agenda: Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference 2025 Master of Ceremonies: Stephanie Li, Founder and CEO, Spotlight West Communications Event Production Partner: Dream Forever Hospitality 9 a.m. Registration and Networking: Photography by Carol Spooner Portraits 10 a.m. Opening Remarks: Talia Beckett Davis, Founder and CEO, Women in PR North America. 10:15 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Raj Girn, Founder, The Open Chest Confidence Academy and Anokhi Life Media 10:35 a.m. Panel 1: The Future of Women in Leadership: AI, Digital, Innovation and Stakeholder Trust How Leaders Can Navigate Change and Build Meaningful Connections Speakers: Amanda Tang, Head, Investor Relations, TMX Group; Liz Culley-Sullo, Director, Public Relations, BrainBox AI; Michelle Jobin, Director of Media and Strategy at Faulhaber; and Vasiliki Papadopoulos, VP, Corporate and Public Affairs, ChangeMakers. Moderator: Julie Cole, Co-Founder and Sr. Director, Public Relations, Mabel's Labels Inc. 11:15 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Kristina Holle, Owner, The Authentic You Coaching 11:35 a.m. Panel 2: Thriving Under Pressure: How Industry Leaders Prioritize Health and Well-Being From Burnout to Balance: Strategies for Sustainable Success Speakers: Tia DeVincenzo, Intuitive Health Coach; Laura Boyko, Owner, BeWell Therapy; Lisa Cripps, President, Marrelli Trust Company Limited; and Jennifer Campbell, Partner, Fogler, Rubinoff LLP. Moderator: Ranchelle Van Bryce, CEO and Founder, Ignite Your Success. 1:35 p.m. Panel 3: The Art of Storytelling and Personal Branding: Elevate Your Influence How to Craft a Narrative That Gets You Noticed and Drives Impact Speakers: Marisa Robshaw, Sr. Industry Manager; Emily Lyons, Founder, Femme Fatale Media; Julie Cole, Co-Founder and Sr. Director, Public Relations, Mabel's Labels Inc, and Monica Rivera, Founder, YOU WANNA DO WHAT?! Moderator: Kristina Holle, Owner, The Authentic You Coaching. 2:15 p.m. Networking Break: Coffee Sponsor Agility PR Solutions 2:50 p.m. Panel 4: Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: The Hidden Superpower of Industry Leaders How Being Resilient and Flexible Can Strengthen Leadership and Decision-Making Speakers: Dana Singleton, Executive Vice President National Health Sector Lead, Canada at Edelman; Diane Wolf, Registered Psychotherapist and Stress Specialist; Lynn Nicholls, Psychic Medium and Intuition Expert; and Monique Hutchins, Managing Director, DSA Corporate Services. Moderator: Blair Kaplan Venables, Founder, The Global Resilience Project. 3:30 p.m. Panel 5: Creativity and Innovation: Breaking Through the Noise in a Rapidly Changing World How Leaders Can Stay Ahead, Spark New Ideas and Drive Meaningful Impact Speakers: Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, Owner, Padlin Creative; Raj Girn, Founder, The Open Chest Confidence Academy and Anokhi Life Media; Ranchelle Van Bryce, CEO and Founder, Ignite Your Success; and Stephanie Li, Founder and CEO, Spotlight West Communications. Moderator: Liz Culley-Sullo, Director, Public Relations, BrainBox AI. 4:10 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Blair Kaplan Venables, Founder, The Global Resilience Project Get Your Tickets for the WorkWell Conference May 7, 2025, in Toronto "As we mark ten years of championing women in PR, the WorkWell Conference provides a vital space for collaboration, inspiration, and professional development," said Talia Beckett Davis, Founder and CEO of Women in PR North America. "This conference will empower professionals to thrive by embracing the intersection of health, wealth, and well-being in the workplace." The conference will allow attendees to engage with speakers and industry peers in a relaxed, celebratory setting, with décor by our floral partner CN Floral Studio. WorkWell Conference tickets are available on Eventbrite, with full event details, including the agenda and speaker lineup at To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Thank you to our conference partners Newsfile Corp a TMX Company; Agility PR Solutions; Dream Forever Hospitality; Spotlight West Communications; CN Floral Studio; Carol Spooner Portraits; Pink Pearl PR; Anokhi Life Media; EUPRERA, Content Marketing Institute, Women in Film and Television Toronto. Media Contact:Talia Beckett DavisFounder and CEO Canadian Women in Public RelationsAmerican Women in Public Relationsmedia@ About Women in PR North America Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. (Women in PR Canada®) and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA®) is an influential network of leading businesswomen striving for excellence in the field of public relations. Together, the organizations form Women in PR North America®. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Hamilton Spectator
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
A Toast to 15 Years: Halton Food for Thought's Annual Fundraiser Fights Student Hunger
Julie Cole is no stranger to a good cause — especially when it comes to kids. The co-founder of Mabel's Labels is set to host this year's Breakfast Bash, the signature annual fundraiser supporting Halton Food for Thought. While the organization has been nourishing students in Halton for more than 30 years, this year marks the 15th anniversary of the Breakfast Bash, which will take place Tues., May 27, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Oakville Conference Centre. 'The Breakfast Bash really celebrates the hard work that everyone does,' said Cole. 'It makes you realize the impact it's having. Sometimes with volunteerism, you get a little fatigue…then you come to an event like this and remember why it matters. You leave inspired and motivated to stay involved.' Halton Food for Thought (HFFT) has been fueling student success for more than three decades, quietly becoming a vital part of the educational ecosystem across the region. 'It started with a few moms who noticed kids showing up to school without lunch,' Cole explained. 'They wanted to do something about it, so they started making sure students had access to food at school. That was back in 1997, with just six programs. Now, there are over 150 school partnerships across Halton.' HFFT's model is intentionally inclusive and stigma-free. 'You don't have to register for it. You don't have to prove that you need it,' said Cole. 'Kids just walk in before the bell, grab some fruit or a croissant, and start the day with something in their belly. What's lovely about it is that no one is singled out.' The Breakfast Bash plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing these programs. This year's fundraising goal is $95,000 — funds that will support five new student nutrition programs and help maintain the existing 152 partnerships already in place. 'That's a whole bunch of little bellies,' Cole said with a smile. 'There are schools already saying, 'We want this, but we don't have it yet.' This will help bring it to them.' As Cole pointed out, Halton's population is growing rapidly, and so are food costs. 'Even when you get base funding from the government, it doesn't always meet the need. I made my kids fruit salad last week — it cost me $60! Feeding kids isn't cheap, but it's essential.' One of the unique features of the Breakfast Bash is its bustling marketplace, which showcases local vendors from across Halton. 'These local partnerships are huge. The vendors donate their time and their products, and help create an atmosphere that's both fun and meaningful,' Cole said. 'They get to network, promote their businesses, and be part of something bigger. It's also great for team-building and community connection.' This year's participating vendors include Appleby College, Harper's Landing, and Jacksons Landing (partnering together for the first time), Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill, Martini House, Oakville Conference Centre, Rust Bistrobar, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School, Mary's Muffins, Milestones Burloak, and Pur and Simple Burlington North (the last three listed all new this year). Speakers at this year's event include Liam Rondeau, an HFFT volunteer, T.A. Blakelock High School graduate, and PhD candidate at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster University. Rondeau recently reflected on his experience in a blog post titled, 'How breakfast at school changed more than just my mornings — reflections a decade later' ( click here to read it on HFFT's website ). Other speakers will include HFFT Executive Director Aliya Khawari, Board Chair Eleanor Ramuscak, and Board Vice-Chair Prasad Samala. The spirit of connection and community is what makes the event — and the organization — so special. 'We're food people, they're food people. Let's get together for a good cause,' Cole laughed. 'And really, who isn't a food person?' With support from dedicated volunteers, generous vendors, and champions like Julie Cole, this year's Breakfast Bash promises to be more than just a meal — it's a celebration of community coming together to support the future. So far, $62,613 has been raised toward the $95,000 goal. General admission tickets are $65 each, with half-tables available for $315 and full tables for $600. A silent auction is also running on the Food for Thought event page , where attendees can buy tickets and learn more. There's also a 50/50 raffle, with the draw taking place on the day of the event, May 27, at 9:15 a.m. EDT. Tickets are currently available at $10 for one, $20 for three, or $50 for ten. Whether you're attending to enjoy a hearty breakfast, support a great cause, or connect with community-minded individuals, the Breakfast Bash offers something meaningful for everyone — and a chance to ensure no student in Halton starts the school day hungry.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Julie Cole at Mabel's Labels to Speak at Women in PR North America's WorkWell Conference 2025
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 8, 2025) - Julie Cole, Co-founder and Senior Director of Public Relations at Mabel's Labels Inc., is pleased to announce their participation as a speaker at the inaugural Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference, taking place on May 7, 2025, at the Old Mill Toronto during Women's Health Month. The WorkWell Conference is a premier event designed to empower professionals in public relations, media, investor relations, and business to accelerate growth while prioritizing career success, wellbeing, and innovation. Hosted by the Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations, the conference brings together top industry professionals to discuss strategies for leadership, resilience, and growth in today's dynamic business environment. Julie will be speaking on the art of story telling and personal branding, alongside a distinguished lineup of industry experts. This session will explore how Mabel's Labels became an award winning multi-million-dollar business through the role of public relations. She will discuss the importance of personal connection and community, offering attendees actionable insights and strategies to navigate challenges and drive success in their careers and businesses. "I am excited for a day of connection, learning and sharing with industry experts who can help attendees take their careers, businesses and clients to the next level," said Julie Cole. The conference agenda includes three keynote presentations and five expert-led panels with over 20 speakers on leadership, health and wellbeing, emotional intelligence, creativity, personal branding, media and public relations. To mark Canadian Women in Public Relations 10-year business anniversary, the event will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to network with event speakers and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed and celebratory setting. Tickets for Women in PR North America's WorkWell Conference 2025 are available now on and Eventbrite. About Julie Cole Julie Cole, Co-founder of Mabel's Labels Inc., is an award-winning entrepreneur and author, media personality, business mentor, notable speaker, and busy mom of six. When she's not juggling her busy family and professional life, Julie is an engaged community member serving on boards and volunteering. She is passionate about women's issues, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and social justice. About Women in PR North America Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. (Women in PR Canada®) and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA®) is an influential network of leading businesswomen striving for excellence in the field of public relations. Together, the organizations form the networking group Women in PR North America®. Media Contacts: Julie Colemedia@ Labels Inc. Talia Beckett DavisFounder & CEO Canadian Women in Public RelationsAmerican Women in Public Relationsmedia@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
