Mike Holmes on ABC's The Revolution - July 4, 2012

Happy Independence Day to myself and all my American friends! I know I had a great time watching fireworks and hanging out at home with the hubby!

Yesterday, July 4, 2012, Mike Holmes appeared on the ABC daytime TV show The Revolution.


After watching a few episodes, I've come to realize that The Revolution is a pretty f***ing lame-o show, and I can't imagine anyone voluntarily choosing watching it for any extended period of time without wanting to beat themselves senseless with a crowbar. But regardless, Mike decided to make a guest appearance and do a segment on mold in the home. It was by far the most interesting segment of the show, but I guess I'm a little biased. I hate daytime television anyway, it all sucks.

To watch this painfully boring and terribly edited television show in all it's glory, click here.

Mike's segment begins at about 10:55 into the show. Here are some screen shots:

Mike was his usual boisterous self, clearly and effortlessly articulating his message with humor and passion. The audience seemed very interested, however, I suspect it was just some selective cut-and-paste editing. He and co-host Ty Pennington discussed household mold, what causes it, what it feeds on, and how to get rid of it. They also discussed efflorescence (the yucky white stuff that gets on your bricks), what causes it, and what to do about it. The audience all received copies of Mike's book The Holmes Inspection.

Star Portraits - Mike Holmes

This is old, old, OLD news for sure, but worthy of discussion nevertheless. In 2010, Mike Holmes was a guest "sitter" on the Canadian TV show Star Portraits, in which celebrities sit for artists to have their portraits painted by three very different, but equally talented artists. Standard protocol for the show, Mike got to keep his favorite portrait, and the other two portraits were auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the charity of his choice. Mike, of course, chose the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada, as Mike's oldest daughter Amanda was diagnosed with Crohn's disease as a teenager. The portrait Mike decided to keep was painted by artist Celeste Keller. The auction took place in December 2010, and between Mike and the 12 other celebrities featured in season 2 of the show, $13,000 was raised for various causes.

According to the Star Portraits Flickr account, Mike posed for the artists poolside in his own backyard:

Mike Holmes' castle is his backyard and this is where he chooses to share a part of his private life as he poses poolside for three portrait artists. Will artists Wayne Terry, Albert Slark and Celeste Keller capture what's behind the tough guy exterior of Canada's favourite contractor?

Here are the three portraits painted by the talented artists:

Portrait by Albert Slark

Portrait by Celeste Keller

Portrait by Wayne Terry

The first portrait by Albert Slark is super realistic, right down to Mike's obscenely blond eyebrows.

This was the portrait rated the highest by viewers on the Star Portrait website. When asked if he was

surprised to see Mike Holmes as the celebrity sitter, he answered "Oh yeah! A pleasant surprise and

a challenge to paint. It was an enjoyable process!"

 

The second portrait by Celeste Keller is slightly more abstract than the first portrait. The portrait

features Mike and his long time girlfriend Anna Zappia, as well as his chocolate lab, Charlie. When

asked about how she felt about Mike being the celebrity sitter, she responded a lot like I would have:

"I think 'surprised' is a bit of an understatement. I was floored! I LOVE Mike Holmes! I spent so

much time before hand trying to figure out who it was going to be. I had no idea it would be Mike

Holmes. Even when Louise said his name and he made his way over to us, it didn’t register. I was

in a state of shock. Did I mention how much I LOVE him?" This portrait turned out to be Mike's

favorite.

 

The third portrait by Wayne Terry happens to be my personal favorite. It's a close up portrait of Mike's

face, and if you look past the foreground, you see the sky and clouds and eagles. To me it's a really

beautiful and creative representation. Plus I think he did a great job at capturing Mike's pretty albeit

hooded eyes. When asked if he was surprised to have Mike as the celebrity sitter, he responded, "  I

was pleasantly surprised having Mike Holmes as a sitter. Renovating, building, cars, boats, cottages is

something I’ve done forever. Having watched many of Mike’s shows, painting his portrait was more

like painting someone you know, a friend, not some celebrity who is far removed from my life style."

Other photos related to Mike's appearance on Star Portraits:

The Edmonton Journal wrote a nice little piece about Mike's appearance on the show:

Star Portraits

captures Holmes
Alex Strachan, Postmedia News Published: Saturday, November 06 2010 Mike Holmes, the world-renowned handyman, home-reno expert and defender of homeowners' rights, is a study in motion. Energetic, excitable and burning with passion, it's hard to imagine him sitting still for a minute, let alone an hour. Sit still he must, though, in tonight's engaging episode of Star Portraits.
Star Portraits has become appointment viewing for people looking for a biography program that's out of the ordinary. And there's nothing ordinary about Holmes. He's a human blur, used to living life large. Holmes is a fascinating subject for Star Portraits, because the program is all about how portrait artists capture their subject's inner essence. Holmes wears his emotions on his sleeve. What will the portrait artists find underneath? This week's illustrators are Chatham Ont.'s Wayne Terry, a successful and experienced artist whose oil portraits lean toward aboriginal myth and symbolism; Toronto-based Celeste Keller, a figurative illustrator who describes herself as "an artist in search of urban moments;" and Calgary's Albert Slark, an award-winning portrait artist who specializes in book covers and is one of several Canadians commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to design and paint commemorative stamps. The results, as usual, are fascinating. As reality TV goes, Star Portraits is one of the most surprising, joyous and unpredictable programs on TV today. (Bravo -- 6 p.m.)

And yet another article by the Times Colonist:

Portrait of Mike Holmes better be up to code | Alex Strachan, Postmedia News
Published: Saturday, November 06, 2010
Mike Holmes, the world-renowned handyman, home-reno expert and defender of homeowners' rights, is a study in motion. Energetic, excitable and burning with passion, it's hard to imagine him sitting still for a minute, let alone an hour.
Sit still he must, though, in tonight's engaging episode of Star Portraits.
Star Portraits, Bravo's program in which three Canadian portrait artists paint a homegrown celebrity, has become appointment viewing for people looking for a biography program that's out of the ordinary. And there's nothing ordinary about Holmes. He's a human blur, used to living life large -- outspoken, vocal and not one to easily hide his feelings.
So, when Holmes agrees to sit in his own backyard for his portrait, it's easy to forgive Star Portraits host Louise Pitre's quip when she says the yard looks like something straight out of "Holmes and Garden magazine."
Holmes is a fascinating subject for Star Portraits, because the program is all about how portrait artists capture their subject's inner essence. Holmes wears his emotions on his sleeve. What will the portrait artists find underneath?
This week's illustrators are Chatham Ont.'s Wayne Terry, a successful and experienced artist whose oil portraits lean toward aboriginal myth and symbolism; Toronto-based Celeste Keller, a figurative illustrator who describes herself as "an artist in search of urban moments"; and Calgary's Albert Slark, an award-winning portrait artist who specializes in book covers and is one of several Canadians commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to design and paint commemorative stamps, including Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis.
"I'm going to need half an hour just to calm down," Keller tells Holmes, when she learns who her subject will be.
Holmes, too.
"Let's play," he tells the painters enthusiastically, then explains how his garden is his own private escape, the secret place he goes to decompress and find time for himself. He doesn't sit, so much as lean against his portrait stool, chattering happily away as the portrait artists try to capture his inner self.
Holmes's [sic] work ethic was instilled in him as a young child by his father, he tells the artists. From an early age, he realized his calling was helping others through his building skills. He has since become a tireless advocate for homeowners and a thorn in the side of shady contractors everywhere, whether it's sloppy builders in his hometown or fly-by-night operators in New Orleans or Tornado Alley.
"It doesn't matter; that's what I think I'm supposed to do," Holmes says. "I'm supposed to be the one that helps when other people are in trouble."
The results, as usual, are fascinating. And telling. As reality TV goes, Star Portraits is one of the most surprising, joyous and unpredictable programs on TV today. Anyone interested in art and the process of capturing personality through charcoal and oils will find real value here.
"A painting takes on a life of its own," Slark explains, midway through tonight's program. "Sometimes, it's a happy accident."

Mike Holmes on ABC's "The Revolution" - Scheduled For July 4, 2012

Earlier this month on June 5, Mike was busy make the TV show rounds in New York, appearing on Fox and Friends, and then later on the ABC daytime show The Revolution. On his Facebook page, he assured his readers that he would let us all know when the episode was set to air. Well...guess Mike forgot, but WE didn't! (We'll cut Mike some slack, being that he is a busy guy.)

From: LocateTV.com

The Revolution
Season 1 Episode 104

Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom; author Mike Holmes talks about mold in the home; Revolution journey and reveal.
BRAND NEW EPISODE
Wed July 4

Author Mike Holmes? I mean, yes, I guess he is technically an author. He has actually written books, best selling ones at that, but I wouldn't outright classify Mike as an author and leave it at that, as if Mike sits around on his butt all day writing books. That would be like calling Emeril Lagasse a singer because he was in the glee club in high school. Come on, ABC! Seriously.

Well folks, there you have it. Wednesday, July 4, 2012 on ABC's daytime TV talk show The Revolution, author Mike Holmes will be making a guest appearance. I can hear thousands of housewives' jaws dropping to the floor as we speak. Set your DVR's!


Refer to previous Holmes Spot blog Entries:
Mike Holmes Takes New York
Mike Holmes on Fox and Friends, The Revolution

Mike Holmes In Support of the CCFA and CCFC

Mike Holmes is always one to put his money where his mouth is and support causes close to his heart. In the case of his eldest daughter Amanda, Mike has lent his name and time to support the CCFA and CCFC. When Amanda was 18, she was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, and since then, Mike and Amanda have worked in tandum to raise awareness and funds for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and Canada (CCFA and CCFC).

Check out this 2010 blog post from a Canadian PR agency about a charity event that Mike and Amanda participated in to benefit the CCFC.

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22nd Annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day! Posted: 6th May 2010 by SO_pr in SOstuff!

Mike Holmes and his daughter Amanda are kicking-off M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day at Yonge-Dundas Square this Friday, May 7 between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm.

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, M&M Meat Shops’ franchisees, staff and thousands of volunteers from coast-to-coast will grill hamburgers and hot dogs for the 22nd Annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC).

Amanda was originally diagnosed with Crohn’s as a teenager. This year she is helping M&M Meat Shops reach their fundraising goal of $2 million. The money raised through events such as Charity BBQ Day have allowed CCFC to fund more than $61 million in medical research projects.

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With the help and support of team Holmes, the M&M Meat Shops around Canada were able to raise an astounding $1,610,000 in 2010 for the CCFC.

 

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In a 2011 news release regarding 23rd Annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day, Amanda Belanger-Holmes and Mike spoke of their support for the CCFC:

This year, M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day is being supported by Amanda Holmes, daughter of Canada's Most Trusted Contractor Mike Holmes. Amanda was diagnosed with Crohn's as a teenager. "My dad is an expert at home renovation and construction." says Amanda. "But when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease even he didn't have the tools to fix me. At this point, nobody does and that's why both of us are proud to support the CCFC. M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ is an important way to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis."

"There are few things harder than seeing your child in pain," says Mike Holmes. "I appreciate every dollar donated to the CCFC."

 _____________________________________________________
That same year, Mike and Amanda appeared in a video for the CCFC to raise awareness for the disease.



_____________________________________________________

In 2012, Amanda Belanger-Holmes, along with her famous dad and Jennifer Dodd created a video to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference - UPDATE

On June 12, Mike Holmes gave the opening keynote address at the World Indigenous Housing Conference. In the last couple of days/weeks, there have been several articles written and many photos posted. Here are some updates on Mike Holmes' participation in the 2012 WIHC.

 ______________________________________________________________________

A blog post from Pacific-Homes.net:

Mike Holmes stops by our booth at the WIHC last week for a ‘Meet and Greet!’

June 20, 2012 By Karensa

Mike Holmes, TV star, housing expert and philanthropist gave the opening keynote address as well as led informative workshops at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference (WIHC). Graciously offering his expertise and sharing his extensive involvement with several First Nations initiatives, projects and programs.

First Nations Communities across Canada already include several Pacific Homes and with us being a PinkWood supplier we offer fire, mold & moisture protection; helping to create healthier and safer homes.

As announced in March of this year Mike Holmes endorses PinkWood supporting their family of products; so we, at PinkWood and Pacific Homes, invited him to spend some time in our booth at the WIHC to meet and greet with the people visiting our booth. We all certainly appreciate that he took time out of busy schedule for us and what he’s doing for the First Nations Communities in Canada.

______________________________________________________________________

From a news release posted on PRweb.com:

Mike Holmes Of Holmes On Homes To Give Keynote Address At The World Indigenous Housing Conference June11-15, 2012 In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

This International Conference will bring together Indigenous housing leaders, senior government officials, researchers and corporate heads from around the world to learn and share from best practices, contribute to building a global Indigenous network and showcase Indigenous cultures.

Indigenous housing in Canada and around the world is facing a crisis: mold, poor structure, over-crowding, insufficient inspections. This is how people are living. You know, enough is enough. We need to do something about this.

Vancouver, Canada (PRWEB) March 22, 2012

The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), the recognized leader in Canadian Indigenous housing is hosting the first World Indigenous Housing Conference http://www.indigenous2012.com, June 11-15, 2012, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Well known TV host, housing expert, and philanthropist, Mike Holmes will give the keynote Conference address. Mr. Holmes is the creator and star of Holmes on Homes ®, the #1 show on HGTV Canada, which is syndicated in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany and South Africa. As a professional contractor, Mike Holmes uncovers and fixes sloppy, dangerous renovations in his award-winning television series. The AHMA mission is to set the benchmark for devolving government responsibilities to Indigenous management. This International Conference will bring together Indigenous housing leaders, senior government officials, researchers and corporate heads from around the world to learn and share from best practices, contribute to building a global Indigenous network, and showcase Indigenous cultures.
According to Mike Holmes "Indigenous housing in Canada and around the World is facing a crisis: mold, poor structure, over-crowding, insufficient inspections. This is how people are living. You know, enough is enough. We need to do something about this.” We are meeting the Indigenous housing providers, government leaders, and First Nations Chiefs from around the World. Everyone is bringing to the table which each of us know, so we can make it right together. We will be talking about developing housing that is more appropriate for climate and culture, housing that is more energy-efficient, housing that is more durable, and implementing projects that bring affordable housing to a higher standard. Mr. Holmes http://makeitright.ca, will also lead a workshop at the Conference covering such topics as rebuilding devastated communities strategies, and building the social, financial and technical capacity to respond to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires and flooding. The session will also cover how to bring forces together to achieve effective local capabilities.
Mr. Holmes is a partner with the National Chief, Shawn Atleo of the Assembly of the First Nations in Canada. They are working on the Building Homes and Building Skills Project, one of the most important First Nations community projects in Canada. Together they are redefining inspections and building standards for the First Nations communities, and they are doing these using sustainable, green practices while teaching the community how to properly build and maintain their homes and better improve family health benefits. The project will build better infrastructure and create opportunities for First Nations to work with industry leaders. Mr. Holmes will be talking about this project and other initiatives in a workshop at the Conference http://www.indigenous2012.com.
As a Conference attendee, you will have the opportunity to meet senior government leaders and exchange ideas on how to advance Indigenous housing. You will be enabled to interact with Housing managers who will share a spectrum of achievements in governance and capacity building. Indigenous leaders will reveal best practices. Policymakers will explain ways to ensure sustainable solutions and infrastructure. You can build powerful connections with this influential arena of leaders from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and other developed countries that share common Indigenous housing experiences. Stimulating speakers http://www.indigenous2012.com/photos/Speaker_brochure-proof5.pdf, workshops and presentations will explore five key themes: Sharing Our Stories, Governance and Capacity Building, Government Partnerships, Housing as a Determinant of Health, and Disaster Preparedness. You will have the opportunity to share expertise and build powerful connections with this influential executive group.
A rich cultural exchange, with vibrant traditional and contemporary Indigenous entertainment, is part of the Conference Experience. The 2012 WIHC Conference Headline performer is Global star Gurrumul, called Australia’s Most Important Voice on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Born blind, Gurrumul grew up as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island, Northern Territory, Australia. Gurrumul is changing the way national and international audiences experience his Yolngu culture, through an accessible Western music style. He sings about identity, spirit and connection with the land and ancestral beings he is related to.
Gurrumul’s debut album Gurrumul received international acclaim. Listeners connected with his angelic, high tenor voice, including Elton John, will.I.am and Sting, who are big fans. The debut sold half a million copies worldwide, reaching Triple Platinum in Australia, and won Best World Music Album at the 2008 ARIA Artisan Awards (Australian Recording Industry Association). His second solo album, Rralaka, won the 2011 ARIA Best World Music Album. Also in 2011, Gurrumul was chosen to perform for HRH the Queen of England, United States President Barack Obama, and Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark, confirming this talented musician’s place as an international sensation, capable of transcending cultural boundaries.
Jana Mashonee is Lumbee/Tuscarora, a singer, songwriter, actress and author, who has been nominated for two GRAMMY awards and won eight Native American Music Awards. She has released four albums; all are commercial and critical successes. Jana Mashonee stars in the soon to be released motion picture, Raptor Ranch, and her first book, American Indian Story – The Adventures of Sha'kona, is a cornerstone of her Jana's Kids Foundation Reading for Life program.
Pamyua brings Inuit music and culture to the world, showcasing drum-songs from Greenland and Alaska. Pamyua vocalists Phillip Blanchett, Stephen Blanchett, Ossie Kairaiuak and Karina Moeller bring “a blizzard of interlocking harmonies,” together, according to Native People Magazine. Pamyua reminds listeners to embrace relationships with honor, humility and tolerance. Their performances—a fusion of traditional Inuit music and Yup’ik dance—encourage audiences to appreciate Indigenous traditions, while infusing traditional wisdom into modern culture.

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Various photos from around the internet (Google):

Refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entries:

Mike Holmes to Speak at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference

Stop Building Junk On Reserves, Says Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes: "We Need More Aboriginal People In Construction"

 

 

Mike Holmes to Speak at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference

This morning, Mike Holmes gave the keynote presentation at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference in Vancouver, Canada. From Mike's website:

LIVE APPEARANCE: Mike at World Indigenous Housing Conference June 12 @ 9:30AM

Mike will be making a keynote presentation at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference in Vancouver, Canada June 12th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. Mike will be discussing Building Homes and Building Skills – a partnership between the Holmes Group and the Canadian Assembly of First Nations. The partnership involves the renovation of housing in the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation in Ontario, Canada, and building a sustainable community, based on green practices.

Mike will also host the Rebuilding Devastated Communities workshop at the conference which discusses strategies for Indigenous communities ability to respond to natural disasters.

2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference - June 11-15
Keynote Address:
June 12, 2012
9:30AM – 10:30AM
Hyatt Regency
Vancouver, BC, Canada

From the World Indigenous 2012 Website:

MIKE HOLMES



Well-known TV host, housing expert and philanthropist Mike Holmes will give the opening keynote address at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference. Mike Holmes stars in



Holmes on Homes®, the #1 show on HGTV Canada, which is syndicated in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany and South Africa. As a professional contractor, Mike Holmes uncovers and fixes sloppy, dangerous renovations in his award-winning television series (makeitright.ca).



In his WIHC keynote address, Mr. Holmes will profile



Building Homes and Building Skills—a partnership between the Canadian Assembly of First Nations and the Holmes Group to renovate housing in the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation in Ontario, Canada, and build a sustainable community, based on green practices. "I am proud to be part of one of the most significant community development projects ever undertaken by First Nations in Canada. Together, we will build homes that are more durable and energy efficient to improve overall health benefits for families in the community. This project will build better infrastructure and create opportunities for First Nations to work with industry leaders."



Mr. Holmes will also lead a workshop at the conference—



Rebuilding Devastated Communities—on strategies for Indigenous communities to build the social, financial and technical capacity to respond to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires and flooding. The session will cover how to bring forces together to achieve effective local capability.

Scamming Mike?

You have to have some major cojones to try to pull a scheme using the name of someone as philanthropic as Mike Holmes.  From his Facebook page yesterday night:

I hear someone's selling tickets to a show in Winnipeg where supposedly I'm going to be. Not true. It's a total scam, folks. DO NOT BUY THESE TICKETS. I have nothing to do with this. I'm not doing any kind of show or presentation in Winnipeg on September 27.

Wow, scamming Mike Holmes? Excuse the pun, but what a tool. Glad this guy was caught and called out before too many people got taken.

Mike Takes New York -- UPDATE 2

This just in, less than a minute ago, from Mike's Facebook, where he (and we) seem to be tracking his busy day in the Big Apple:

Getting ready for a book signing at Book Expo America. It hasn't even started and there's already 100+ people in line!

Sheesh, will you stop doing stuff Mike, my fingers are getting tired of typing! Go see a movie, and don't Facebook about it either!     :)

2012 ATV Ride For the Holmes Foundation - Photos

2012 ATV Ride In Support Of The Mike Holmes Foundation Photo Gallery, posted by the O.F.A.T.V.

Alright! Finally some pictures of Mike falling in the mud. That's some quality stuff.

Mike Holmes Takes New York

Busy, busy day for Mike, as he was making the TV show rounds today in New York. This morning he was on Fox & Friends, discussing home inspection basics, and his new book The Holmes Inspection.

From Facebook, posted approximately 8AM EST:

Just about to go on air at Fox & Friends. Talking mould & using an IR camera.

Weren't up that early? That's OK. Here's the clip if you missed it:



And as I type this very sentence, Mike is currently on the set of the ABC show, The Revolution, with host Ty Pennington. Mike has been posting updates, the last about ten minutes ago.

From Facebook, posted several minutes ago:

Backstage at The Revolution. Just hung up coat and the wall hook came down!! Do I have to bring my tools?


On set with Ty Pennington at The Revolution. Here we go! I'll keep you posted when the episode airs.

On set at The Revolution in NYC.

I guess the last thing that's safe and accurate for me to "report" is that Mike Holmes is definitely going to sleep well tonight. Take it easy, Mike :)

Mike Holmes on Fox and Friends, The Revolution

From Mike's Facebook page tonight:

Just arrived in NYC. Stopping by Fox & Friends and The Revolution w/ Ty Pennington tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Catch Mike tomorrow morning, Tuesday, June 5, on Fox News (or you can do what I do and DVR it so you can sleep in). Or you can wait a little while and probably find it on YouTube. Either way, it's up to you.

Who Knew Mike Holmes Liked Mud So Much!

Given that yesterday 6/2 was the sixth annual ATV ride in support of the Holmes Foundation, I thought I'd post an older article from All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine. This article talks about the 2009 ATV ride, and how much fun it was for all involved, and how muddy everyone got. Love it, wish I wasn't afraid to break my neck on one of those little death-mobiles. Who knew Mike Holmes liked mud so much? We did!

 

THE MIKE HOLMES FOUNDATION ATV RIDE(7/7/2009)

Report By: Mike Lester, All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine

The weekend of June 13th, marked All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s second visit to the Canadian Forces Base in Borden, Ontario for the ATV Ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation presented by the OFATV and sponsored by Can-Am. Along with us for the first year was Dirt Trax Television.

Driving off Highway 400 towards the base, I began to realize how isolated it is. Barbed wire fences lined either side of the road securing the endless expanse of wilderness I’d soon be riding through. Just as I began to feel like I’d gone in the wrong direction, the forest opened up to reveal the base stretching endlessly like a university campus.

A few really cool things make this ATV event stand out. For one, attendees get to ride their ATVs in an area normally closed to civilians. There are countless miles of trail winding throughout the base.

In fact, during our five hours of riding, we never went outside Canadian Forces land! There was amazing diversity in the riding terrain, too. Sand, rock, mud – in fact, a lot of this trail is used for testing tanks! Some of the bogs we rode through brought mud up over the fenders!

Another highlight is that you get to meet international TV personality, Mike Holmes, in person. You can share your ride experiences with him and get a photo. He’s very personable and loves ATVing. We rode with Mike all day as he led the pack on his 2009 Can-Am Renegade. There wasn’t a mud pit that could stop him.

"Who Knew Mike Holmes liked mud so much!" commented Taera McLean, Co-Host of Dirt Trax Television. "It was a wonderful day complete with endless trails and lots of riders. Plus, it was for a great cause - The Holmes Foundation!"

Following the ride, the OFATV volunteers put on a fabulous BBQ. Burgers, dogs, fresh-cut fries and butter tarts to top it off. After our ride, we were starving and it was the perfect ending to a great day.

Mark your calendars for next season and sign up early to ensure a spot at this event in 2010. You'll have a great time with great people, riding some of the nicest trails you'll never get a chance to ride otherwise.

Visit ATVmag.com for more.

And another article, from the same magazine, this one highlighting the 2008 excursion.

 

MIKE HOLMES ATV RIDE

By: All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine

Monday, May 11, 2009

The sun was blazing on one of Ontario's nicest days last summer as 165 registered riders turned out with trailers full of ATVs and gear for the 2nd annual OFATV ride in support of The Holmes Foundation. Riders went out in four waves to tackle a 50km ride through the forests surrounding Canadian Forces Base Borden in Angus, Ontario. Mike Holmes was in attendance walking through the crowds shaking hands and taking pictures then led the last heat of riders out onto the trails. Riders were cautioned about a huge mud pit area used for testing tanks for the Canadian military. This all but guaranteed winches would be exercised and gave riders the chance to get dirty. Mud tires churned up the goo and an enthusiastic group had a blast supporting a good cause. The Holmes Foundation ensures that residential renovation and construction across Canada is done right the first time. Relying on Mike Holmes' reputation gained from his popular television show Holmes on Homes, the foundation partners with schools, businesses and government to encourage youth to pursue careers in skilled trades. The 2008 event raised more than $22,000 and attendance doubled from 2007. Sign up now for this year's event held on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 at CFB Base Borden in Angus, Ontario Canada (Base Borden Rod & Gun). Registration & Pledge Forms Will Be Available From Your Local Club, Participating Can-Am Dealers or on the OFATV website. Visit www.OFATV.org contact the OFATV by phone at 705-797-0797.

Mike Holmes ATV Ride 2012 Supporting the Holmes Foundation Updates

Today is the big day for the Holmes Foundation... the  OFATV 2012 ATV Ride In Support Of The Holmes Foundation. I'm currently scouring Google for pics and articles, as they come out. The pickings are slim as of now, but hopefully this post will grow over the next couple of hours.

OFATV Holmes Ride Poster



Here's a video of a radio interview with OFATV marketing director Mark Hamerton chatting with 95.1 The Peak FM about the Holmes Ride. A little dry, but relavent. They talk about the 2012 Ride, the sponsors involved, and the Holmes Foundation.

Mike Holmes in Springwater this morning

Ready to Ride for the Holmes Foundation

Mike's getting geared up for the big ATV ride tomorrow,  the 6th Annual ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation presented by OFATV and Can-Am. Get those pledges in!!!

On his Facebook page:

If you can't make it out to the ATV ride this weekend you can always pledge online. Proceeds help The Holmes Foundation support the next generation of skilled trades workers! For more information visit: http://makeitright.ca/Holmes_Foundation/view_event.php?event_id=178

Mike Holmes gearing up for ATV ride this Saturday in support of the Holmes Foundation

This Saturday June 2, Mike Holmes will be getting dirty - downright filthy in fact - and he'll be doing it alongside crew members Damon Bennett, Adam Belanger, Carl Pavlovic, Nicole Faucher, and daughter Sherry Holmes. I'm talking of course about the OFATV Ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation. Get your mud on, Mike. And please... STAY SAFE!!!!!

From Mike's Facebook Page:

Looking forward to the OFATV Ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation this Saturday (June 2nd). Find out how you can ride, pledge or donate at the link below. Don't miss it - Disaster DIY / Bryan Baeumler is going to be joining in! http://theholmesfoundation.com/ 

According to Mike's Website:

The mission of The Holmes Foundation is to ensure that all residential renovation and construction in Canada is done right–the first time...The Holmes Foundation is a charitable foundation that supports the training of youth in the skilled trades, through apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries.

For more information about the ride, and to support your favorite rider (cough ****Mike**** cough), visit the Holmes Foundation website for details.

Off the Beaten Path

Mike and his crew will be gearing up on June 2nd 2012 for the 6th Annual ATV ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation presented by OFATV and Can-Am. You can pledge to support your favorite rider here.

From Mike Holmes' Facebook page:

Very excited for the OFATV's 6th Annual ATV Ride in Support of The Holmes Foundation. My crew and I are going to be gearing up on June 2nd for an awesome day on the trails - raising money for a great cause. Check out the link below for details about how you can get involved!

So what exactly is the Holmes Foundation? Here's a little snippet from the website.

 The Holmes Foundation is working to ensure that all home renovation and construction in Canada is done right - the first time.

People write me from all over the world asking for help. I get hundreds of emails each week about shoddy renovations. And I wanted to help these people but there were just too many families asking for help. I’m only one guy--I can’t fix all these problems. But I kept thinking - what can I do to help? What will make a difference? And I realized that the best way to help is to train more people to build correctly, more people who will Make It Right™. That is why I started The Holmes Foundation.

Canada does not have enough skilled trades people – in construction or in other trades – and the problem is only going to get worse as the baby boomers retire unless we do something about it. As long as we don’t have enough skilled trades people, we will continue to have bad contractors. If we don’t get more skilled trades people who will build our roads, schools, hospitals and houses in the future?

Trades people are absolutely critical to society but don’t always get the respect they deserve. Many parents and teachers discourage kids from getting into the trades. That attitude is just wrong – for Canada and for kids. Skilled trades jobs pay well, and are creative and rewarding. I love being a contractor and so do most of the people I work with. The goal of The Holmes Foundation is to get people to understand and respect construction and the construction trades so that parents, teachers and students will consider these trades when thinking about careers. Please help me get the message out.

You don't have to be Canadian to support the Holmes Foundation either. It's a great cause that helps a lot of people.