"By all accounts, this was an incredible event and we couldn't have done it without the dedication and generosity of everyone involved including our major sponsor, the makers of TYLENOL^®," said Steven McNair, President and CEO, The Arthritis Society.

"By raising money for and awareness of arthritis, we have a real chance to find a cure for this debilitating disease that affects more than four million Canadians," he added. "It was truly inspiring to see so many people join together to help fight arthritis."

Canadian hockey legend Wendel Clark joined the Toronto walk to support his mother-in-law and many friends and former hockey mates who suffer from the disease.

“This was a fantastic event and a great way to spend a Sunday together with family and friends,” said Clark.  “It feels good to know I helped raise awareness for such an important cause.”

Wendel and other walk participants wore symbolic Blue Badges to help demonstrate the many faces of arthritis, a disease that doesn’t affect just older people.

Participating walk communities were:

Many participants also joined the fight online through a Virtual walk.

The Fight Against Arthritis Continues

Canadians are still encouraged to visit www.WalktoFightArthritis.ca to make a pledge for the Walk or to share their personal story of living with arthritis. For every approved story submitted by June 15, the makers of TYLENOL^® will donate $5 to the Walk (up to a maximum of $20,000 CDN). 

For the second consecutive year, Canadians turned up the heat and put their original recipes to the test.

With unique ingredients like bourbon, chocolate and beer, this year’s challenge saw the gamut of chili recipes. Inspired by the creativity and passion Canadians put into their entries over the past two years, Anthony developed a brand new signature, authentic Mexican chili recipe that served as a benchmark for comparison this year.

“The response we received from Canadians last year was phenomenal, so we wanted to give them a chance to get back into their kitchens this year and really bring their best to the table,” said Sedlak. “What’s great about the ZANTAC® Chili Challenge is that it shows Canadians that they can enjoy comfort food classics, spices and all, heartburn free.”

Super Bowl is just days away, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about the chili to serve at this year’s party.  With unique ingredients like wiri wiri peppers and bourbon, Mike’s winning recipe is sure to score a touchdown with even the most discerning chili fans.

“Whether indulging in a comfort classic or celebrating the Super Bowl, chili is a staple food that many love to cook and eat this time of year,” said Stephanie Wong-Cairns, Brand Manager, ZANTAC®. “Spicy foods like chili often trigger heartburn, but with ZANTAC® before a meal Canadians can fully enjoy the foods they love without the worry.”

From October 26 – December 1, 2009, Canadians were invited to submit their best, original chili recipes at www.chilichallenge.ca, where consumers could vote for their favourite. Thousands of Canadians went online to place their votes and the top three finalists won the chance to participate in the ZANTAC® Chili Challenge cook-off, cook alongside Anthony Sedlak and compete for the grand prize. 

The three contestants prepared their chili recipes live before a judging panel of Toronto food and sports personalities. The recipes were judged for taste, originality and presentation, and after much tasty deliberation, Mike’s recipe received the top score.

“I’ve always been proud of my chili recipe, so I am thrilled that it was selected by Canadians as one of their favourites and to be here to prepare it for today’s judges,” said Mike Callaghan from London, Ontario. “I hope others put my chili to the test in their own kitchens.” 

For more information about ZANTAC® and to view all the chili submissions, including the winning chili recipe and Anthony Sedlak’s new signature Chili Con Carne recipe, visit www.chilichallenge.ca.