Goodyear ‘Skeeter Beaters Fight West Nile Virus in Toronto

Goodyear Canada today announced a pilot program to help ensure that backyard tire swings in the Greater Toronto Area don’t become breeding grounds for West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes. From May 24-June 8, teams of Goodyear ‘Skeeter Beaters will make free house calls across the GTA to drill water drainage holes in people’s backyard tire swings.
Health and safety officials frequently suggest that people remove any sources of standing water from around their property, including containers and old tires.
“While Goodyear Canada’s focus has always been on making the safest tires for vehicular use, we realize that tire swings are a popular secondary use for our products, and we want to ensure they’re safe for that too,” said Ian
McIntosh, General Manager, Advertising & Marketing Services, Goodyear Canada. “Our hope is that in addition to helping keep tire swings mosquito-free in the GTA, this program will also raise greater awareness about the many precautions people should take to keep themselves and their families safe from West Nile virus.”
The Goodyear ‘Skeeter Beaters are booking appointments starting today for the May 24-June 8 time window. To book:
– Call 416-969-2725
– Email goodyearskeeterbeaters@environicspr.com
– Log onto www.goodyear.ca

Other information about the program:
– House calls will take place by appointment from May 24 until June 8 based on availability
– Only private residences are eligible
– Service boundaries are: Highway 7 (North), Lakeshore Boulevard/Queen’s Quay (South), Pickering Town Line South (East), Highway 427 (West)
– The Goodyear ‘Skeeter Beaters will service tire swings made from all brands of tires
– In addition to helping make backyard tire swings mosquito-free, the Goodyear ‘Skeeter Beaters will also hand out government-produced informational pamphlets on West Nile virus.
For government information on how to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus:
– Health Canada – www.hc-sc.gc.ca
– Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care – www.health.gov.on.ca