Entertainment Notebook: Montrealer Emily Hampshire from Schitt’s Creek to headline Smash Out Skin Cancer Celebrity Pickleball Tournament; Teal to Heel

Montreal’s own Emily Hampshire, best known for her role as “Stevie Budd” on the award-winning Schitt’s Creek, will swap the spotlight for the pickleball court. A Canadian Screen Award and SAG Award winner, Hampshire also stars in upcoming projects including Disney’s Vision Quest and Crave’s Slo Pitch, which she executive produces. The 10-episode, half-hour mockumentary, which is in production now through October, is centred around a queer, underdog, slo pitch softball team and their dedicated and determined coach. Hampshire has also been cast in season two of the smash Crave hit Heated Rivalry.

Throughout the day and evening on Aug. 27 participants and spectators can enjoy not only the thrill of the tournament but also a vibrant “Pickle Party,” featuring cocktails, gourmet bites, live entertainment, auctions, prizes, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to cheer on players, meet Emily, visit Eucerin’s sun safety lounge, and support the Sun Guardians Grant Program, which provides children and families in underserved communities across Canada with sun-safety essentials such as sunscreen, UPF clothing, hats, and shade tents.

“Pickleball is often played outdoors, where players can spend hours exposed to the sun,” said  'Melanoma Canada CEO Falyn Katz, a native Montrealer. “That’s why sun safety education is so important in helping reduce the rising rates of melanoma and skin cancer. This event gives Melanoma Canada a powerful platform to share that message in a meaningful, engaging way. Thanks to our celebrity ambassador, community supporters, and players, we’re not only raising awareness—we’re equipping people with real tools to help prevent melanoma and protect their skin. By stepping onto the court, participants help move Canada closer to a world without skin cancer.”

Play smart. Protect your skin. Even a short match in the sun adds up:

• It can take as little as 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to cause skin damage

• 85% of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation

• Melanoma is one of the most common cancer types found in young adults aged 15-29 and 30-49.

• In 2026 an estimated 11,300 people in Canada (6,200 males, 5,100 females) would be diagnosed with melanoma an increase of 5.34% from 2025

• 30-31 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma each day.

• three to fourCanadians will die each day from melanoma.

Pickleball enthusiasts, families, and community members are encouraged to attend. Whether competing, cheering from the sidelines, or celebrating at the Pickle Party, every rally and donation helps support a sun-safe future.

For more information or to register, visit Melanoma Canada’s Smash Out Skin Cancer page here.

TEAL 2 HEAL RETURNS: Supported by Ovarian Cancer Canada, Indie Rootz Records has announced the return of its signature event Teal 2 Heal, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help in the goal of ending Ovarian Cancer. The Teal 2 Heal International Edition will present fashion, music and beauty for an evening of talent and culture from all four corners of the globe on Sun. Sept. 6 (6:30 pm) at the Gelber Conference Centre.

Starring an array of talented world class Montreal-based international designers and performers, Teal 2 Heal International Edition promises a fusion of fashion, music, and art from the north, south, east and west, kicking off with the far eastern fashions of Renee Salud and the Salinggawi Dancers representing the beautiful Republic of the Philippines. Then off to western Africa with the fashions of Caftan de luxe (Montreal) from Morocco, to Nigeria with fashions from The Knots and to eastern Africa with the fashions of Passion de Vola from Madagascar along with the sounds of the amazing Petronella Maturure from Zimbabwe. Next, designer Sara Eldor will take it contemporary with her Israeli-inspired fashions before Ukrainian vocalist Maryna Krejcarova takes the stage. Continuing westward, temperatures will rise with Guatemalan designer Solorzano's hot Latino fashions, the steel pan artist Fatima Wilson's sweet sounds of Trinidad followed by some yard vibes with Jamaican inspired fashions from Amesika Designs. Finally, taking it home, Oh Canada! VS Sak will show off her designer purses and fashion accessories, ANGE will wow us with her hot bold creations, husband-and-wife team Miri & Lorne will rock the tunes and finally young rising star Katie Clarke, aka the girl who sings downtown, will seal the deal.

“Our Teal 2 Heal International Edition is a fundraising event in loving memory of my sister Donna Lee Kotler who sadly passed away from ovarian cancer in 2022, “says Brian Kotler, Executive Producer at Indie Rootz Records, “For 2026, we’ll be presenting both an elegant fashion show and concert with designers and performers that represent from all 4 corners of the world, rarely seen before in Canada! It will be an evening to remember and all for a worthy cause.”

All proceeds raised from the event will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC). Over 3,000 women in Canada will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and one out of every two diagnosed won’t live to see another five years. This is simply unacceptable. The time for change is now.

Tickets for this event are $50 (limited), then $60. There will be opportunities to donate to OCC at the event, with tax receipts issued for all donations of $20 or more.

More info & tickets here

RIBFEST WAS FANTASTIC: I attended my first ever Ribfest Montreal this past weekend at Pierrefonds Community High School (PCHS). Larry Day, actor and noted deejay, created this as an offshoot fundraiser for his Strangers of The Night Galas.  More than $50,000 was raised for Literacy Unlimited, Make A Wish Canada and Champions for Life. I enjoyed some amazing ribs in the company of Day. Thanks to Executive Producer Ken Doran for the remarkable lemonade and Kirkland City Councillor Karen Cliffe for  being my guide. Besides the food there were many information kiosks featuring community organizations, games for kids and live entertainment.

Taking it all in was Jim Beis, the popular mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro. "Ths is an event that has been taking place here for 11 years," he said. "It has doubled in size from last year."

Next comes RibFest St. Lazare, Sept. 4 to 7.

See my Instagram post here

LAFLEUR’S NEW AMBASSADOR: After several weeks of searching, an open call for applicants, and the huge success of the live-streamed Lafleur Auditions, Lafleur Restaurants today revealed the identity of the brand’s new social media ambassador: Zachary Fortin. The announcement was made official  with the release of his very first video.

Following a creative process that attracted over a hundred applications from across the province, 26 finalists were invited to perform live before the jury during the big audition day broadcast on June 7. The event was a resounding success, with over 100,000 views and 4,600 interactions. In total, all content related to the auditions generated exceptional enthusiasm, racking up over 5 million views, 100,000 engagements, and 3,000 new subscribers.

While the iconic character of Lucie embodied the passionate cashier behind the counter, Zachary represents the quintessential Lafleur customer: authentic, a bon vivant, and deeply attached to local fast-food classics. In fact, it was his audition video that kicked things off. With a spontaneous tone and natural ease in front of the camera, his application immediately caught the team’s attention, while his infectious energy and natural wit quickly won over the audience.

“Lucie marked a wonderful era for Lafleur by giving our employees a human and endearing voice," said  Alexandra Tsotsis, Director of Marketing and Communications at Lafleur. "For this new chapter, we wanted to turn to the community and celebrate the love our customers have for the brand. From the moment we received his application video, and then during his standout live appearance, Zachary caught our attention. He perfectly embodies the spirit of camaraderie, simplicity, and authenticity that have defined Lafleur for 75 years,” 

A native of Mirabel, 26-year-old  Fortin first honed his discipline and sense of teamwork in the construction industry before making the leap into comedy, content creation, and hosting.  

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