“We’re talking about a lot of food going where it is most needed and all of it being made possible by bright consumers who want to have a say in helping companies innovate new products while doing some good work in their communities at the same time,” says Hotspex Managing Director Shane Skillen.

With January being one of the principal planning periods for corporate decision makers, the last few months of the year mark one of the busiest seasons for Canadian market research companies. Hotspex expects more than 45,000 consumers to complete a survey through its Web site in December alone. Working with some of the world’s leading companies including McDonald’s Restaurants, General Motors, McCain Foods, Bell Canada and Fujifilm Canada, Hotspex engages consumers to get involved in providing insights that shape the future of the brands that play a role in their lives.

“We applaud Hotspex and their innovators for their generosity and thank them for recognizing the need to reach out,” notes Charles Seiden, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Food Banks. “Every time someone goes to www.hotspex.com and completes a survey, they help us feed hungry Canadians and move us one step closer to achieving our goal of a hunger-free Canada.”

This seasonal charitable commitment is actually only part of what makes Hotspex such a different player in a sea of market research companies. “Our ongoing loyalty program rewards our innovators for their time and thinking with X’s - a unique point system that they can spend on donations with partner charitable organizations to buy bowls of rice for hungry kids, plant trees in the rain forest or help feed sheltered animals,” says Skillen. Current charitable partnerships include Habitat for Humanity, Water for People, Canadian Diabetes Association, Rainforest Conservation Fund, and The Humane Society.

Hotspex innovators can also choose to spend their “X’s” on chances to win some of the hottest holiday must-have prizes as well. In addition to the food donation Hotspex will automatically make on behalf of every survey completed, consumers will also be entered to win the ultimate holiday dream vacation package including airfare and accommodations to a destination of the winner’s choice; four Apple iPod minis; $500 spending money; a five-piece set of Samsonite luggage; and a Fujifilm FinePix F420 digital camera.

Anyone interested in participating in the Hotspex Holiday Survey food drive and ultimate dream vacation contest should visit www.hotspex.com and sign up to become a Hotspex Innovator.

About Hotspex Hotspex Inc. is a leading Marketing Research and Consumer Driven Innovation™ Services firm. The company’s powerful Internet technology provides some of the world’s top consumer brands access to fast, actionable and affordable market intelligence.

About The Canadian Association of Food Banks The Canadian Association of Food Banks is the national umbrella organization representing voluntary food charities, including over 235 member food banks. CAFB is the voice of food banks in Canada, with members and their respective agencies serving approximately 90 per cent of people accessing emergency food programs nation-wide. To learn more about the CAFB, please visit: www.cafb-acba.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact: Tanya Elliott-Briden APEX Public Relations 416-924-4442 ext. 238 telliott@apexpr.com