Eznet Story
In 1979-80, Eznet inventor Tom Stewart, battling alcoholism and bipolar, found himself homeless, living in a windowless 5x5x8 wooden box mounted on a pick-up truck in a lane way near Bloor and Spadina. He used an adjacent park fountain for brushing and beauty. He played his accordion for money. He ate table scraps brought back to the restaurant kitchen in exchange for doing dishes. He got a job at Toronto Hydro, keeping secret his residence.
14 years later, Stewart was the Creator and an Executive Producer of the prime-time drama, 'No Place Like Home' featuring Jennifer Dale, who earned a Gemini nomination.
After meeting Jim Carrey in a Davenport Rd. bar, Stewart wrote and directed Jim's first ever broadcast appearance, airing on Global's 'That's Life'.
Rolling Stones keyboardist, Ian Stewart flew to Toronto for Tom to be in a music documentary that he was making with the Downchild Blues Band.
Introduced by Dave Hodge and Brian McFarlane from the CBC studios, Stewart's promo for the Red Cross featured Maple Leaf Pat Hickey donating blood.
With cameos by Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr, Stewart's CTV Wide World of Sports short documentary profiled Olympic Gold Medalist Wrestler, Craig MacFarlane.
After reading the government's recommendations for reducing child sexual abuse, the 'Badgley Report', Stewart created TV Public Service Announcements applauded by the Ontario Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse. He received a personal, written commendation from the Prime Minister's wife, Maureen McTeer, and was featured in the Toronto Star.
After meeting a young leukemia patient, Stewart created a telethon with Ch. 4 WIVB Buffalo, with appearances by Walter Gretzky, Bob Goldman, Howie Mandel, Dinah Christie, Tom Kneebone and Premier Bill Davis.
Stewart's video creation 'alphabet troupe' taught pre-schoolers phonetic and kinesthetic skills. It was featured in the Toronto Star, and on Canada AM and Good Morning Texas.
Featuring Brian Williams, Stewart wrote, directed and produced the acclaimed 'Ready Set Read' series for the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Stewart was selected to co-host 'Patent Bending', a 13-part prime-time series on Discovery Channel.
Ian Stewart and Jane Vasey Tom's truck home '79-80
These photos are the property of Thomas E. Stewart Productions and must not be reproduced.
While enjoying his TV career, Stewart purchased many weak portable soccer nets for his daughters. He decided to try his hand at making a better one. He left TV, drove a fork truck for ten years, and Eznet was born. His design was adaptable for ball hockey and soccer. Tom called it Eznet because people said the test model was so easy. Eznet became:
- a Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer Founding Partner. Tom donated all 62+ Eznets since Day 1. No Eznet has ever broken.
- Hometown Hockey with Ron McLean selected Eznet for their entire tour. No Eznet ever broke.
- Team Training net for the Homeless World Cup Tournaments in Scotland, Norway, Wales, Mexico, and US.
- Allstate Insurance purchased 120 Eznets and gave them away in two promotions, placing their insignia on the bag and frame.
- Canada Scores selected Eznet for their elementary school program because of its unblemished safety record.
- Through the Homeless World Cup Foundation, Tom donated Eznets to 25 homeless shelters on all continents, because it was uniquely adaptable. There is no Rona in the jungle or desert.
- Working with Dr. Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas, Tom established the $30,000.00 Eznet scholarship fund at the University of Manitoba. This offered scholarships to encourage female student-athletes to stay in Canada for their university schooling while playing soccer.
- Apartment dwellers love that Eznet fits in the elevator and stores away in a small closet.
- Families and youth coaches wrote personal letters of praise. "Finally, it took a soccer father to get it right."
Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer Tournament
Hometown Hockey with Ron McLean
Allstate
Homeless World Cup
Canada Scores
Small-sided
Families
