100 km. Team Relay Raises Funds to #EndKidsCancer
OTTAWA, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Sears Great Canadian Run returns to Ottawa for the fifth year, and participants will once again take part in the epic 100 km. team relay in support of children living with and beyond cancer. On Saturday, October 3, runners will depart from the Canadian Aviation & Space Museum in Ottawa and make their way across the picturesque route eastbound towards Montebello, Quebec. Proceeds raised from The Run will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation and will be evenly allocated between patient support at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), which includes programs and research in the Hospital's Oncology Department, and national pediatric oncology research initiatives, such as the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship.
"For the fifth consecutive year, Sears associates from the Ottawa-Gatineau area are training and fundraising for the Relay to End Kids Cancer," said Becky Penrice, Senior Vice-President Human Resources, Sears Canada, and President, Sears Canada Charitable Foundation. "The Sears Great Canadian Run supports an incredibly important fundraising initiative, and the Sears team will run in conjunction with teams made up of participants from the area who want to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer."
Since 2011, over 350 teams have run over 38,000 kms. in Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa and raised over $2.5 million. Each section of the course begins and ends at an exchange point where runners can refuel with snacks and refreshments as they 'pass the baton' to the next teammate. Run teams, comprised of up to 20 people, create their own strategy to best manage the 100-kilometre course. A post-run celebration will be held near the finish line at The Fairmont le Château Montebello in Québec to celebrate team successes and a journey well run.
"Sears Canada's commitment to raising funds in support of pediatric oncology research and initiatives goes hand in hand with work being done at both CHEO and the CHEO Research Institute," said Kevin Keohane, CHEO Foundation President and CEO. "We are thankful for the funds that are raised from events like the Sears Great Canadian Run. These funds will help CHEO cancer patients being treated now, and in the future."
"A few months ago, my daughter Brooke, and I were on our way to Camp Trillium, when she heard a radio commercial for the Sears Great Canadian Run. The fact that it was to help kids' cancer research and care peaked her interest," said Pascal Jolicoeur, Team Captain of "BrAvery Q-ties" and father of Brooke. "A few minutes later, she asked me if we could sign up. She thought it would be a good activity to do on her birthday. Brooke, who will officially be five years cancer-free in December 2015, has made her fundraising page tagline, and I quote, 'Hey look – this is for me you're running for!'"
The Run will challenge participants physically, touch them emotionally and inspire them long after the day has come to a close.
Participants can log on to www.TheRun.ca or call 1-855-70-WE-RUN (9-3786) to register. Personalized profiles will be created, complete with fundraising tools and helpful hints for teams to reach fundraising goals. Friends and families are encouraged to gather along the route to cheer on participants. Team sponsorship and general donations can be made at www.TheRun.ca.
About the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation
The Sears Canada Charitable Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that collects and distributes donations to charitable organizations that support Sears Canada's community investment mandate, which is focused on the healthy development of children and youth in areas of both health and education. The health component is centered on raising awareness and providing funds for research and treatment for the fight against childhood cancer. The education component is centered on after-school programs and initiatives, which enrich children's lives and allow them to reach their full potential as contributing members of society.
About Sears Canada
Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 166 corporate stores, 177 hometown dealer stores, over 1,200 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 84 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide repair and service network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.
SOURCE Sears Canada Inc.
Image with caption: "Sears Great Canadian Run (CNW Group/Sears Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151001_C8332_PHOTO_EN_511376.jpg
Image with caption: "Sears Great Canadian Run (CNW Group/Sears Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151001_C8332_PHOTO_EN_511378.jpg
Image with caption: "Sears Great Canadian Run (CNW Group/Sears Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151001_C8332_PHOTO_EN_511380.jpg
For further information: Contact for Media: Paulina Piwek, Sears Great Canadian Run, 905.536-7761, [email protected]
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