100 KM Team Relay Raises Funds to #EndKidsCancer
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2015 /CNW/ - The Sears Great Canadian Run returns to Southern Ontario for its fifth year, and participants will once again take part in the epic 100 KM team relay to support the fight against childhood cancer. On Saturday, September 12, runners will depart from Caledon, northwest of Toronto and make their way to Blue Mountain, on the shores of Georgian Bay. Proceeds raised from the Run will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation and will be evenly allocated between the Sears Cancer Clinic at SickKids and the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship at SickKids that conducts national paediatric oncology research.
"The Sears Great Canadian Run supports a fundraising initiative that holds great meaning to Ontarians," said Becky Penrice, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources, Sears Canada, and President, Sears Canada Charitable Foundation. "For the fifth year in a row we have a huge outpouring of support from our Southern Ontario Sears associates with over 100 Sears associates training and fundraising for the Relay to End Kids Cancer. The Sears teams will run in conjunction with teams made up of participants from across the province who want to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by kids' cancer."
Since 2011, over 350 teams have run over 38,000 KM 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 Blue Mountain Village to celebrate team successes and a journey well run.
"We are running for our beautiful little Sydney. You wouldn't know it if you met her, but she has battled cancer since she was just 20 months old," said Jodi Miller, Team Captain of "Sydney's Street" and mother of Sydney Miller. "She is now 2 years old thanks in part to the treatment she has received from the Sears Sick Kids Hospital Cancer Clinic and to fundraising events like the Sears Great Canadian Run."
"SickKids sees a new cancer patient almost every day and today, more than 80 per cent of Canadian children who are diagnosed, survive cancer," said Seanna Dempsey, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, SickKids Foundation. "We still have 20 per cent to go and we can only do it with the generosity of the community which helps us invest in cutting-edge clinical trials, treatments and research. We commend Sears Canada, its employees and customers, for their long-standing commitment to childhood cancer and to SickKids."
The Run will challenge you physically, touch you emotionally and inspire you 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.
For further information: Contact for Media: Paulina Piwek, Sears Great Canadian Run, 905.536-7761, [email protected]
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