Going to the Earth's extremes to grant wishes for Children's Wish

PICKERING, ON, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - On April 9^th 2014, Scott McKay will embark upon one of the most difficult adventures on the planet: the North Pole Marathon. McKay will be competing in this very unpredictable marathon in order to raise funds for The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. The 42-kilometre marathon is one of the toughest on the planet and he will face some of nature's most dangerous physical and mental challenges. McKay is heading to the top of the world for the marathon where he will encounter conditions such as hypothermia, unknown terrain and the potential of polar bear attacks. All funds raised with go to help grant wishes to children coping with a life threatening illness.

McKay is only the 13^th Canadian to attempt to achieve this goal; only 292 people globally have ever completed the marathon, known as 'the coolest marathon in the world'.

The North Pole Marathon is by no means any ordinary marathon. This "run on water" also faces dangerously low temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and wind chills as cold as -100 degrees Celsius. For many, these conditions may appear to be way too dangerous. McKay however, recognizes that these dangers and extreme challenges pale in comparison to what a child suffering with a life threatening illness experiences every day.

"It is my purpose to share my fortunate life in ways that create opportunities for others," says McKay. "I will run the North Pole Marathon to benefit The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. Our shared goal of working together to create the magic of a wish will help inspire me when the going gets tough."

McKay hopes to raise $1,000 for every km he runs which is a total of $42,000. One hundred per cent of the donations raised will go to Children's Wish in order to help grant wishes. Donations can be made online at https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=126473.

Children's Wish has granted over 20,000 wishes since it began 30 years ago and is reliant on the generosity of donors such as McKay.

"Scott's commitment to Children's Wish and to helping bring the magic of a wish to children coping with a life threatening illness is exemplary. The North Pole Marathon is a very challenging event and Scott's willingness to participate is a true indication of his determination to help Children's Wish fulfill more wishes to children anticipating their most heartfelt wish. We are very proud of Scott," said Sandra Harris, Director, Ontario Region of Children's Wish.

McKay departs for Norway on April 2^nd. The marathon is the third adventure for McKay who has previously climbed to Mt. Everest's base camp and explored the Dead Sea in Jordan; respectively, the world's highest and lowest points. McKay plans to ski to the South Pole for his next adventure.

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  Since 1984, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to 20,000 children and their families.

This year, the Foundation expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes and is proud to have never refused a wish to an eligible child, and with the help of volunteers and generous donors, is able to grant nearly three wishes every day.  Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family. The Foundation is a national charity with chapters in every province and territory. Visit www.childrenswish.ca for more information.

Image with caption: "The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada (CNW Group/The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140320_C6324_PHOTO_EN_38194.jpg

SOURCE: The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

For further information:

Note to Editors / News Directors: For additional information or to request an interview with Scott McKay, contact:

Sandra Gregory 
Communications Specialist, Ontario Region
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Scott McKay 
Travel Earth Adventure - www.travelearthadventure.ca
Mobile: [phone]