Sears Great Canadian Run is on the Road to a Million for Childhood Cancer

#EndKidsCancer One Step at a Time

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. is calling on all GTA residents to lace up for the third annual Sears Great Canadian Run.   On September 21, participants will embark on a 100-kilometre relay from Toronto to Blue Mountain Resort to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer.   Proceeds raised from The Run will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation and will be evenly allocated between supporting the Sears Cancer Clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship at SickKids that conducts national paediatric oncology research.

"Approximately 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and roughly 25 per cent of those diagnosed will come through the doors of SickKids," said Adrian Horwood, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, SickKids Foundation. "We are very grateful to Sears Canada for its support of the Sears Cancer Clinic and helping to raise funds to allow us to continue to provide world-leading care to our patients and their families."

The Run is a fundraising event with two years of past success and over $1.25 million raised for pediatric oncology initiatives. This year, the fundraising goal is $1 million.

Each team, comprised of up to 20 people, will create an individual strategy to best manage the 100-kilometre course.  With legs varying in distance from four to 12 kilometres, participants are able to run a distance appropriate for them.  Exchange points will provide refreshments and activities to fuel and motivate, as runners "pass the baton". A post-run celebration will be held near the finish line to celebrate team successes and a journey well run.

"The Sears Great Canadian Run supports a cause that is important to our customers and associates" said Calvin McDonald, President and CEO, Sears Canada Inc. "A cancer diagnosis for a child is devastating, and Sears Canada is showing these children and their families that they are not alone as they fight their battle. I thank all participants who have registered for the Run and I look forward to seeing them and the hundreds of Sears associates who are also participating on September 21."

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 participants on. Team sponsorship and general donations can be made at www.TheRun.ca website.

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.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT
Samantha Piercell
Communications Manager
Sears Great Canadian Run
[email protected]
P: 647.669.4332