#EndKidsCancer One Step at a Time
OTTAWA, Oct. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. is calling on all Ottawa-Gatineau residents to lace up for the third annual Sears Great Canadian Run. On October 5, participants will embark on a 100-kilometre relay from Ottawa to Montebello 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 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.
"It is inspiring to see an organization such as Sears give back to the communities in which they serve, in such a meaningful way," said Fred Bartlett, CHEO Foundation President and CEO. "We are very grateful for Sears Canada's commitment to pediatric oncology research and initiatives. The funds raised through events such as the Sears Great Canadian Run allow CHEO to continue to provide the best 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 as much or as little as they wish. 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 Canada Charitable Foundation supports a cause that is important to our associates and customers across Canada, and through events like the Run we are working to end childhood cancer," said Doug Campbell, President and CEO, Sears Canada Inc. "The Sears Great Canadian Run gives participants the opportunity to show the thousands of families who are going through the most challenging of times that they are not alone."
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
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