Sears Great Canadian Run Supports Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

#EndKidsCancer One Step at a Time

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. and The Hospital for Sick Children are calling on all residents in the Greater Toronto Area to lace up for the fourth annual Sears Great Canadian Run.   On September 20, participants will embark on a 100-kilometre team 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 to the Sears Cancer Clinic at SickKids and the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship at SickKids that conducts national paediatric oncology research.

"Twenty-five per cent of all children diagnosed with cancer in Canada come through the doors of SickKids," said Seanna Dempsey, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, SickKids Foundation.  "It is through valued partnerships and support that SickKids is able to continue to provide world-leading care to patients and their families. We are grateful to Sears Canada for its continued support of the Sears Cancer Clinic and its help in raising awareness and funds for life-saving paediatric oncology research, learning and care."

The Run is a fundraising event with three years of past success and over $2 million raised for pediatric oncology initiatives.

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 fundraising initiative that holds great meaning to our customers and associates across Canada," said Doug Campbell, President and CEO, Sears Canada. "With the expansion to Alberta this year, the Run is now a three-event series, in Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto, that raises funds for children and their families living with and beyond cancer in communities that are passionate about supporting this important cause."

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.

About Sears Canada

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 176 corporate stores, 229 hometown dealer stores, over 1,400 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 96 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.

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