Calgary hosts the Relay to #EndKidsCancer
CALGARY, Aug. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - After three successful years in Ottawa and Toronto, the Sears Great Canadian Run expands to Calgary. On Saturday, August 23, participants from across Alberta will embark on a 100-kilometre team relay in support of childhood cancer initiatives. Proceeds raised from The Run will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation and allocated to various pediatric oncology charities in Alberta, including Kids Cancer Care, which runs Camp Kindle, a special place that creates magical experiences for children with cancer, Alberta Children's Hospital and Stollery Children's Hospital.
To date, the Sears Great Canadian Run has raised over $2.1 million for childhood cancer initiatives.
"We are thrilled to partner with Sears for The Run," said Christine McIver, Founder and CEO of Kids Cancer Care. "Childhood cancer is a long, lonely journey for these kids. Getting them out to camp with other kids, in the fresh air and sunshine, is so important to their physical and emotional well being. It's where these kids learn they are not alone. Seeing individuals devote their Saturday to literally run the road to Camp Kindle, supporting kids' cancer, is truly inspiring to see. I can't thank them enough."
The Calgary Run will begin at RockPointe Church and finish at Camp Kindle. Each team, comprised of up to 20 people, will create an individual strategy to best manage the 100-kilometre course. Each section of the course will start and finish at an exchange point where runners can refuel with snacks and refreshments as they 'pass the baton' to the next teammate. A post-run celebration will be held near the finish line at Camp Kindle 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. "Calgary has always been an important member of the Sears family from the opening of our North Hill store back in 1958 to our new catalogue and online distribution centre which holds its grand opening on August 22. With the expansion to Alberta, the Run is now an event that raises funds for children and their families living with and beyond cancer on a much broader scale in a community that we know is passionate about supporting important causes."
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 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
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