Sears Great Canadian Chill is Stopping Kids Cancer Cold

Ottawa Cools Off to #EndKidsCancer

OTTAWA, Dec. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - This New Year's Day, the people of Ottawa-Gatineau will once again display courage, energy and bravery as they jump into the icy cold waters of the Ottawa River at Britannia Beach to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer. Proceeds raised from the 5^th annual Sears Great Canadian Chill 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.

"When we think of ways to raise funds to help the kids at CHEO, jumping into icy cold water is probably one of the last things that comes to mind," said Kevin Keohane, CHEO Foundation President and CEO.  "We can't thank our friends at Sears Canada enough for always thinking of different ways to make a difference in the communities they serve. There is no better example than the Sears Great Canadian Chill. The hash tag #EndKidsCancer says it all and we hope everyone will check out THECHILL.CA and join us on January 1^st at Britannia Beach to help make a difference in the lives of kids fighting cancer at CHEO."

The Chill is an Ottawa tradition that brings people together to celebrate the new year's arrival with a polar bear plunge.  There will be food and beverages available on-site, warming tents, live entertainment and prizing for top fundraisers. 

"The Sears Great Canadian Chill is an invigorating way to kick off the New Year," said Ron Boire, Acting President and CEO, Sears Canada Inc.  "It is very rewarding to see the Ottawa community, many of whom are Sears customers and associates, raise money and brave the cold waters in support of the fight against childhood cancer."

Participants can log on to www.TheChill.ca or call 1.888.93.CHILL to register for the polar bear dip individually or as a team.  Personalized profiles will be created, complete with fundraising tools and helpful hints for teams to reach fundraising goals.  Friends and family are encouraged to gather at Britannia Beach to cheer the Chillers on. Donations to the event and to Chillers can be made at www.TheChill.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 174 corporate stores, 207 Hometown stores, over 1,300 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.