Ottawa-Gatineau Takes the Plunge in Support of CHEO

OTTAWA, Dec. 30, 2015 /CNW/ - On New Year's Day, the people of Ottawa-Gatineau are invited to participate in the Sears Great Canadian Chill,  a polar bear dip that raises awareness and funds in support of children living with and beyond cancer.  The warm weather may make it easier to take the leap into the water for the coolest event on earth.

Proceeds raised from the 6^th annual Sears Great Canadian Chill will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation and will be evenly allocated to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and national pediatric oncology research initiatives, such as the Sears Childhood Cancer Research Fellowship. The funds allocated to CHEO will be dedicated towards the purchase of a new MRI machine.

"My youngest child of four, Olexandre, 'Ollie', was born with liver cancer. CHEO saved his life," said Luis Biggs of Ottawa.  "We are pleased to help Sears and CHEO raise interest and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer.  This will be the fourth year of participating in The Chill for our family and we hope to be joined by hundreds more who will come together for this important cause."

"The Sears Great Canadian Chill is just another example of our good friends at Sears Canada thinking outside of the box when it comes to finding ways to help the kids at CHEO" said Kevin Keohane, CHEO Foundation President and CEO.  "We can't thank Sears enough for making a difference in the lives of the children and families who rely on CHEO throughout the year."

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, a live DJ and prizing for top fundraisers.  Highlights include: Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor leading The Chillers into the water, the infamous Speedo Steve and surprise guests.

"Whether the temperature dips many degrees below freezing or is a balmier few degrees warmer, the Sears Great Canadian Chill will be equally rewarding for participants," said Becky Penrice, Senior Vice-President, Sears Canada, and President, Sears Canada Charitable Foundation. "Many of the long-time Chillers are Sears customers and associates, and they will be at the beach on the shores of the Ottawa River once again to hear first-hand from CHEO families about the difference they are making in support of children living with and beyond 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. Walk-up registration is available. 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 162 corporate stores, 144 Hometown  stores, over 1,200 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 84 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.