2016 event has raised over $1 million for children living with and beyond
cancer
HALIFAX, Sept. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Twenty-two cyclists dipped
their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean on September 7 and have embarked on a journey across
Canada to raise funds and awareness for children living with and beyond cancer.
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is the longest charitable cycling event of its kind in the world. When the cyclists
arrive in Halifax on Saturday, September 24 for the ceremonial
front-wheel dip in the Atlantic, they will have covered over 7,000 km.
The national riders have cycled across Canada, visiting many communities, stopping at Sears
stores along the route and at pediatric oncology centres, meeting children and families from the childhood cancer community as well
as healthcare and family support professionals, donors and sponsors, all united in the goal to improve the quality of life for
children affected by cancer.
"We are honoured to be able to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer, an issue close to the hearts and minds of our
customer and associates," said Becky Penrice, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer,
Sears Canada Inc. and President, Sears Canada Charitable Foundation. "The healthy development of children is important to our
customers and Canadians generally and, in our view, no parent should ever hear the words 'your child has cancer.' Whether one
rides, volunteers or donates to the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, they are making a difference in the lives of those
affected."
The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride funds programs that improve the lives of children living with cancer as well as those
recovering from the physical and emotional scars that can be part of survivorship. With a 100% donation model, over $10 million has been raised and donated since 2008, and money raised this year will again fund pediatric
hematology and oncology research programs at hospitals all across Canada.
"Money raised is critical in helping fund programs that can improve the survival rates and the quality of life for children with
cancer," said Jeff Rushton, Co-Founder and passionate volunteer of Coast to Coast Against Cancer
Foundation (CTCACF), a volunteer-based registered Canadian charitable foundation focused on improving health outcomes and quality
of life of children and families impacted by cancer. "With each kilometre pedaled, collectively we will enrich the quality of
life of Canadian children burdened by this devastating disease."
The 2016 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride saw riders from all across Canada participating,
including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland
and Labrador. Once again this year, the Ride included family teams of riders and volunteers
who have been directly impacted by childhood cancer. For each, the goal was to honour the challenges that other families face
when a child is diagnosed with cancer. In keeping with the family theme, the event had two sisters riding together to honour
their nephew and Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation founder Jeff Rushton this year
completed the ride with his daughter Brooklyn.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com or call 1.866.381.4446. Learn more about the ride and riders on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/SNKCR or on Twitter
@SNKCR and #childhoodcancer.
About Sears Canada
Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 145 corporate stores, 76
Hometown stores, over 1,000 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 80 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide repair and
service network. Sears Canada is the #1 retailer of major appliances in Canada with all top
ten brands. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue
and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.
About Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation
The vision of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is a world beyond kids cancer. As Canada's only national charity devoted to fighting childhood cancer, the Foundation has raised and distributed
over $35 million since 2003, with 100 per cent of receipted donations going toward improving the
survival rate and quality of life of children impacted by cancer and their families. Funds are raised by organizing memorable
events that encourage active and healthy lifestyles, from cycling rides to team-building activities. For more information, visit
www.beyondkidscancer.ca
SOURCE Sears Canada Inc.
Image with caption: "Sears National Kids Cancer Ride national cyclists dip their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean on September 7
as they start their journey across Canada to raise awareness and funds for the fight against childhood cancer. The ride culminates
at Pleasant Point Park in Halifax on September 24 with a front-wheel dip in the Atlantic Ocean. (CNW Group/Sears Canada Inc.)".
Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160923_C1272_PHOTO_EN_779858.jpg
