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.