Show your support by posting a photo with your
#JumpstartRedBall
TORONTO, April 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Spring has sprung and
Canadian families are eager to get outside, get active and enjoy
outdoor sports again. However, the reality is that one in
three Canadian families cannot afford to enrol their kids in
organized sports or physical activities. On May 1, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities kicks
off its annual month-long Red Ball campaign, challenging Canadians
to donate throughout the month of May to help get kids in the game.
Jumpstart's goal is to raise $1.7
million through the month-long nationwide campaign, which
will give 17,000 kids the chance to experience the power of
play.
"Sport and physical activity has been an important part of my
life for as long as I can remember and I can't imagine it any other
way," said Hayley Wickenheiser,
women's hockey star and four-time Olympic gold medalist. "The
benefits of participating in organized sports are endless, from
increased self-esteem and confidence to adopting good habits and
leading a healthy life. It's great to see Jumpstart Charities
making this a reality for those kids and families in communities
across Canada that can't afford
the costs associated with organized sport."
During the month of May, Canadians can make a $2 donation
in exchange for a Jumpstart Red Ball at Canadian Tire, Mark's,
Sport Chek, Atmosphere and Canadian Tire Gas+ locations.
For the first time, National Sports and Sports Experts locations
will also participate by accepting donations in-store in return for
a Red Ball. Jumpstart is encouraging all Canadians to post a photo
of themselves with their Red Ball using the hashtag
#JumpstartRedBall, to show their support.
The campaign will conclude on Saturday,
May 31, 2014 with the sixth annual Jumpstart Day where
participating Canadian Tire stores across Canada will celebrate with special events and
activities for community members to celebrate the campaign and
raise additional funds.
"Organized sports teach kids life lessons that reach beyond the
field and arena. Confidence, self-esteem and leadership are just
some of the skills that children across Canada are learning at every practice and
every game," said Landon French,
Vice-President, Jumpstart and Community Relations, Canadian Tire
Corporation. "Financial barriers including equipment costs,
registration fees and transportation shouldn't be the reason kids
aren't getting involved. We're proud to say that to date our
efforts have helped over 720,000 kids in Canada cover these costs, giving them the
chance to play, learn and grow."
Leading up to Jumpstart Day on May 31, participating stores
and partners will host local events across the country:
- Haley Wickenheiser Store Visit: Burlington Canadian Tire
customers can spend the afternoon with five-time Olympic medalist,
women's hockey superstar, Hayley
Wickenheiser. Hayley will be meeting local residents,
taking photos with fans and signing autographs. The event will be
held at the Canadian Tire store at 777 Guelph Line on Saturday May 3, 2014 from 11:00a.m.- 2:00p.m.
- Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, National Sports, Sports Experts,
Atmosphere, Mark's, and Canadian Tire Gas +
Locations: Throughout the month of May, Canadians
visiting these stores can make a $2 donation in return
for an iconic Red Ball, giving kids in communities across
Canada a sporting chance.
- Jumpstart Day at Canadian Tire Stores:
On Saturday, May 31, Canadians can take part in a variety of
fun activities at participating Canadian Tire stores across the
country, including charity barbeques or games.
- Twitter Party: Join @ctjumpstart on May 28 at 9:30 p.m.
EST for a discussion about the importance of getting kids
involved in sports and physical activity. Using #JumpstartDay, join
in the discussion and learn more about how Jumpstart helps kids get
in the game and how you can get involved.
All funds raised through the May Red Ball campaign and on
Jumpstart Day go back to the local community in which they were
raised. Since 2005, the Red Ball campaign has raised over
$7,184,700 across Canada.
About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity dedicated
to providing kids from disadvantaged families with the opportunity
to experience the benefits of organized sports and physical
activities. With an extensive, national network of more than 330
local Chapters, Jumpstart helps kids in communities across
Canada by assisting with the costs
associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation.
Supported by the Canadian Tire Family of Companies, which
includes Canadian Tire, PartSource, Gas+, Sport Chek, Atmosphere,
National Sports, Sports Experts, Mark's and Canadian Tire Financial
Services, Jumpstart has enabled more than 720,000 Canadian kids and
counting to get in the game since 2005. For more information or to
lend your support, visit canadiantire.ca/jumpstart
Follow us on:
www.facebook.com/CTJumpstart
www.twitter.com/ctjumpstart (Using #JumpstartRedBall)
www.youtube.com/CTJumpstartCharities
SOURCE Canadian Tire Jumpstart