Take the Plunge to Help Stop Kids Cancer Cold

The Sears Great Canadian Chill Transforms Yonge-Dundas Square into a Family Day Winter Festival

TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Make a splash on Family Day weekend as The Sears Great Canadian Chill brings a new tradition to the heart of the city. From 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17 and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18 (speeches and ceremonial dip on Monday at 11:45 a.m.), brave Chillers will plunge into a freezing cold pool to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer.  Proceeds raised from the event will be collected by the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation.  The Foundation's donation from the Chill will be split evenly between supporting the Sears Cancer Clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship, also at SickKids, which conducts research into pediatric oncology.

"We are thrilled to have our friends from Sears put on events like the Sears Great Canadian Chill," said Adrian Horwood, Vice-President, Corporate Partnerships, SickKids Foundation. "Their Foundation's commitment to children's health will truly make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer, and we thank them on behalf of the patients at SickKids."

The Toronto Chill will be a polar bear dip with a twist, as participants will come to the city's centre at Yonge-Dundas Square to plunge into a pool filled with cold water.  The Chill pool will take centre stage of the Family Day Weekend Winter Festival.  A Sunday afternoon and evening Chill will feature a DJ, live entertainment and contests to embody a party-like atmosphere.

Monday's Family Day Winter Festival features the Carter's Kids' Zone with games, prizes and refreshments, the "Jack the Giant Slayer" Snowball Toss contest, hot drinks from Tassimo, live music on The Chill stage as well as other giveaways and prizes.

All chillers will receive a special branded Chill towel, a snack courtesy of Concessions Canada and the opportunity to warm up in one of the hot tubs. Prizes will be given out to top fundraisers and those who are wearing the craziest costumes.

"Sears works for Canadian families, and it's hard to think of a better place to be on Family Day than at the Sears Great Canadian Chill," said Calvin McDonald, President and CEO, Sears Canada Inc.  "There are varied activities for kids of all ages, and it's all in the spirit of adding to the millions of dollars that events sponsored by Sears have already raised to help the fight against childhood cancer."

Participants can log on to www.TheChill.ca or call 1.888.93.CHILL to register for this special polar bear dip individually or as a team, with friends and family.  Each registered Chiller can create an online participant profile, personalize a fundraising page and send donation requests to family and friends.  Those who do not want to take part in the plunge are encouraged to join the festivities at Yonge-Dundas Square, chill out and cheer others on. General donations or participant sponsorship can be made at TheChill.ca website.

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.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.

Contact for Media:

Jef Moore
Communications Manager
Sears Great Canadian Chill
[phone]
[email protected]