Microsoft Canada unveils Mission 4 Miracles to Xbox gamers

Groundbreaking Initiative Challenges Gamers Across Canada to Fight the Good Fight in Support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

TORONTO, June 1 /CNW/ - Microsoft Canada today announced the launch of Mission 4 Miracles (M4M), a groundbreaking initiative designed to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network and its 14 children's hospitals across Canada. Starting today, Canadian gamers will be able to donate to children's hospitals via Xbox LIVE, the online game and entertainment service for Xbox 360, and through Xbox.ca (xbox.ca/M4M).

For the first time - through M4M - Microsoft puts the power to make a difference directly in the hands of the Xbox LIVE gaming community, to help children's hospitals across Canada in fun and easy ways. By donating Xbox Live points, gamers have the opportunity to download exclusive content and be eligible to participate in one-of-a-kind "Game With Fame" experiences on Xbox LIVE with celebrities throughout the summer. Participating celebrities include NFL stars, PGA golfers, Juno award winners and Olympic athletes. In addition, Xbox LIVE members can purchase exclusive gamerpics and themes created by renowned graffiti artist Patrick Thompson.

All proceeds from M4M will go to help the 14 hospitals in Canada supported by Children's Miracle Network. The funds raised will help children's hospitals provide specialized medical care, research and education that save and improve the lives of children across the country.

QUOTES

"At Microsoft, we feel privileged to contribute to the amazing care provided to kids at children's hospitals across the country. We've seen firsthand the impact technology can have through our Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids, or CLICK initiative and are very excited with the launch of Mission 4 Miracles today, mobilizing the generosity of Xbox LIVE Community to help kids" said Eric Gales, President of Microsoft Canada. "We are putting out a challenge to every gamer in Canada to jump in and join Mission 4 Miracles - every point donated makes an impact"

"When it comes to creating innovative and cool campaigns, Microsoft and Xbox prove that they are up for the challenge," says John Hartman, chief international officer of Children's Miracle Network. "This new campaign marks an important step in engaging a new demographic of donors; this is another example of Microsoft and Xbox's commitment to community. Thank you to Microsoft, Xbox and Canadian gamers for fighting the good fight and helping make a difference!"

"M4M is such a cool and fun way for people to donate to Children's Miracle Network hospitals in Canada. SickKids has made a huge difference in my life and I want to say thanks to everyone for supporting Children's Miracle Network. SickKids has given me all the medical help I've ever needed!" - Tobin Haas, SickKids Patient Ambassador

FAST FACTS

    
    -  2.6 million Canadian children will require the care and services
       offered by children's hospitals each year
    -  Children's Miracle Network raises funds for more than 170 children's
       hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada
    -  Xbox LIVE has over 23 million members worldwide
    -  Mission 4 Miracles is the first giving program of its kind
    -  Funds raised will go to the Children's Miracle Network hospitals and
       foundations across Canada
    

BIO

Tobin Haas

10-year old cancer survivor and a Patient Ambassador at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.

When Tobin was two, a baseball-sized tumour was discovered in his brain. Emergency neurosurgery removed 80 per cent of the tumour, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Three years later, SickKids doctors saw that the tumour had begun to grow again and more brain surgery was scheduled, removing 98 per cent of the tumour, followed by 18 cycles of chemotherapy.

Tobin resumed his activities, kept up his school work, played baseball and hockey until June of 2009, when he learned that his tumour had begun to grow again. Surgery removed the tumour but it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his spine. Over this past year he has had 20 cycles of chemotherapy, and 67 radiation treatments.

Tobin continues to fight his fight.

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. Compassionate organizations, media partners and countless individuals unite with Children's Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children's Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of more than 2.6 million Canadian children each year. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.

For further information: Lorena Cordoba, High Road Communications, [email protected], [phone]; Rhiannon Clifford, High Road Communications, [email protected], [phone]