Sears National Kids Cancer Ride cyclists arrive at Sears Carrefour Angrignon
Store

42 Riders are crossing the country to raise money for kids cancer

MONTREAL, Sept. 19 /CNW/ - A contingent of Sears National Kids Cancer Ride cyclists will stop at Sears Carrefour Angrignon store today, at 3:00 p.m., after having left from White Rock, BC, en route to Halifax. These cyclists are crossing Canada to raise money and awareness in the battle against childhood cancer. This year's goal is to raise $1.5 million.

"In Quebec, part of the money raised is given to the Montreal Children's Hospital, Hôpital Ste-Justine de Montreal, the Centre mère-enfant du CHUQ in Quebec city and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke," explains Simon Bourque, Regional Vice-President, Corporate Stores, Sears Canada Inc. "Through the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, we are able to fund 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. That is a wonderful and very touching event and Sears is totally committed to the cause of children's health", added Mr. Bourque.

"Thanks to the involvement of dedicated partners such as Sears Canada, the children of Quebec can receive high-quality care and treatment using cutting-edge technology in the major paediatric centres funded by Opération Enfant Soleil," says Ginette Charest, Chief Executive Officer. "To date, this event has allowed us to fund projects worth $245,000 in the field of paediatric oncology. These projects provide insight into the evolution of childhood cancer, reduce the side effects and consequences of treatment and improve children's quality of life and their chances for recovery. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participants in this major event for their invaluable contributions."

Canadians can track the national ride and become a fan of Ben, Sears bear mascot, who is travelling with the riders and is posting daily reports on his Facebook fan page. Also on Ben's Facebook page is a video of Mr. Simon Bourque, Regional Vice-president, Corporate Stores, Sears Canada, and clips of children speaking about dealing with cancer.

Now in its third year, the last two rides raised $2.6 million, with $1,080,000 distributed to paediatric oncology centres across Canada and $1,520,000 given to the Canadian Council of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Directors (a group of hospitals known as the C17), the national organization representing all 17 paediatric hematology/oncology programs across Canada.

In LaSalle, the Sears National Kids Cancer riders will be joined along the way by other community cyclists who will ride shorter distances, all united in the goal to improve the quality of life for children and their families, living with and beyond cancer. Their reasons are all different. For some, it's personal; maybe they or a loved one has or had cancer.  For others, it's a powerful way to support kids with cancer. Regardless, the 44 cyclists who make up the national team are united in one cause - to raise money and awareness in the battle against childhood cancer.

Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in children in Canada. Each year, in Quebec, between 250 and 275 children are diagnosed with cancer. More children die of cancer each year than asthma, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and congenital anomalies combined. Childhood cancer is very different from adult cancer and places its own unique demands on our healthcare system.  

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride across Canada is the world's longest charitable cycling event on behalf of childhood cancer. 

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com or call 1.866.381.4446.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 197 corporate stores, 219 dealer stores, 31 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network.  The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

For further information:

Pierre Bouchard
[email protected]
514 951-7516

Or
Vincent C. Power
Associate Vice President, Corporate Communications, Sears Canada
416-941-4422
[email protected]