CANADIAN TIRE HELPS KIDS IN THE ACADIAN PENINSULA REGION GET IN THE GAME

Local Dealer gives Canadian Tire Jumpstart activity kits to all schools in the district

TORONTO, Nov. 22 /CNW/ - Physical activity gives a lot more to kids than just rosy cheeks and a healthy weight—it helps build self confidence and self esteem. With this in mind, New Brunswick Canadian Tire Dealer, Gerard Lemay is donating 22 Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids Activity Kits to schools in the Acadian peninsula region, giving their students a chance to dunk, throw, run and dance.

Gerard Lemay knows firsthand the impact the activity kits will make. Lemay raised close to $50,000 with the help of his family, friends and community climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak in 2009. He is giving back more than $75,000 to his local community, including Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids Activity Kits to every elementary, junior and high school in the Acadian peninsula region.

"A life changing experience can come from a simple gift. When a child is given sports equipment or is enrolled in an activity program, their life becomes richer," said Gerard Lemay, Canadian Tire Dealer, Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. "My hope is the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids Activity Kits will help students who are financially challenged become more active and have fun."

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program has helped more than 270,000 kids since 2005. Jumpstart is dedicated to removing barriers so children can participate in organized sport and recreation increasing a child's chance of success in life. By building self-esteem, social skills, concentration and character, children learn how to work together, how to share, and how to lead. Over 1000 students will be directly impacted by this donation.

"This is more than just equipment—it is the start of healthy lifestyle habits and improved leadership creating leaders for tomorrow," said Honourable David Alward, Premier, New Brunswick. "The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program is helping children experience new and active ways to spend their time - we're appreciative of their support."

Each Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids Activity Kit will include equipment that can be used indoors and outdoors and do not require specialized facilities, such as: basketballs, basketball nets, yoga mats, soccer balls, footballs, rugby balls, compasses and flags for orienteering, parachutes and juggling kits.
"Schools in the Acadian Peninsula Region are thrilled to be receiving such a generous donation from Mr. Lemay and Canadian Tire Jumpstart," said Robert Roy Boudreau, Director of Education District 9, Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. "The newly implemented School District policy to increase the allocated time for physical education and activity offers an environment where students understand the importance and enjoyment of physical activity and build it into their daily lives - this donation will help us achieve that."
In 2009, over 65,000 kids were helped by Jumpstart across Canada. More than 2000 of those kids were from New Brunswick. Canadians can show their support online by going to www. canadiantire.ca/jumpstart to learn about how Jumpstart is making a difference in communities across Canada.

ABOUT CANADIAN TIRE JUMPSTART

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national, charitable program that helps kids aged four to 18 with financial need to participate in organized sports and recreation. The program helps cover the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation. Since its launch in February 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped give more than 270,000 Canadian kids the chance to play.

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For further information:

Jennifer Hills, Communications Advisor
Corporate Communications, Canadian Tire Corporation
416-520-3184 or [email protected]