Children's Aid Foundation Set to Launch the JJ Bear Campaign
TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Children's Aid Foundation will be launching its JJ Bear Campaign today. In partnership with RONA stores across Ontario, the 5th annual JJ Bear Campaign will run November 20 through December 30, 2012, in benefit of the Children's Aid Foundation.
Established through the Children's Aid Foundation, the JJ Bear Campaign provides funding, through an established RONA scholarship fund to Ontario youth in the care of the Children's Aid Societies so they are able to attend post secondary education.
RONA stores across Ontario will be collecting $1 donations throughout the campaign period with select store locations offering the purchase of the official JJ Bear Teddy Bear for $10, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Children's Aid Foundation's JJ Bear Campaign.
"The JJ Bear campaign supports children who, through no fault of their own, have been denied the educational advantages that a loving, stable family environment affords their peers," said Joe Canavan, Chair of the Children's Aid Foundation Board. "Our partnership with a great Canadian company like RONA allows us to fund programs that help these children and youth build skills and hope for a promising future."
"As a company, RONA feels very strongly about providing underprivileged youth with opportunities that will allow them to enhance their lives," said Paul Sharpe, Vice President - Retail, RONA, Ontario. "Providing access to education is one of these opportunities that we feel is most important. In partnering with the Children's Aid Foundation for the JJ Bear Campaign, we are able to offer scholarships to youth who may otherwise not have the means necessary to attend post secondary education. We, along with so many others, are helping these children realize their full potential, and that is perhaps the best gift we can give them."
As a special attraction this year, the Toronto Marlies have generously offered their support to JJ Bear as well by hosting a special holiday Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday, December 9th, at 3:00 p.m. at their home arena at Ricoh Coliseum, located at 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON.
Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear for the toss. JJ Bear teddy bears will be available for purchase at the arena on game day, as well as all participating RONA locations. Teddy bears tossed to the ice during the event will be donated to disadvantaged children throughout the GTA area through local Children's Aid Societies.
"It's a win-win for all concerned," concluded Canavan. "Vulnerable children in care get a plush new friend for the holidays, more funds for the RONA scholarships are raised, and the teams get a chance to give back to the communities that have been so supportive of them."
Community members are encouraged to visit participating RONA store locations throughout the campaign period to make their donation to the JJ Bear Campaign. Donations can also be made online at www.jjbear.ca.
About RONA
RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of more than 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats under several banners, and a network of 18 hardware and construction-materials distribution centres which are flexible and perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of its clientele. RONA is also a leader in the specialized plumbing and HVAC market, primarily serving commercial and professional customers with a network of close to 60 sales outlets across the country.
In total, RONA supplies nearly 1,500 sales outlets, of which more than 830 are under one of its banners, as well as close to 600 clients, independent dealers, in its distribution network. With more than 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.8 billion and over $6 billion taking into account the total impact of the retail sales of franchise dealers, affiliates and other independent dealers who buy their supplies at RONA. For more information, visit rona.ca
About the Children's Aid Foundation
An astonishing number of children in Canada are at risk and need our help. Many suffer in poverty, while others have been victims of abuse and neglect. A staggering 76,000 of them live in foster homes or a residential facility. The mission of the Children's Aid Foundation is to fund programs that give them skills and hope for a promising future.
SOURCE: Children's Aid Foundation
Igor Bubic
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Children's Aid Foundation
[email protected]
416-923-0924 ext 230
Krysta McCallum
Regional Communications Specialist
RONA- Ontario
[email protected]
416.241.5129 ext. 215
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