Media Alert / Photo Opportunity - Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities celebrates 6th annual Jumpstart Day to give kids a sporting chance

On May 30^th, Canadian Tire employees will volunteer at Jumpstart Games – a fun-filled day for over 400 kids from Toronto's less fortunate neighbourhoods

On May 31^st, Jumpstart celebrates its partnership with the City of Toronto on Jumpstart Day to help get kids in the game

TORONTO, May 23, 2014 /CNW/ - On May 31, 2014, the sixth annual Jumpstart Day will take place at Ourland Community Centre in Toronto. During this day-long celebration community members are invited to join Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the City of Toronto, and kids from the Jumpstart Learn to Play Soccer program for a barbeque along with fun and games for the whole family.  Kids enrolled in the program will also be eligible to win a ticket to the TFC Soccer game happening that evening.

Jumpstart Day events take place across Canada to raise awareness that for one in three Canadian families, getting their kids involved in sports is simply unaffordable.  By making a $2 donation in exchange for a Red Ball – a national symbol for child's play– Jumpstart supporters are helping all Canadian kids stay active and experience the power of play.

Leading up to Jumpstart Day, many Canadian Tire employees are volunteering to give over 400 kids from Toronto's less fortunate neighbourhoods a day of play. On May 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., six local schools from financially disadvantaged neighbourhoods will enjoy a Jumpstart Games experience including amazing activities, great food and visits from Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors mascots Carlton the Bear and The Raptor.

Thanks to the generous support of our employees and donors, Jumpstart has helped more than 50,500 kids in the City of Toronto over the past nine years, by removing financial barriers that prevent kids from participating in organized sport, including the costs of equipment, registration and/or transportation.

 Find below more details on both events taking place in the city: 

Jumpstart Games
WHAT:	The Jumpstart Games led by Canadian Tire employees invites six local schools to participate in a day of fun activities, including a BBQ lunch and giveaways for participants
WHO:	400 kids from six Toronto-area schools Canadian Tire Corporation employees MLSE Mascots, Carlton the Bear and The Raptor
WHERE:	Eglinton Park 200 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto
WHEN:	Friday, May 30, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Jumpstart Day Celebration
WHAT:	Sixth annual Jumpstart Day celebration inviting local community members to join in the festivities
WHO:	Landon French, Vice President, Jumpstart & Community Relations, Canadian Tire Corporation Councillor Mark Grimes, Ward 6 – Etobicoke-Lakeshore, City of Toronto Kids enrolled in the free Jumpstart Learn To Play Soccer program offered by the City of Toronto
WHERE:	Jumpstart Day Celebration at Ourland Community Centre 36 Ourland Avenue, Toronto
WHEN:	Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:40 a.m.: Jumpstart kids soccer game (first half) 12:00 p.m.: Formal remarks from Landon French and Councillor Mark Grimes 12:10 p.m.: TFC ticket giveaway 12:15 p.m.: Jumpstart kids soccer game (second half) 12:35 p.m.: BBQ and activity stations 2:00 p.m.: End of event

SOURCE: Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Candice Bruton, 416-520-3184, [email protected]; Erin Chard, 905-806-2956, [email protected]