Media Alert / Photo Opportunity - Canadian Tire stores across Canada celebrate Jumpstart Day to help local kids get in the game

TORONTO, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - On May 26, the fourth annual Jumpstart Day will take place at Canadian Tire stores across Canada. The day-long fundraising event is the celebration of Jumpstart's One Million Red Balls campaign, which, through the month of May, encourages customers to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball - a national symbol for child's play.

Donations to Jumpstart help the one in three Canadian families who cannot afford to enrol their children in organized sports and recreation. All funds raised through the One Million Red Balls campaign and on Jumpstart Day stay within the local community to help local children.

Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped 439,383 kids across Canada have the chance to play by removing the financial barriers that prevent children from participating.

Customers can also celebrate Jumpstart Day through the following activities at select stores:

• Visit Canadian Tire Gas+ and Mark's locations across the country to make a $2 donation to Jumpstart in exchange for a red ball
• Make a donation and be treated to a Go Clean waterless car wash at select Canadian Tire locations
• GoClean will attempt the World's Largest Carwash record without water on May 26 with all proceeds going to Jumpstart. To help kick-off the challenge, GoClean will host an event at Yonge - Dundas Square on Thursday May 24
• Visit Pita Pit throughout the remainder of the month of May to make a $2 donation in exchange for a red ball and a coupon for $1 off the next purchase.

Canadian Tire invites residents across Canada to get involved and make a difference.

WHAT:			Jumpstart Day celebrations taking place at various locations across Canada
WHEN:			Saturday, May 26, 2012
WHERE:			Photo opportunities are available at select Canadian Tire locations across Canada

For more information or to schedule an interview or photo request, please contact:

Kathryn Perry
High Road Communications
[email protected]
416-644-2269

Julie Bellissimo
Canadian Tire Corporation
[email protected]
416-480-3180