/R E P E A T -- Advisory: Kids' Run for Nature to bring hundreds of kids to local parks and green spaces in support of conservation/

Organized by kids, runs are taking place in seven communities across Canada

TORONTO and CALGARY, May 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Hundreds of youth will help secure the future of vulnerable species in Canada by taking part in 1km and 5km Kids' Run for Nature fun runs this spring in Ontario and Alberta, from May 14 to June 12.

Proceeds will be donated to WWF-Canada to fund conservation initiatives to protect species and their habitats – from humpback whales in the Great Bear Sea to cod fisheries in the Grand Banks.

This year, the Kids' Run for Nature has expanded to seven communities, and has even more opportunities to get involved.

What:
At the heart of the Kids' Run for Nature is kids. Created last year by Jasmine de Pencier and Jett Jardeleza-Toole (now 11), the run combines their passion for running, which helps them feel more connected to nature, with a desire to protect Canadian wildlife.

Geared toward children and families, this series of local events provides kids with the opportunity to contribute to positive change for the environment while keeping their bodies healthy and active. The inaugural run brought over 200 runners to Toronto's Withrow Park and raised over $7,000 for WWF-Canada.

When:

Saturday, May 14:
Trinity College School, Port Hope, ON 

Sunday, June 5:
Mill Pond Park, Richmond Hill, ON

Sunday, June 12:
Withrow Park, Toronto, ON
Etienne Brule Park, Toronto, ON
Pine Cliff Park, Streetsville, ON
Varsity Stadium, Toronto, ON
Confederation Park, Calgary, AB

Get involved:

Canadians are encouraged to participate in a run, donate or volunteer at one of the local events. They can even host their own Kids' Run for Nature in their local community.

Kids' Run for Nature is looking to expand to additional communities across Canada. Organizers, teachers and schools interested in hosting their own run are encouraged to contact Kids' Run for Nature for more information.

Quote from David Miller, President and CEO WWF-Canada
"WWF-Canada is proud of young environmentalists – like Jasmine and Jett, and all kids who take part in Kids' Run for Nature –  for their incredible efforts to make a difference for wildlife in Canada. This run is a great example of how Canadians of all ages can take action to help nature thrive."

Comment from Jasmine and Jett
"All across the country, amazing animals are either threatened or endangered.  By coming out to run with us and contributing to the conservation efforts of World Wildlife Fund Canada we can help to change this. Kids have a voice and we want them to speak out and take action for the animals they love."

About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that wildlife, nature and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more info visit wwf.ca/

About Kids Run for Nature
Founded in 2015 by Jasmine de Pencier and Jett Jardeleza-Toole, the Kids' Run for Nature is a fun run organized by kids in support of WWF-Canada's work to protect vulnerable species. For more info visit kidsrunfornature.ca 

SOURCE WWF-Canada

Emily Vandermeer, communications specialist, WWF-Canada, [email protected], [phone] ext. 7298; Kelly Szandtner, Kids Run for Nature, [email protected], cell: 416-434-4475