Runners come together to help rejuvenate playgrounds in Toronto

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - On October 12, 2013, thousands of people will gather in High Park for the first Canadian Tire Run For Playgrounds. The run, jog or walk event welcomes sport enthusiasts and families alike to come together and raise money to support the revitalization of community playgrounds in high priority neighbourhoods across the city and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.

"Playgrounds are the heart of our communities.  For many kids, a playground represents their first opportunity for unstructured play.  They can have fun, while taking calculated risks and build important skills that translate into sport later on in life," said Cynthia MacDougall, Chair, Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation.  "For the past eleven years, Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation has been working to improve and sustain our public green spaces - parks and trees - in order to make urban living healthier.  We believe that playgrounds play an important role in the health of our cities."

The 8km run, 5km jog or walk, and 1km kids fun run, will all take place on Saturday October 12, 2013.  The start / finish line and expo area is located beside the newly rebuilt Jamie Bell Adventure Playground.  The Playground, destroyed by arson in 2012 and rebuilt by a coalition of civic-minded organizations and volunteers, is a perfect example of how community groups can work together to support city infrastructure that benefits kids.

"When kids get the chance to play and participate, they discover skills and ambitions they can develop for the future," said Dan Howlett, Director, Disbursements and Program Operations, Jumpstart. "We want to give the one in three kids unable to afford to participate in sport and recreation a chance to develop those life skills."

Canadian Tire has been a part of the evolution of sport and play in this country for over 90 years.  Play helps foster fitness, confidence, and creativity for all Canadians.  This notion of We All Play For Canada, that launched via Canadian Tire's newest sport marketing brand campaign, is built around the belief that strong kids, build strong families - which, in turn, builds strong communities and a strong nation. Canadian Tire is proud to be the title sponsor for the Run For Playgrounds because it is a great community initiative that supports families getting active.  Run For Playgrounds not only provides an opportunity for the community to come together, but, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going towards Canadian Tire Jumpstart, and 50 per cent to Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, the event will support a continued commitment to breaking down financial and infrastructure barriers that prevent kids from getting active in the first place.

To register for the run, or volunteer on race day, please visit: www.runforplaygrounds.ca

About The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation

Founded in 2002, the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Toronto's 1,500 public parks. The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation promotes philanthropy, corporate support and community involvement to achieve a range of enhancements to the parks system that can no longer be achieved through City funding alone.

About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charitable program dedicated to providing financially disadvantaged kids with the opportunity to experience the benefits of organized sport and recreation. With an extensive, national network of more than 332 local chapters, Jumpstart helps kids in communities across Canada by covering the costs associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation.

SOURCE: City Chase

Stacie Smith
Race Director
Canadian Tire Run For Playgrounds
[phone]