Sears Charity Bears Capture the True Meaning of the Christmas Spirit

Over $3 million Raised for Local Community Organizations

TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Amongst the noise of electronic toys topping wish lists this holiday season sits a warm and lovable teddy with a great story to tell. Part of its dedication to the communities in which it operates, Sears Canada Inc. (TSX: SCC) is continuing its tradition of supporting the healthy development of children and youth this Christmas through sales of a large and huggable teddy bear that comes with a message of a sizeable donation in support of children's cancer research and support initiatives.

"The Holiday season is a time when people have a desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need," says Dene Rogers, president and CEO, Sears Canada Inc. "Our charity bear is one of those purchases that will bring comfort and joy to gift-givers and receivers alike, providing the opportunity for Sears customers to give to charity while fulfilling a gift for someone on their Christmas shopping list."

The bear is part of Sears "show your face - make a difference - fight childhood cancer" campaign to raise funds for Canadian hospitals and organizations that help kids with cancer and their families. The bear retails in the Cosmetics area of Sears department stores for 19.99 of which Sears will give $12 to benefit national and regional oncology research and programs across Canada.

This Holiday season also marks the 12^th anniversary of the Sears Christmas Charity Plush Program. A portion of sales from the 2010 charity plush, CRISPIN, will go to programs that promote the healthy development of children and youth.

The Holiday plush program is an invaluable source of funding for the communities in which Sears conducts business. Since the program's inception in 1998, 13 bean-filled cuddly characters have been developed for the Christmas charity plush series, representing well over $3 million raised for local charity partners.  .

The 2010 Christmas charity plush CRISPIN is currently selling in Sears retail stores, the Wish Book catalogue and online at www.sears.ca for 3.99. Fifty cents from each CRISPIN sold will help support youth in the local community.

Sears Canada, an Imagine Caring Company, works with more than 300 local charitable organizations across Canada and has several national level partnerships.  Through Sears In Your Community, the Company's community investment program, charity initiatives stretching across Canada contribute millions of dollars to Canadian charities annually on behalf of the Company, its customers and associates.

Sears two major charitable mandates are to support children's education and health programs that contribute to the positive development of children to help them reach their full potential.  In particular, Sears has been a strong supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada for over 45 years.  In Quebec, Sears proudly supports Opération Enfant Soleil and its work with children's hospitals.  In 2008, Sears partnered with Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation to help in the fight against childhood cancer. Other partners include the Canadian 4-H Council, the Sears I Can Swim program, the Sears Ontario Drama Festival and, new in 2010, the Sears British Columbia Drama Festival, the Design Exchange Sears Canadian High School Design Competition, Scouts Canada and its ScoutsAbout and Scoutrees programs, and the Girl Guides of Canada.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 196 corporate stores, 260 hometown dealer stores, 33 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

For further information:

MediaContact: 
Maria Ganogiannis
Media and Public Relations Coordinator
Sears Canada
T: [phone]
[email protected]