Sears Invites Customers to "Click for Kids" to Help Provide Vital Assistance
to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Campaign Supports Greatly Needed After School Programs for Children and Youth

MARKHAM, ON, Oct 8 /CNW/ - A new fundraising campaign from Sears Canada and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) is inviting the public to visit www.sears.ca and help support Canada's children and youth with just the click of a mouse.

"Click for Kids" is setting out to raise $100,000 to support Boys and Girls Clubs across the country who are providing essential after school programs. By simply visiting www.sears.ca/clickforkids and clicking on the "Click for Kids" button, $1 will be donated by Sears to BGCC for each "click", up to a maximum of $100,000. Sears support, through initiatives like "Click for Kids," has allowed Clubs to provide valuable after school programming to tens of thousands of additional children and youth for 45 years.

One of the most significant programs recently initiated by Sears is the Sears After School Enhancement Grants program.  This year, 18 Clubs will each be receiving $10,000 to deliver specialized programs that meet the needs of children in their communities. These range from academic support to technology skills development to nutritious meals to working with children with special needs. Through the Sears After School Enhancement Grants program, more than $2 million has been provided since 2001 to enhance and expand programs that help children and youth realize their full potential.

"For 45 years, Sears Canada has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to create positive opportunities for young people coast to coast," said Dene Rogers, President and CEO, Sears Canada. "The 'Click for Kids' campaign is a wonderful way to involve our customers in marking this special anniversary while making a difference for families in communities across the country."

"Forty-five years is a remarkable amount of time for a company to support a non-profit organization," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "But even more impressive than the length of Sears' commitment is their continued interest in deepening support to help even more young people have access to safe, enriching programs after school. Through innovative fundraising ideas like 'Click for Kids' and helping even more Clubs through the Sears After School Enhancement Grants, this partnership is having a tremendous impact on the lives of the children, youth and families we serve."

With more than 1 million Canadian young people living below the poverty line, Boys and Girls Clubs after school programs are more important than ever. Clubs provide healthy meals and snacks, regular physical activity, skills training and academic assistance. They also provide the chance to develop meaningful relationships, both with peers and with positive, caring role models to help young people avoid risky, negative behaviours and dangerous situations. Boys and Girls Clubs are leveling the playing field for all Canadians by providing these programs to help all Canadian children and youth succeed in life, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Clubs Receiving 2010 Sears After School Enhancement Grants

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver (Norvan & Fraser Clubs)
Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club
Boys and Girls Clubs of Edmonton
Boys and Girls Club of Olds and Area
Boys and Girls Club of Leduc
Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary
Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton
Boys and Girls Club of West Scarborough
Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton
Eastview (Toronto) Boys and Girls Club
Boys and Girls Club of North Simcoe (Midland Unit)
Boys and Girls Club of Botwood
Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John's
Boys and Girls Club of Charlottetown
Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte County
Boys and Girls Club of Petitcodiac
The Boys and Girls Club of Saint John Inc.
Boys and Girls Club of Spryfield

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading charitable organization providing after school programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of 200,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 700 community locations across Canada, Clubs offer access to opportunities, after school and at other times when children are not in school, to develop healthy behaviours, academic success and technology learning, positive relationships and life and leadership skills. Many Clubs also provide nutritious snacks and meals, emergency shelter, family support programs and other support to children, youth and families at risk. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential, for over 100 years. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.

About Sears Canada
Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 197 corporate stores, 241 dealer stores, 31 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:

and interview requests, please contact:
Carol Davies    
Director of Communications, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada     
905-477-7272, ext 234    
[email protected]