Simple Plan announces success for Spring's War Child Campaign: two new
schools built in Congo

TORONTO , Sept. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - All five members of rock band, Simple Plan, took to the stage at Spring's Eaton Centre location on Friday, to announce the building of two schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo - the culmination of a one year Spring initiative that featured Simple Plan as spokesband. Over $100K was raised from the sale of War Child bracelets, under the theme, 'Build A Child's Future, One Brick At A Time'.

The event also launched the new 2009/2010 campaign for War Child and the unveiling of a new bracelet design, that debuted in stores on Friday at over 150 Spring locations and on myspringshoes.com

Simple Plan fronted the campaign, which launched last fall, and proceeds went towards War Child's education program in war-ravaged eastern Congo . The two new schools - Tamala and Mshimbakye will allow 650 students to return to school after years of civil war.

Simple Plan band member Chuck Comeau , said "It is a great honor to have been part of this amazing campaign and to have been able to make a difference to so many children's lives. We've been supporters of War Child for a long time and we know the money will be spent wisely."

War Child Founder and Executive Director, Dr Samantha Nutt said, "This initiative shows that Spring and the ALDO Groupe continue to be leaders in social responsibility. War Child is delighted to be Spring's charitable partner."

"The launch of this new bracelet means a brighter future for children affected by war" said Effie Giannou, Public Relations Manager for the ALDO Groupe. "Spring is committed to raising funds and awareness for War Child. Our goal is to go beyond this past year's achievement and continue helping children in need."

This week, Simple Plan also announced a donation of $10,000 from the Simple Plan Foundation towards War Child's work with young people in the displaced camps of Darfur. The money will build a centre where youth can access catch up education, can play with other young people and can learn skills that will allow them to avoid exploitative work. This is the second year that War Child has been a recipient of the Simple Plan Foundation prize.

Their foundation's aim is to help young people in need by easing their often difficult passage to adulthood. Since they themselves are young, the band's members are particularly aware of the problems faced by teenagers. They are even more familiar with these problems as they are in constant touch with their fan base. "We started the Simple Plan Foundation as a way to try to give something back to our community and make a difference. We want our Foundation to help kids find their way and show them that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel, that things can get better."

War Child Canada was founded in 1999 by medical Doctors, Samantha Nutt and Eric Hoskins . Since then it has grown into one of the most respected and influential humanitarian organizations in Canada . Working with local people, War Child Canada focuses on protecting children's rights, providing an education and teaching children skills that will allow them to build a brighter future for their families and themselves.

Founded in 1991 and with over 180 successful retail stores worldwide, Spring is all over the map. Spring remains one of War Child's key retail partners in the vital support of war-affected children and families. Spring is part of the ALDO Groupe family, which operates close to 1,400 successful stores in over 45 countries around the world.

For further information: Effie Giannou, Public Relations Manager, ALDO Groupe, [phone] x 6061, [email protected]; High-resolution images and HD footage available at: pressroom.myspringshoes.com (username: editor/password: myspringshoes)