Stop Kids Cancer Cold! Join Sears Great Canadian Chill

Brave icy waters on New Year's Day for a cause that warms your heart

TORONTO, Dec. 22 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. invites Canadians to start a new tradition by participating in a "polar bear" dip this New Year's Day. On January 1st, 2011, the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River will be warmed up with the love and excitement of caring "Chillers" who are raising money to help kids living with cancer.

Chillers will rush into the frosty waters of Lake Ontario at Ashbridge's Bay in Toronto and the Ottawa River at Britannia Beach in Ottawa at 1:30 p.m. Chillers will raise money for The Sears Canada Charitable Foundation in support of its children's health mandate and will officially become part of the Sears Great Canadian Chill series which officially kicks off its inaugural year this New Years Day.

"Sears Canada is continuing its commitment to building awareness and raising money for research, treatment and support programs for children living with cancer and their families," said Dene Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada. "The Sears Great Canadian Chill is our way to bring families together on a typically quiet day to start, what we hope will become, a new family tradition and have fun while helping other families who are in the fight of their life."

The family event, which is set to expand into six major markets in 2012, will invite supporters and friends to join in for an afternoon of fun, friendship and fundraising. Participants and spectators will be hosted under heated tents while they enjoy live entertainment, prizes for top fundraising and the highly anticipated costume contest.

Registration for the Sears Great Canadian Chill is open. To make a donation or to join the event as a Chiller or a volunteer, Canadians can visit www.SearsGreatCanadianChill.ca.

The Sears Canada Charitable Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that collects and distributes donations to charitable organizations that support Sears Canada's community investment mandate, which is focused on children's health and children's education. The children's health component is centered on the fight against childhood cancer and supports oncology research, education and support programs provided by organizations such as Canada's 16 children's hospitals and Opération Enfant Soleil. The children's education component is centered on after-school programs and supports organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, 4H, Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada.

For further information: Eliana Cugini (onsite Toronto), Sears Canada (onsite Toronto), 416-662-2245; Natalie Laroque-Cross, Sears Canada (onsite Ottawa), 613-294-0026; Lauren Habib, InField Marketing Group, (P) 905.510.9309, (O) 905.282.0770. x299, (E) [email protected]