Seventh Annual Sears National Kids Cancer Ride Raises Funds and Awareness for Children Living with and Beyond Cancer

18 Cyclists to ride coast to coast across Canada

VANCOUVER, Sept. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - As they dip their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean in White Rock, BC on Thursday, September 4, 18 cyclists will embark on a journey across Canada to raise funds and awareness for children living with and beyond cancer.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride (SNKCR) is the world's longest charitable cycling event on behalf of childhood cancer.  When the cyclists arrive in Halifax on Saturday, September 20 for the ceremonial front wheel dip in the Atlantic, they will have covered over 7,000 km.

Relay cyclists will also join the national riders as they cycle relay style across Canada, stopping in communities across the country, all united in the goal to improve the quality of life for children affected by cancer.

"The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride supports a fundraising initiative that holds great meaning for our customers and associates across Canada," said Doug Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada. "Over the past 60 years Sears has been committed to serving Canadian families, and no family should have to hear the words 'your child has cancer.' Whether you ride, volunteer or donate, you are playing an active role in a greater effort to increase the survival rate of children with cancer in the future."

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride funds programs that improve the lives of children living with cancer as well as those recovering from the physical and emotional scars that can be part of survivorship. With a 100% donation model, over $7 million has been raised and donated since 2008, and money raised this year will again be used to fund both national and provincial pediatric hematology and oncology research programs.  .

"Money raised is critical in helping fund programs that can improve the survival rates and the quality of life for children fighting this horrible disease," said Jeff Rushton, Co-Founder and passionate volunteer of Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation (CTCACF), a volunteer-based registered Canadian charitable foundation focused on improving health outcomes and quality of life of children and families impacted by cancer. "With each kilometer pedaled, collectively we will enrich the quality of life of Canadian children burdened by this devastating disease."

Each year, about 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer and it is the leading cause of disease-related death in children in Canada.  Childhood cancers are very different from adult cancers and rarely benefit from general cancer research. The detection and treatment of childhood cancer places unique demands on our healthcare system.

For more information, to register as a rider or a volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.SearsNationalKidsCancerRide.com or call 1.866.381.4446.

About Sears Canada

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 176 corporate stores, 222 Hometown stores, over 1,300 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 96 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide repair and service network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

About Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

As Canada's only national charity devoted to fighting childhood cancer, Coast To Coast Against Cancer ensures 100% of receiptable funds raised go toward improving the survival rate and quality of life of children and their families impacted by cancer. Funds are raised by conducting memorable events that encourage active and healthy lifestyles. From cycling rides to team-building activities, children across the country benefit from the generous support of our sponsors, participants, donors and volunteers. www.beyondkidscancer.ca

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.