- JiCi Lauzon, Fondation Canadian Tire du Québec spokesperson

    MONTREAL, May 20 /CNW/ - Fondation Canadian Tire du Québec spokesperson
JiCi Lauzon is thrilled to be putting on his goalie pads again for "Un don en
passant," the Foundation's weekend fundraiser that allows 472 young people
from families in need from all over Quebec to attend summer camp at the Perce
Neige outdoor recreational area.
    Over the weekend of May 24 and 25, JiCi and his goaltending team will be
blocking the shots of store customers in return for a $2 donation that will be
added to the "Un don en passant" kitty. "The JiCi Challenge is a great way to
help a good cause and have fun at the same time, not to mention that hockey is
our national sport and we've been spoiled with the playoffs this year," said
JiCi. "And it's wonderful that this money allows the Foundation Canadian Tire
du Quebec to spoil kids who have not seen much spoiling in their lives."
    An action-packed program is coming to participating Canadian Tire stores
this weekend, with Canadian Tire dealers poised to welcome customers in a
community festival atmosphere with instore activities as well as the JiCi
Challenge, music, carwashes, hotdogs and foundation items for sale, prize
draws, and much more going on outside! The 94 associate dealers, 6,800
Canadian Tire employees, their families, and tons of volunteers will be on
hand to make the event a success.
    "Year in, year out, we are overwhelmed by Quebecers' generosity. Last
year, we set a new record by collecting $228,000 over 'Un don en passant'
weekend, and we thank the people of Quebec from the bottom of our hearts,"
said Michel Choinière, President of Fondation Canadian Tire du Québec, noting
that among other things money raised would be used this summer to send 472
underprivileged children aged 8 to 15 from all across Quebec to the Perce
Neige outdoor recreational area, which is owned by the Foundation.

    About Fondation Canadian Tire du Québec

    FCTQ was created in 1990 to improve the quality of life and well-being of
families in need through financial contributions to registered charities.
Following a long tradition of helping local communities served by Canadian
Tire stores, associate dealers and their many employees work together to raise
money every year. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over
$5 million to more than 400 organizations throughout Quebec.

    Perce Neige Outdoor Recreational Area

    In May 2000, the Foundation purchased the Perce Neige outdoor
recreational area in Wentworth-Nord some 30 km north of Lachute in the
Laurentians. The vast recreational area includes a number of buildings able to
accommodate up to 175 guests per week and features paths, parks, a beach, and
wharves. The area has welcomed over 2,500 disabled guests over the past 30
years, allowing them to enjoy a beautiful natural location. Various services
are available all year round: group accommodation, respite care, daycamps,
nature classes, and summer and winter sports. The Foundation seeks to stay
true to the recreational area's No. 1 ongoing mission, while adding new
features for young people and families. A youth camping program was put in
place in summer 2001 to welcome 472 boys and girls aged 8 to 15 from all over
Quebec each summer.
    Since the Foundation acquired Perce Neige outdoor recreational area in
the Laurentians, it has invested over $2 million in improving facilities to
provide a wide variety of children's games and activities.