Charity has helped half a million children since its inception in 2005

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities announced today that it is celebrating a historic milestone. Since its inception, Jumpstart has helped more than 500,000 kids across Canada participate in organized sports and recreation.

A recent study confirmed that two thirds of Canadians know at least one person who can't afford to enrol their children in recreational activities, and 750,000 children aged 4 to 18 cannot participate in sports and recreation across Canada. Through donations and fundraising efforts, Jumpstart has helped half a million in-need children participate in a variety of 71 activities. From swimming to hockey, from football to dance, Canadian Tire Jumpstart reaches kids who need it the most.

"This is a celebratory and significant milestone for Canadian Tire Jumpstart. The importance of physical activity and access to sport for our kids is key to a healthier, stronger country, and I believe that Jumpstart is making a real difference in the lives of many young Canadians," said Minister of State for Sport, Bal Gosal. "Congratulations to Jumpstart and thanks for helping build a better future for our country by giving our kids a sporting chance."

Jumpstart benefits from the efforts of the Canadian Tire Family (Canadian Tire Corporation, Canadian Tire Dealers and their store staff, Petroleum Agents, Mark's and PartSource),along with the supportive government, corporate partners, customers and donors. These partners work together to raise funds that remove the financial barriers that prevent children from participating in organized sports and recreation.

"Our vision at Jumpstart is more than getting children involved in sports and recreation; it's to have a country where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams," said Dan Thompson, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart. "This historic milestone inspires us to continue with the great work we do and challenges us to do even more."

Canadian Tire Jumpstart, through its regional managers, works with 315 local chapters in communities across Canada. The chapters work closely with more than 2,400 community partners across the country to identify financially disadvantaged children who will benefit from participating.

About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation by covering registration, equipment and/or transportation costs. Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped give more than 500,000 Canadian kids the chance to play and the momentum is stronger than ever. To lend your support, visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart at jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.

SOURCE: CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED