Canadian Tire Ambassador and store employee Shana Cook travels 6,000 kilometres to hand deliver Canada Day care package to families in Switzerland, Belgium and Germany

TORONTO, June 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Just in time for this long weekend, Canadian Tire spread Canadian pride around the world by hand delivering Canada Day care packages to three expat families. In Switzerland, Belgium and Germany, Canadian expat families were surprised with a little taste of home and an instant Canada Day fete.

Bursting with red, white and Canadian pride, the care package was delivered in a Canadian flag adorned cooler. The families received a package filled with everything "Canadiana", from full and mini size Canadian flags, to clothing, water bottles and cooler bags sporting the iconic maple leaf. It also included fun family outdoor sports and recreation gear like Frisbees and soccer balls. Sure to bring a smile and a taste of home, the care package contained everything the expat families need to host Canada Day parties of their own overseas.

"With Canadian Tire's 90 year history, we've helped Canadians bring Canada Day celebrations to life for decades," says Allan MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Tire. "We're proud to be able to bring a taste of home and celebration overseas for our Canadian expats living all over the world."

Perth, Ontario-based Shana Cook was selected as the Canadian Tire Ambassador, travelling throughout Europe over the course of a week and arrived on the doorsteps of Canadian families living abroad with Canada Day swag in tow.

"Seeing the joy on the faces of each family when they opened their door to see their Canada Day surprise was priceless," said Shana Cook, Canadian Tire Ambassador. "Canadian Tire has really made the holiday so special for these families who were homesick for a little taste of Canada."

While overseas, Shana visited the suburbs of Bern, Switzerland, Jurbise, Belgium and Wolfenbuttel, Germany, seeing firsthand just how transcontinental Canadian pride really is.

"As Canadians living abroad, while we love sharing our nationality and culture with our new neighbours, it's hard to be away from home on Canada Day," said Tatiana Warkentin, a Canadian expat living in Bern, Switzerland. "We were so surprised when Shana arrived at our door with Canadian Tire's Canada Day care package, and can't wait to celebrate with our new friends here in Bern this July 1st."

The expatriate recipients of the Canada Day care packages come from a multitude of towns across the Canadian landscape, from Ontario to Manitoba to British Columbia. Thrilled to share what it means to be Canadian with their new friends overseas, this Canada Day is sure to be more vibrant than the last.

About Canadian Tire Corporation

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX:CTC.a) (TSX:CTC) is a Family of Companies that includes Canadian Tire Retail, Partsource, Gas+, FGL Sports (Sport Chek, Hockey Experts, Sports Experts, National Sports, Intersport and Atmosphere), Mark's and Canadian Tire Financial Services.  With more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast, our primary retail business categories - Automotive, Living, Fixing, Playing and Apparel - are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division. Over 85,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada's most recognized and trusted brands. For more information, visit Corp.CanadianTire.ca.

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SOURCE: CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION, LIMITED