Source: CPimages

Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: 2,000 Participants Walk to Support the Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk on September 27

Second annual family adventure walk to benefit SickKids

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 24, 2014) - This Saturday, September 27, join 2,000 participants, volunteers and sponsors as they embark on the second annual Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk presented by Sport Chek to benefit SickKids. This event starts and ends at Fort York and takes participants on an adventure walk through the streets of downtown Toronto with activity-filled stops (campsites) along the route. It is the only event of its kind in Canada.

Teams of moms, dads, babies in strollers, toddlers, teenagers, grandparents, corporate groups, family members and their dogs will journey through the streets of Toronto, participating in camp-themed activities at seven campsites designed to challenge and entertain. Activities include relay races, water play, a scavenger hunt, tug of war, dance lessons, arts and crafts, s'mores and more. There will be a special campsite at the 5 kilometre mark adjacent to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) called the Sport Chek 'Camp Spirit of Sport.' There, walkers will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with Canadian Olympians while enjoying sport-themed, interactive activities.

Once participants have walked as far as they can go, they can walk or take a bus back to Fort York to enjoy the Canaccord Genuity Fun Zone, featuring live exotic animals, pony rides and one of three closing campfires held in the afternoon.

Funds raised through this event will support the Possibilities Fund at SickKids, dedicated to improving the health of children. Community support like this helps SickKids provide the best in family-centred, compassionate care, to lead in scientific and clinical advancement, and to prepare the next generation of leaders in child health.

What: The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk
Who: 2,000 participants, including SickKids patient families; corporate teams
SickKids staff and members of the management team
Dr. Mike Apkon, President and CEO, The Hospital for Sick Children
Ted Garrard, President and CEO, SickKids Foundation
David Kassie, Chairman, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.
Shelley Girard, Associate Vice President, FGL Sports
Meaghan Mikkelson, 2014 Olympic gold medallist (ice hockey)
Kelsey Serwa, 2014 Olympic silver medallist (ski cross)
Josh Cassidy, Paralympic wheelchair race champion
Marlowe & the MiX, Juno-nominated musician
Sonshine & Broccoli, children's entertainers
Suzanne Jarvie, musician
Where: Starts and ends at Fort York - 100 Garrison Blvd.
(Bathurst and Fort York Blvd.)
Toronto
When: Saturday, September 27, 2014
Group Stretch at Fort York begins at 8:20 a.m.
Flag Raising Ceremony at 8:30 a.m.
Participant mass walk-out at 9:00 a.m.

Key Interview/Photo Opps:

  • Participants with a SickKids story will be pre-identified and can be approached during the event for interviews and photos
  • 8:20 a.m. - 9 a.m. - Group Stretch followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony and walk-out with 2,000 participants, crew and volunteers
  • 9 to 11 a.m. - First campsite at Alexandra Park (Bathurst and Carr streets), Camp Messy Hands, at 2.5 km mark (activity: participants stamping painted hands on large block letters spelling SickKids)
  • 9:30 a.m. to noon - Second campsite at The Hospital for Sick Children (555 University Ave.), Sport Chek's Camp Spirit of Sport, at 5 km mark (meet-and-greet stations with Canadian Olympians and sport-themed activities)
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Fort York activities open including the Canaccord Genuity Fun Zone with exotic animals, pony rides and face painting; a climbing wall; a PetSmart PupStop, one of eight on the route with treats and water for participating dogs; and a Bass Pro fishing pond with live fish
  • 1 - 1:30 p.m. - Media are invited to a special indoor campsite at the hospital with SickKids patients who are currently admitted
  • 2 p.m. - First closing campfire begins at Fort York (two more closing campfires at 4 and 6 p.m.)

Please contact us for a full route map.

Contact Information:

Media Contacts:
Heather Irwin
SickKids Foundation
Office: 416-813-6166, x2040
Cell: 416-795-6738
Heather.irwin@sickkidsfoundation.com

Sandra Chiovitti
SickKids Foundation
Office: 416-813-8292
Cell: 416-553-4198
Sandra.chiovitti@sickkidsfoundation.com