Kids in need deserve a chance to be good sports

One in three Canadian families cannot afford to enroll their children in
an organized sports program. Olympic gold medalist and women's hockey
hero Cassie Campbell is on a mission to change those odds.

Campbell has issued a challenge to Canadian corporations and citizens to
donate $20,000 by March 31, 2009 to Canadian Tire JumpStart, a program
dedicated to funding organized sports for kids in financial need aged
4-18. This will enable them to participate in sports activities and
recreation such as hockey, dance, soccer and swimming so they can develop
important life skills, self esteem and confidence.

"I know first-hand the impact that sport can have on your life," said
Campbell. "Providing sports and recreation opportunities to kids not only
benefits the families involved, but contributes to strengthening the
community at large."

Energizer Canada was the first corporation to answer Campbell's call by
donating the first $10,000 to the drive.

"I applaud Energizer for taking the initiative to raise awareness about
this important issue and for helping to fund what is a critical but
under-funded aspect of children's lives," said Cassie Campbell. "Many
families can't afford to have their kids participate in organized sports,
and it's really a shame, because it's through sports that they can learn
the invaluable qualities of socialization, team work, dedication – while
having fun."

To make a donation, visit www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart and click on the
"donate" link.