Two Seriously Ill Brothers Help Create Teddy Bear To Raise Funds For Charity

Brothers Matteo and Nicco are newest designers of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s 6th collectible bear, “Hiya”.

TORONTO, ON (November 25, 2014) - Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada in collaboration with Toys“R”Us Canada is proud to release their 6th Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear, Hiya. Designed by brothers Matteo and Nicco, Hiya is sold in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the nation. A portion of Hiya’s sales will fund Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programs, brightening the lives of seriously ill children across Canada.

Both brothers, Matteo (five years old) and Nicco (three years old) have been battling cancer. At 16 months old, Matteo was diagnosed with the rare form of bladder cancer, Rhabomyosarcoma. During Matteo’s 3.5 years of treatment (resulting in the removal of his bladder and prostate), his brother Nicco was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Nicco now begins his chemotherapy treatment with Matteo by his side in remission.

Matteo, Nicco and their family bonded over the creation of the 2014 bear. Hiya is the name of Matteo and Nico’s favourite blankey; a double sided cozy and warm blanket they take everywhere.  The bear was crafted to feel just like that same blankey, and named after a term their grandmother uses meaning “sleepy sleepy”. The brothers included a gold and purple ribbon on the bear’s foot, representing childhood cancer awareness, and the fight of thousands of other children living with life threatening illnesses.

“The Starlight bear provides the opportunity to share stories of strength and courage with our supporters across the nation,” said Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “We feel honoured to share Matteo and Nico’s moving story through our important and meaningful partnership with Toys”R”Us Canada.”

With the support of both employees and customers, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight in the last 15 years.

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s collectible bear Hiya is $14.99 and available in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across Canada and online at http://bit.ly/hiyabear

For photos of Hiya, the brother designers and their family, please follow: http://bit.ly/hiyaphotos

For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR

p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

Website: http://starlightcanada.org

Twitter: @StarlightCanada             #Hiya

Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

YouTube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight

About Toys“R”Us, Canada:

Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca.

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada invites families to take the ‘ride of their lives’ at 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles

MONTREAL, QC (August 28, 2014) – On September 21, 2014, hundreds will gather at Circuit ICAR  (12800 Henri Fabre) in Mirabel, Quebec to participate in The UPS Store’s 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles benefiting Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada. The event will provide an opportunity for Starlight families to enjoy a fun-filled day on the track, while interacting with luxury cars and participating in a variety of distractive entertainment.

Highlights of the day’s activities include a parade procession of luxury vehicles, followed by Starlight children experiencing the thrill of a lifetime on the Circuit ICAR track. After lunch, families will be invited to take a ride on a helicopter, try their hand at the 1 km go-karting track or watch as drivers show off their best moves on the track.

“We’re so grateful to The UPS Store for assisting us in providing these children and families with an escape from their everyday health concerns,” says Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “Events like Drive For Smiles help families enjoy a day out without the stress of planning, organization and cost.”

Starlight’s mission to provide distractive entertainment spans from hospital to home, by providing programming such as Starlight Escapes (holiday parties, movie premieres), Day Brighteners (unexpected outings), Fun Kits (child essentials for unexpected hospital stays) and Fun Centers™ (equipped with a dvd player, Nintendo Wii, games and movies) for seriously ill children and their families.

“Starlight understands what families go through when a child is sick, and how important it is to find relief from constant worry and isolation,” says event chair Larry Plotnick. “Their programs, such as Drive For Smiles, are designed to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families who are facing similar challenges so they never feel alone. Those who have the ability to donate their luxury cars are just as enamoured with the event as the children. Spending time with these amazing kids in an intimate environment is truly a life-altering experience.”

Also taking place on the Circuit ICAR track, Starlight families will participate in a “Walk For Smiles”. The annual fundraising walk provides children with the unique chance to give back to the foundation. General public is able to contribute to families participating in Walk For Smiles via online donation at http://www.walkforsmiles.ca.

To participate or sponsor the 2nd Annual Drive For Smiles, please visit http://www.driveforsmiles.ca.

For more information, media accreditation, photos or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart

Embrace Disruption PR

cory@embracedisruption.com,

o: 416.963.9857 c: 647.638.1586

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.

Website: http://www.starlightcanada.org/

Twitter: @StarlightCanada #DriveSmiles

Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

Youtube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight

About The UPS Store:

The UPS Store in Canada is a network of over 360 independently owned and franchised locations providing convenient and value-added business services to the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market, corporate “road warriors,” and consumers.

Website: http://www.theupsstore.ca

Twitter: @TheUPSStore_CAN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUPSStoreCA