Canada’s leading toy and juvenile retailer continues support of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s programming to brighten the lives of ill children and their families.

 Edmonton, AB (October 20, 2014)- On November 18, 2014, an Edmonton-based Starlight child will participate in a 3-Minute Dash through the Toys“R”Us store at West Edmonton Mall (9908 170 Street NW) to snatch as much merchandise as possible within a three minute timeframe.

The 3-Minute Dash is donated by Toys“R”Us as part of their longstanding partnership with Starlight Canada and will take place in five cities across Canada: Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Participants were randomly selected from each province as part of a contest Starlight Canada held earlier this month. Applicants were asked to share the details of their care journey and submit them to their local Starlight programs coordinator for entry.

“Toys“R”Us, Canada’s ongoing commitment to our in and out-of-hospital programming is invaluable to Starlight,” says Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “Special events like the 3-Minute Dash provide Starlight children with a chance to create much-needed positive memories away from the hospital, treatments and therapies.”

“Children have always been the focus of our charity work and Starlight continues to be a great partner for us as together, we share the goal of brightening the lives of seriously ill children when they need a reason to smile” says Kevin Macnab, President, Toys“R”Us Canada.  “Providing the Starlight children with an empty cart, and full reign of a Toys“R”Us store for 3 minutes, is the perfect escape from their hospital stay, as they race through the aisles and experience a fun and unique opportunity that they will never forget.  After events like these, it’s the joy on the children’s faces that motivate our employees to continue to raise funds and awareness for Starlight and towards making a difference in children’s lives.”

During the 16 year partnership, Toys“R”Us, Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight Canada. This year, in addition to the 3-Minute Dash, Toys“R”Us, Canada has helped to sponsor:

• 101 Hospital Grants (Montetary funding to support distractive entertainment for hospitalized children)
• 10,500 ER Admit Kits (A variety of care products for children and parents during unexpected hospital stays)
• 7,000 Baby & Toddler Fun Kits (Cuddly toys and games to distract very young children during unpleasant hospital stays)
• 10 Fun Centers (Mobile entertainment units featuring a Sharp AQUOS flat-screen television, a DVD player, a Nintendo Wii™ gaming system and a wide variety of Wii games)
• $150,000 in Great Escapes Sponsorships (A program that provides Starlight families with a chance to enjoy fun events together to create priceless memories, relax and then return home with a renewed sense of strength and hope)
• 100 Starlight Treasure Chests (A box filled with toys and surprises, used by children during appointments at the hospital or clinic)

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

Cory Stewart

Embrace Disruption PR

cory@embracedisruption.com

o: 416.963.9857 c: 647.6381586

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         #StarDash

Facebook:     http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

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.

Canada’s leading toy and juvenile retailer continues support of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s programming to brighten the lives of ill children and their families.

 Vancouver, AB (October 20, 2014)- On November 19, 2014, a Vancouver-based Starlight child will participate in a 3-Minute Dash through the Toys“R”Us store at Toys”R”Us Vancouver (1154 West Broadway) to snatch as much merchandise as possible within a three minute timeframe.

The 3-Minute Dash is donated by Toys“R”Us as part of their longstanding partnership with Starlight Canada and will take place in five cities across Canada: Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Participants were randomly selected from each province as part of a contest Starlight Canada held earlier this month. Applicants were asked to share the details of their care journey and submit them to their local Starlight programs coordinator for entry.

“Toys“R”Us, Canada’s ongoing commitment to our in and out-of-hospital programming is invaluable to Starlight,” says Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “Special events like the 3-Minute Dash provide Starlight children with a chance to create much-needed positive memories away from the hospital, treatments and therapies.”

“Children have always been the focus of our charity work and Starlight continues to be a great partner for us as together, we share the goal of brightening the lives of seriously ill children when they need a reason to smile” says Kevin Macnab, President, Toys“R”Us Canada.  “Providing the Starlight children with an empty cart, and full reign of a Toys“R”Us store for 3 minutes, is the perfect escape from their hospital stay, as they race through the aisles and experience a fun and unique opportunity that they will never forget.  After events like these, it’s the joy on the children’s faces that motivate our employees to continue to raise funds and awareness for Starlight and towards making a difference in children’s lives.”

During the 16 year partnership, Toys“R”Us, Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight Canada. This year, in addition to the 3-Minute Dash, Toys“R”Us, Canada has helped to sponsor:

• 101 Hospital Grants (Montetary funding to support distractive entertainment for hospitalized children)
• 10,500 ER Admit Kits (A variety of care products for children and parents during unexpected hospital stays)
• 7,000 Baby & Toddler Fun Kits (Cuddly toys and games to distract very young children during unpleasant hospital stays)
• 10 Fun Centers (Mobile entertainment units featuring a Sharp AQUOS flat-screen television, a DVD player, a Nintendo Wii™ gaming system and a wide variety of Wii games)
• $150,000 in Great Escapes Sponsorships (A program that provides Starlight families with a chance to enjoy fun events together to create priceless memories, relax and then return home with a renewed sense of strength and hope)
• 100 Starlight Treasure Chests (A box filled with toys and surprises, used by children during appointments at the hospital or clinic)

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

Cory Stewart

Embrace Disruption PR

cory@embracedisruption.com

o: 416.963.9857 c: 647.6381586

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         #StarDash

Facebook:     http://facebook.com/starlightcanada

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.

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.

Canada’s leading toy and juvenile products retailer collaborates with Starlight Children’s Foundation^TM Canada to provide customers with a unique way to give back during the holiday season

TORONTO, ON– In line with the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Toys“R”Us, Canada, in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada, has launched its 16th annual Star campaign in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the nation. The program, which runs until December 29, allows customers to purchase stars in-store or online by providing a donation value of their choice. All proceeds go directly to Starlight Canada.

Since introducing the program during the 1998 holiday season, Toys“R”Us, Canada and its customers have been able to raise more than eleven million dollars for Starlight —with one and a half million dollars being raised last year alone. All the proceeds from the Star campaign will go towards funding Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programming, which includes fun kits (child essentials for unexpected hospital stays), hospital grants (funds for hospitals across the country to use on what kids need most), Fun Centres (equipped with a dvd player, Nintendo Wii, games and movies) and Day Brighteners (tickets to sports games, concerts and more).

“This holiday campaign is crucial in funding essential programming that supports tens of thousands of seriously ill children and their families all through 2014,” said Brian Bringolf, executive director, Starlight Canada. “We’re so grateful for the generosity of Toys“R”Us employees and their customers in helping make this campaign a monumental success each and every year.”

”By supporting Starlight Canada’s in and out-of-hospital programming and hospital grants, we focus our efforts on helping children in our communities,” said Mary Hewton, vice president human resources, Toys“R”Us, Canada.  “In November and December, Toys“R”Us employees will act as Starlight Canada ambassadors, raising awareness in-store, online and through many ‘fun’-raising events.”

Customers are able to participate in the Star campaign by visiting Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the country and through http://toysrus.ca/star.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization that brightens the lives of seriously ill children and their families in communities across Canada.  We are the only charity in Canada that helps seriously ill children in and out of hospital, from diagnosis throughout the course of their care journey.

Website: http://starlightcanada.org

Twitter: @StarlightCanada         #StarlightMatters

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

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

Cory Stewart, Founder

Embrace Disruption PR

1.416.963.9857

cory@embracedisruption.com

Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada Announces Release Of Fifth Collectible Bear

Organization collaborates with Toys“R”Us Canada and child to create a stuffed toy with meaning.

TORONTO, ON – Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada, in partnership with Toys“R”Us, Canada, is pleased to announce the release of Beario, the fifth limited edition collectible Starlight bear to be sold in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the nation this fall. A portion of Beario’s sales will go towards funding Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programs, brightening the lives of seriously ill children across Canada.

Seven-year-old Starlight child Dylan, who lives with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was selected by Starlight to design this year’s collectible bear. With the help of his big brother Connor, Dylan modeled the bear, which boasts a charming smile and a red star on its paw, after his favourite video game character, Super Mario™.

“The Starlight bear continues to be a powerful and important part of our partnership with Toys“R”Us,” said Starlight’s Executive Director, Brian Bringolf. “As with Starlight bear collaborations in the past, we hope that Dylan’s unique design will help raise awareness of his and other Starlight children’s courageous stories.”

With the support of both employees and customers, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $11 million dollars for Starlight in the last 15 years. In addition to distributing and manufacturing Beario, Toys“R”Us will be donating grants to hospitals across Canada to further assist in developing Starlight programming.

“Working with a Starlight child to create their very own unique and collectible Bear each year is an incredibly rewarding process for Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us,” said Kevin Macnab, President Toys“R”Us, Canada.  “We believe kids should be kids, especially when going through difficult times, and by selecting Dylan to design this year’s bear, provides not only him, but his family with a fun and creative distraction from his ongoing medical treatments.”

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s collectible Beario is $14.99 and will be made available in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across Canada and through http://www.toysrus.ca in late October.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization that brightens the lives of seriously ill children and their families in communities across Canada.  We are the only charity in Canada that helps seriously ill children in and out of hospital, from diagnosis throughout the course of their care journey.

Website: http://starlightcanada.org

Twitter: @StarlightCanada             #Beario

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 http://www.babiesrus.ca

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

Cory Stewart, Founder

Embrace Disruption PR

1.416.963.9857

cory@embracedisruption.com

TORONTO, ON (January 29, 2013) – Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is pleased to announce Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada are returning as Diamond Sponsors for their 18^th annual Fundraising Gala on April 6, 2013 at The Fairmont Royal York.

Since 1998, Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us have supported Starlight through annual in-store sales of Starlight Stars and the annual Starlight Gala.  “We are pleased and proud to be the lead sponsor for Starlight Children’s Gala” said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys”R”Us Canada  “Children have always been the focus of our charity work and we are thrilled to have donated over $10.2 million to Starlight to date.  We look forward to partnering with Starlight and other Starlight Gala sponsors to help even more children and their families in 2013.”

Christopher Barry, President of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada said, “Our community outreach and in-hospital programs have been greatly enhanced with the help of Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada. We are pleased to have the generous support of such a fantastic organization, and look forward to a successful fundraising event.”

Starlight is also welcoming several other sponsors to support their gala such as sparkAV, Cineplex, The Brettler/Mintz Foundation, DST Output Canada Inc., and media sponsor Metroland Media Group.

The Starlight gala remains one of the foundation’s largest sources for fundraising, with $300,000 in donations collected at last year’s event. Tickets to this year’s event can be purchased online by visiting http://www.starlightmatters.com/gala.

About The Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada: 

Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization that brings smiles, laughter and joy back into the lives of children with serious illness or life-altering injury through in- hospital distractive entertainment and out-of-hospital fun family events. 

Website: http://www.starlightmatters.com

Twitter: @StarlightCanada

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarlightCanada

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 74 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca  or http://www.babiesrus.ca

About Metroland Media:

With more than 100 trusted community and daily newspapers both in print and online, as well as innovative websites including flyerland.ca, save.ca and gottarent.com; Metroland Media is dedicated to delivering relevant and quality communication vehicles that reflect the local voice and connect its readers to their community.

For media or interview requests, please contact:

Cory Stewart

Embrace Disruption PR

647.638.1586

cory@embracedisruption.com