Changing Kids' Health For Keeps

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 4, 2013) -

Editors note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

SickKids Foundation today announced a new fundraising event benefitting The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), presented by Canaccord Genuity. Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure is an up to 20 kilometre challenge-by-choice adventure walk that will take place on September 28, 2013 through the streets of downtown Toronto, starting and ending at Fort York.

This afternoon, the front lawn of SickKids was transformed from winter wonderland into summer camp central as staff and patients celebrated the official launch. Tents were pitched, s'mores were gobbled up, friendship bracelets were made, popcorn races were had and camp songs were sung by the campfire. SickKids Foundation President and CEO, Ted Garrard, even competed in a three-legged race.

The Great Camp Adventure was designed with the whole family in mind. Babies in strollers, toddlers and tots, teenagers, moms, dads, grandparents and other family members alike will walk, hike or stroll along the sidewalks of Toronto, going at their own pace, participating in ultimate camp adventures along the way. It's a journey where participants will make lasting memories of shared family fun.

"At SickKids, part of our mission is to provide the best in family-centred, compassionate care. We don't just treat the patient, we care for the whole family," said Mary Jo Haddad, President and CEO, SickKids. "What makes this event so unique and special is that kids, along with their entire family, will be able to participate as a team. The Camp experience really is a metaphor for the journey of healing that many of our patients experience at SickKids, one of transformation, bonding and spirit."

All happy campers will begin their adventure at Camp For Keeps, the main campsite located at Fort York, with a morning flag raising ceremony to kick off the day. Then, they're off. Participants will navigate from campsite to campsite, enjoying camp-themed activities along the way, taking themselves as far as they decide to go.

"The beauty of The Great Camp Adventure's challenge-by-choice format is that it allows participants to take charge of their day, so families can walk the whole 20 kilometres, or go just as far as their feet can take them," said Amy Milne, Director, Events at SickKids Foundation. "When participants are ready to call it quits, our camp buses will take them back to Fort York."

All along the route, there will be cheer stations for family, friends and donors to cheer participants on. Food, drink and family rest areas will be found at each campsite. The adventure will end back at the Camp For Keeps site with a closing campfire and many more activities in store, including a talent show and dinner in the mess hall.

"SickKids Foundation is grateful to be the beneficiary of third-party events organized by our donors throughout the year in support of the hospital," said Ted Garrard, President and CEO of SickKids Foundation. "The time has come to expand our fundraising efforts by creating our very own signature event to support SickKids. The Great Camp Adventure lets adult participants be kids again while they do their part to help change the future of kids' health."

Funds raised through this event will support the Possibilities Fund at SickKids. These critical funds allow us to contribute to the core commitments of the hospital and help us continue to provide first-rate care for children and their families. The Possibilities Fund provides support to the highest priority needs at the hospital. It supports people, programs, equipment and physical infrastructure that allow SickKids to continue to be a world leader in children's health.

"At Canaccord, we believe that our most important investments are our children, and supporting healthcare initiatives is at the very core of our charitable activities," said David Kassie, Chairman, Canaccord Financial Inc.

For more information about Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure, or to register to participate in the event, please visit: www.campforkeeps.com.

About SickKids Foundation

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids -- one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $61.3 million in children's health, a direct result of community and corporate support. For more information, please visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com.

About The Hospital for Sick Children

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada's leading centre dedicated to advancing children's health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit www.sickkids.ca.

About Canaccord Genuity

Canaccord Genuity is the global capital markets division of Canaccord Financial Inc. (TSX: CF, LSE: CF.), offering institutional and corporate clients idea-driven investment banking, merger and acquisition, research, sales and trading services from offices in 12 countries worldwide. Our team of nearly 1,000 capital markets and advisory professionals has industry and transactional expertise in 18 key sectors of the global economy. We are committed to providing valued services to our clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their business and operating as a gold standard independent investment bank - expansive in resources and reach, but targeted in industry expertise, market focus and individual client attention. For more information, please visit www.canaccordgenuity.com.

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