Toys"R"Us Canada and Bay Street bankers roll out giant Scrabble board in support of Childhood Cancer Canada

Bankers and friends end fundraising campaign with public battle of words for a good cause

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Letters and words took on a new dimension at a lunch-time fundraiser and Scrabble competition held today at Bay Street's Design Exchange. A total of four teams representing eight professional services firms took time out of their lunch to compete for funds—and bragging rights—on a giant 39' by 35' Scrabble board set up and organized by Toys"R"Us Canada and Bay Street Fore a Cause to raise funds and awareness for Childhood Cancer Canada. The game was the final activity as part of a year-long campaign that raised $70,000 in support of Childhood Cancer Canada's mission to save, enhance and extend the lives of children with cancer through educational programming and community support.

"There's nothing more gratifying than harnessing the energy of a team of people to support others who are experiencing challenges in their lives," says Melanie Teed-Murch, president, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us Canada. "Play is at the heart of who we are and we're happy to remind professionals on Bay Street how to play."

The winning team of the friendly competition was Team Three—comprised of four players from BMO Bank of Montreal and WeirdFoulds LLP—with 186 points. Other Bay Street firms in attendance were Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Grant Thornton LL, Goodmans LLP, Ernst & Young, Alvarez and Marsal Canada ULC and Lexus on the Park.

"It's incredible to see our community come together every year with a collective goal—to raise money for a worthy cause," said Shayne Kukulowicz and Jeff Pocock, co-founders of Bay Street Fore a Cause. "Childhood Cancer Canada is crucial to the children and families affected by unthinkable circumstances, and we're thrilled to be able to aid their work in some capacity."

As part of the day's activities, Bay Street Fore a Cause contributed a donation of $60,000, raised over the course of the year through its annual golf tournament, a $10,000 donation from the Grant Thornton Foundation and other initiatives. Toys"R"Us Canada matched the final number of points on the board with a $10,000 donation, bringing the total amount raised to $70,000.

"There are 10,000 children across Canada who are battling cancer and we're here to say you're not alone," says Liz Gill, president and chief executive officer, Childhood Cancer Canada. "We're proud to partner with brands like Toys"R"Us Canada to raise awareness and funding for this important cause."

About Toys"R"Us Canada
Since 1984, Toys"R"Us Canada has been Canada's leading specialty retailer and trend authority of toys and baby products. The company brings national brands, exclusive products, innovative loyalty programs and unique partnerships to Canadians at its 82 stores across Canada and through its e-commerce sites Toysrus.ca and Babiesrus.ca. Committed to giving back, the company focuses its community efforts on supporting children and their families. Toys"R"Us Canada is a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. 

About Childhood Cancer Canada
Childhood Cancer Canada creates victories for Canadian children with cancer through investment in national, collaborative, lifesaving research, empowering education and community programs. The organization's goal is to find a cure for all childhood cancers.

SOURCE Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd.