CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish Unveils 47th Annual Campaign to Help Give A Kid A Christmas!

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TORONTO (November 18, 2013) – 104.5 CHUM FM and CP24 proudly launch the 47^th annual CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish campaign, kicking off today with a generous $10,000 RBC Foundation donation. Running through Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 12 noon, listeners and fans of 104.5 CHUM FM, CP24 and TSN Radio 1050 are encouraged to make a toy or financial donation at any RBC branch across the GTA, in the lobby of CP24 and CHUM headquarters (299 Queen Street W.), or at the Wish Warehouse (1366 Blundell Road in Mississauga). Financial donations can be also made online through the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, with proceeds distributed among registered agencies to provide a “holiday experience” – such as dinners and celebrations to children and families in need. All financial donations of $20 and greater are eligible for an income tax receipt.

The CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish is one of the largest distributors of toys to children in need in the Greater Toronto Area. The program provides financial assistance to hundreds of charitable organizations, social services agencies, churches, and community centres. In 2012, The Wish, in conjunction with Toronto Social Services, supported approximately 300,000 individuals through toy and financial assistance. 

To kick-off this year’s CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, RBC will host the RBC Toy Blitz Day today at the opening of its 200^th branch location in the GTA at Bay and Dundas. To celebrate, RBC will serve refreshments as they accept toys today for The Wish at GTA branches, and the first 200 visitors to make a donation at the Bay and Dundas store will receive a Chocolate Bear courtesy of Lindt Chocolates.

“The CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish harnesses the spirit of giving that Torontonians have demonstrated year after year, making the holidays brighter for families in need,” said Chris Gordon, President, Bell Media Radio and President of the CHUM Charitable Foundation. “We are honoured to maintain this annual tradition, bringing back hallmark events like the CHUM FM Wish Breakfast, and launching new and exciting opportunities for our dedicated listeners and viewers across the GTA to come out and show their holiday spirit by generously supporting a great cause.”

Debuting this year, CP24 hosts Wish Wednesdays, kicking off Wednesday, Nov. 20, and continuing each Wednesday through Dec. 18. Stephen LeDrew hosts the weekly segment, which unites members of the Bell Media team, as they rally together in support of The Wish with unique weekly activities to generate and encourage toy and financial donations. As a proud partner of The Wish, Panera Bread will cater lunch for all Wish Wednesdays participants each week throughout the campaign.

On Friday, Dec. 13, CHUM FM’s Wish Breakfast returns with exclusive performances and special guests at the Park Hyatt Hotel. Hosted by 104.5 CHUM FM’s Roger, Darren & Marilyn, the live breakfast broadcast takes place from 5:30 – 9 a.m. CHUM FM will announce performance details and ticket prices on Monday, Nov. 25.

The CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish would like to thank the generosity of their community partners: RBC Royal Bank, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Lindt Chcolates, Panera Bread, and LoyaltyOne, owner and operator of the AIR MILES Reward Program.

About the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish
The CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish was originally established in 1966 as CHUM’s Kid’s Crusade Foundation, for the purpose of assisting children in need and children’s charities. In 1973, the name was changed to the CHUM Charitable Foundation in order to broaden the scope of the foundation’s work, including the increase in requests for financial assistance from adults in need. In 2008, the program became known as the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. For more details on CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, please visit www.thewish.ca. 

About CP24
CP24 is Toronto’s source for breaking news. Available on multiple platforms including television, web, and mobile, CP24 is the GTA’s #1 destination for news, weather and traffic. CP24 is the most-followed newsroom in Canada via its Twitter handle @CP24. CP24 also delivers information on the move with the CP24 traffic app. CP24 has been honoured numerous times by the RTDNA – the association of electronic journalists – including, most recently, Best Spot News in 2012, the Gordon Sinclair Award in 2010, and the Use of New Media Award in 2009. CP24 is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. 

About Bell Media Radio

Bell Media Radio is Canada’s top ranked radio broadcaster, with 107 licensed radio stations in 55 markets across Canada, including Virgin Radio, Canada’s #1 ranked contemporary hit radio network, along with top brands TSN, CHUM FM, and EZ Rock. Recognizing the diversity of each market it serves, Bell Media Radio has a strong reputation for providing exemplary service to these communities and is a leader in innovative programming. In addition to music, news, weather, and sports, listeners also tune-in for information on local politics, events, entertainment, and other community issues. Across Canada, Bell Media Radio is the largest radio provider and is ranked first in people reached and hours tuned.

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For more information, contact:
Kerstin van Bolderen, Bell Media, 416.384.6838 or kerstin.vanbolderen@bellmedia.ca
Patricia Garcia, Bell Media, 416.384.2645 or patricia.garcia@bellmedica.ca