CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish Unveils 49th Annual Campaign Bringing Christmas to Kids and Families Across the GTA

TORONTO (November 16, 2015) – With less than six weeks until Christmas Day arrives, CP24 and 104.5 CHUM FM proudly announce the launch of the 49th annual CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish campaign, kicking off today with a generous donation of $20,000 from the RBC Foundation. Listeners and viewers of 104.5 CHUM FM and CP24 can take part in the campaign, running now through Thursday December 24 at 12 noon ET, by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy or making a financial donation at any RBC branch across the GTA, in the lobby of CP24 and CHUM FM headquarters (299 Queen Street W., Toronto), or at the Wish Warehouse (1366 Blundell Road, Mississauga). To kick off this year’s CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, the first 200 people to make a financial donation of $20.00 or more at CP24 and 104.5 CHUM headquarters today will receive a holiday gift set courtesy of The Body Shop. Financial donations can also be made online through the TheWish.ca, as well as by texting WISH to 30333 to make a $10 donation, with all funds distributed among participating registered agencies. Donations are channeled toward providing a “holiday experience,” such as dinner gatherings and celebrations, to children and families in need. All financial donations of $20 or more are eligible for an income tax receipt. Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association are very happy to partner with the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish for a 5th year in a row. Now until December 15, bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of Honda’s 78 Ontario automobile dealerships to donate to the Wish and you will receive a ballot for a chance to win a silver 2016 Honda Civic EX sedan, with the winner to be announced on CP24 Breakfast. “Torontonians have stepped up year after year to make holidays brighter for families in need, demonstrating their tremendous generosity that exemplifies the spirit of giving,” said David Corey, Vice-President, Programming, Bell Media Radio. “We are honoured to uphold this tradition that unites our dedicated listeners and viewers across the GTA in giving back to the community in support of a great cause.” “Over the years, it has been heartwarming to witness the outpouring of generosity of Torontonians as they eagerly take part in the Wish Campaign,” said Joanne MacDonald, Vice-President, CTV News. “We are thankful to our listeners and viewers for joining us in bringing joy to those less fortunate during the holiday season.” To kick off this year’s CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, CP24’s LIVE AT NOON will broadcast live from RBC’s WaterPark Place Branch (88 Queen’s Quay West), accepting toy and financial donations as well as highlighting campaign donor support. On Friday, Dec. 11, 104.5 CHUM FM’s Wish Breakfast event returns with exclusive performances and special guests from the Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Drive) in Mississauga. Hosted by 104.5 CHUM FM’s Roger & Marilyn, the live breakfast broadcast takes place from 5:30 – 9 a.m. Listeners can tune into 104.5 CHUM FM beginning Nov. 23 for performance details and ticket prices. Marking its third year of Wish Wednesdays, CP24’s weekly segment running Nov. 18 through to Dec. 16 features Bell Media employees joining forces to put the “fun” in fundraising by creating activities to encourage toy and financial donations in support of the campaign. As a proud partner of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, Panera Bread will cater lunch for all Wish Wednesday participants throughout the campaign. CP24 will also air Donor of the Day segments every day starting today through to December 23, spotlighting the many individuals, companies, and organizations who support the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. One of the largest distributors of toys to children in need in the Greater Toronto Area, the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish provides financial assistance to hundreds of charitable organizations, social services agencies, churches, and community centres. In 2014, with help from Royal Bank of Canada in conjunction with Toronto Social Services, the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish provided support to hundreds of thousands of individuals with toys and financial assistance. The CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish would like to acknowledge the generosity of community partners RBC Royal Bank, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Lindt Chocolates, LoyaltyOne, owner and operator of the AIR MILES Reward Program, and Honda Canada.