TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 25, 2016) - Kids Help Phone's Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO marks 15 years of fundraising at this year's May 1st events. As Canada's largest charity walk in support of children and youth, and with new sites added this year, the annual event is expected to bring together thousands of Canadians for the cause at 35 locations across the country.
Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 counselling and information service for youth, offering free, bilingual, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling from professionally qualified staff. Much of the revenue needed to maintain this valuable service is raised through the annual walk.
"From the inception of Kids Help Phone, BMO has been a proud partner helping to raise awareness for this great cause," said Gilles Ouellette, Wealth Management Group Head, BMO Financial Group. "As that tradition continues into our fourth year as presenting sponsor for Walk so Kids Can Talk, it only becomes more meaningful to see the growth of the communities coming together to join us, and the impact the Walk has for so many youth across the country."
In addition to community support, the event attracts Canadian star power for the cause, with appearances from athletes, musicians and actors. Notably this year, singer Nikki Y. and media personality Marie-Claude Savard will emcee the Toronto and Montreal walk locations respectively.
"The Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO raises essential funds to ensure Kids Help Phone is always open for kids," says Sharon Wood, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "Kids are dealing with more complex issues than ever before and need our help to safely navigate the complex road to adulthood. As a charity, we need donations to help make sure young people can always reach professional counselling and online support when they need it most. By raising money through the Walk, you are directly helping young people develop their skills and build strengths that will enable them to deal with life's challenges and stay safe from harm."
For those who are interested in making a contribution or signing up for this year's Walk, please visit http://walksokidscantalk.ca/ to register or donate, and join the social conversation using #KidsHelpPhoneWalk.
LOCATIONS
WHEN: Sunday, May 1, 2016
| PROVINCE | ADDRESS | REGISTRATION | WALK START* |
| Alberta | Festival Market - Eau Claire Plaza | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
| Hawrelak Park | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| British Columbia | Aldergrove Lake Regional Park | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
| Waterfront Park Rhapsody Plaza | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| Country Club Centre | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| David Lam Park | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| Polson Park | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| Braefoot Elementary School | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| Manitoba | University of Winnipeg - Duckworth Centre | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Bowring Park - Bungalow | 11:00 a.m. | Noon |
| Cornerbrook - | 2:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. | |
| New Brunswick | Wilmot Park | 12:00 noon | 1:00 p.m. |
| Mapleton Park & Rotary Pavilion | 12:00 noon | 1:00 p.m. | |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax Emera Oval | 12:00 noon | 1:00 p.m. |
| Ontario | Southshore Community Centre | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. |
| Kingston Park | 9:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Bay Ridges Kinsman Park | 10:00 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| F.H. Sherman Recreation Park | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Lemoine Point Conservation Area | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Waterloo Region Museum & Doon Heritage Village | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Thames Park | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Streetsville Memorial Park | 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Jaycee Gardens Park | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Andrew Haydon Park | 8:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Harrison Park | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Nicholls Oval Pavilion | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Canatara Park - Seaway Kiwanis | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Woodbine Park | 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Derwent Park | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Boyd Conservation Area | 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | |
| Prince Edward Island | UPEI, Alumni Canada Games Centre, | 12:00 noon | 1:00 p.m. |
| Rodd Mill River Resort | 12:00 noon | 1:00 p.m. | |
| Quebec | Angrignon Park | 8:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. |
| Saskatchewan | University of Regina, Riddell Centre | 10:00 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. |
| Saskatoon Fieldhouse | 10:00 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. |
*All times local