Olympia Sports gives 'a chance for kids'

Date: 9/17/2012

EAST LONGMEADOW – Through Oct. 7, Olympia Sports customers can help fight childhood cancers by giving $1 to the Jimmy Fund through the A Chance for Kids program. The store chain's goal is to raise more than $75,000 for pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

With each contribution, customers will receive a promotion card guaranteed to be a winner with prizes ranging from all-inclusive resort vacations, airline tickets, theme park admissions, and merchandise discounts at Olympia Sports, Aubuchon Hardware, and on Burger King food.

"While they are many great causes to support, the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute stand alone. Olympia Sports is proud to play a small part in their efforts to treatpediatric cancer," Ed Manganello, president of Olympia Sports, said.

Local Olympia Sports stores participating include Heritage Park Plaza, 446 N Main St.

Now celebrating its 13th anniversary, the A Chance for Kids program has raised more than $10.9 million for pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic. The innovative research benefits young cancer patients at Dana-Farber as well as patients around the world.

This is Olympia Sports fifth year of participating in A Chance for Kids and they have raised more than $255,000 since 2008. Stores in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia will be part of this year's program. Also participating are Burger King restaurants, and Aubuchon Hardware stores.