Luke Fritz and Winnipeg Harvest Win CFL Pepsi Refresh Project
Published on November 24, 2010 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Harvest are proud to announce that offensive lineman Luke Fritz has been named the winner of the CFL's Pepsi Refresh Project and $50,000 will be donated to the Hunger for Hope initiative on behalf of Pepsi.
Fritz was among eight CFL players to partner with the Pepsi Refresh Project to come up with "refreshing" ideas to make Canada a better place. The coveted grant will go to Fritz's charity of choice, Winnipeg Harvest, to support the Hunger for Hope program, which supplies infant formula to thousands of babies in Manitoba who would otherwise go hungry. All other seven participating CFL players will receive a $2,000 grant to support their charities.
As well, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg announced earlier this week that they would donate an extra $10,000 if Fritz won, so the total amount of money that will go towards Hunger for Hope is $60,000.
Over the course of the CFL play-off season as excitement was building toward Grey Cup weekend, the field of eight team players was reduced to four, then two, and now the reigning champ who will be crowned this weekend.
"This grant represents a big win off the field because giving back to the community is what it's all about. I'm so grateful to PepsiCo Canada for providing the grant, and I can't thank voters enough for supporting my idea," said Luke Fritz, offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. "No child, and certainly no baby, should ever go hungry, and this grant will help make sure that doesn't happen.
In the final two showdown, Fritz was pitted against Saskatchewan Roughrider Rob Bagg whose idea was to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. The two players went head-to-head campaigning for votes from their fans. As runner-up, Bagg's charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, will receive a $2,000 Pepsi Refresh grant for diabetes research. Bagg's younger sister has juvenile diabetes.
"Kudos to Luke, to Rob, to all the other participating players, to PepsiCo Canada and to the fans for setting an incredible example for all of Canada to witness," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. "The CFL couldn't be more proud to have participated in this initiative. Our players are more than great athletes. They also understand the importance of contributing to the community. Well done, and congratulations to all."
"What an incredible way to add another level of excitement to the CFL play-offs as these eight players stepped up to set an example for us all," said Dale Hooper, Vice President Marketing, PepsiCo Beverages Canada. "Luke earned the distinction as the Do Good Champion, but all eight players are winners and the Pepsi Refresh Project thanks each one of them for leading the way toward a better Canada."
Canadian Football League Stories from November 24, 2010
- Mike McCullough Honoured With Inaugural Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award - CFL
- Luke Fritz and Winnipeg Harvest Win CFL Pepsi Refresh Project - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Stamps Offer Heritage Classic Tickets to Season-Ticket Holders - Calgary Stampeders
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