Toronto Argonauts Donate $4 Million To SickKids Foundation
Published on May 23, 2007 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
TORONTO, ON, Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - Two pillars of Toronto's cultural landscape came together today to announce a new partnership. The Toronto Argonauts Football Club (Argos) and SickKids Foundation teamed up to form an alliance which will see the team donate $4 million to the Foundation. This partnership is a strong part of the Argos' commitment to the Toronto community as Argos players will form ongoing relationships with SickKids patients and their parents. As part of this new partnership, SickKids Foundation has been named the official charitable partner for the 2007 Grey Cup being held in Toronto, November 25, 2007.
"We are really excited that the Argos have stepped forward in a big way and are showing their commitment to SickKids," said Stephen Green, Board of Directors, SickKids Foundation. "It is donations from our friends and supporters like the Argos that make SickKids a world leader in children's health and the Argos have shown that they are a world-class sports organization in the process."
David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, the owners of the Toronto Argonauts, commented, "As Toronto's leading community team, we are thrilled to partner with such a world-class hospital which touches the lives of so many people in our community. We look forward to a long and productive association with SickKids Foundation and to doing great work with them through this donation, awareness and signature programs."
More than a donation, SickKids Foundation and the Argos are collaborating on unique, community-based initiatives including a SickKids Game Day, online auctions and a player ambassador program. SickKids Game Day is set for September 23, 2007, where patients and families will be invited to cheer on the Argos against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Five of the largest Argos players have been named SickKids ambassadors this season including, Jonathan Brown, Chad Folk, Jeff Keeping, Jude St. John and rookie Brian Ramsay. The "Big Men, Big Hearts" program, in conjunction with "Kids Believe in SickKids", a program that reflects the importance of children supporting others, will be instrumental in motivating kids to get involved. The largest members of the Argos will help support some of the smallest members of the community through hospital visits, assistance with Foundation events, participation in the SickKids awards ceremony, school presentations and messages of inspiration.
As the official charitable partner of the 2007 Grey Cup, the first Grey Cup game to be played in Toronto in 15 years, members of the competing teams and other CFL players will visit the hospital during the week leading up to the game. Additionally, several events will be held during the Grey Cup festival to benefit SickKids Foundation.
In celebration of this new partnership, SickKids Foundation has named the green space in front of the hospital on University Avenue the "Toronto Argonauts Children's Plaza".
For more information on all SickKids Foundation fundraising initiatives visit: www.sickkidsfoundation.com.
Canadian Football League Stories from May 23, 2007
- Defensive Lineman Sheldon Napastuk retires and Receiver Elijah Thurmon released - Calgary Stampeders
- Toronto Argonauts Donate $4 Million To SickKids Foundation - Toronto Argonauts
- Riders add three more to roster - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Lefsrud back with Eskimos - Edmonton Elks
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