CP and the CFL launch #BeautifulHearts campaign to raise awareness and funds for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
CALGARY, June 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific (CP) is partnering with the CFL to spread awareness across Canada about the importance of heart health while raising money for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute throughout the 2017 season and into the 105th Grey Cup in Ottawa.
To build awareness on the simple steps Canadians can take to prevent the risk of heart disease, fans are being challenged by a new CP Has Heart Family, consisting of 11 CFL players, alumni, general managers, owners and officials. The challenge is simple, describe what a beautiful heart means to you, and enter to win great prizes, including a grand prize trip to the 2017 Grey Cup in Ottawa.
Today, the now retired 104th Grey Cup Champion and MVP and CP Has Heart Family member Henry Burris kicked off the #BeautifulHearts campaign with a video showing his experience meeting Ottawa Heart Institute's ambassador Olivia Hiddema, who had her first open-heart surgery four days after her birth.
"The money that's hard-earned through the things that CP has done, especially with the CFL, helps bring exposure to the fight that we're all involved in," Burris said. "And for us to go visit places like the Ottawa Heart Institute to see the effects felt and the smiles we can put on their faces day-in and day-out we know that we've done our part. And the fact that we have people leading us and guiding us in the right direction is something that we truly cherish."
Every two weeks throughout the season, a new video from the CP Has Heart Family will be shared on social media, challenging fans and other players to rally for heart health. The family of ambassadors will also have another challenge for fans, with every share, "love" or retweet on Facebook and Twitter generating a $0.50 donation to the Ottawa Heart Institute from the CFL.
"CP is proud of our partnership with the CFL and the benefit our community partners receive from the passion of CFL fans," said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. "Heart health is an important cause and one that resonates with our CP family of nearly 12,000 railroaders. Having a beautiful heart means taking care of ourselves so we can be there for our loved ones, our friends, and our communities."
To enter the #BeautifulHearts contest, go to cfl.ca/contest, upload your selfie, decorate it with your favourite team's filter and chose your Beautiful Heart definition. One grand prize winner will win a trip for two to the 105th Grey Cup in Ottawa.
"The partnership between CP and the CFL is a longstanding and an important one that impacts our communities across Canada. We are so excited to kick off our 2017 season by inviting fans from coast-to-coast-to-coast to bring it in on such a critical initiative," added Tyler Mazereeuw, Vice-President, Corporate Partnerships, CFL.
To celebrate the 105th Grey Cup in Ottawa and Canada 150, CP is bringing Touchdowns for Heart to all Ottawa REDBLACKS home games, donating $1,000 to the Ottawa Heart Institute for each touchdown. During the playoffs, CP's donation to Ottawa Heart Institute will increase for any home team touchdown during round one and two and $10,000 per touchdown for either team at the Grey Cup.
Funds raised during the 2017 season, playoffs, Grey Cup and from the Beautiful Hearts campaign will support the Ottawa Heart Institute's new 145,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility which will increase their ability to serve the cardiac care needs of Canadians in our Nation's Capital, throughout Eastern Ontario, Nunavut and beyond.
"We are grateful to CP and to the CP Has Heart program for providing leadership and support for heart health in Ottawa and across Canada," said Jim Orban, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation President and CEO. "The Beautiful Hearts initiative will have a lasting effect in that it brings awareness towards a better understanding of heart health and it will provide crucial funds to support the Heart Institute's expansion, allowing us to provide life-changing cardiac care to more Canadians."
CP Has Heart's mission is to improve the heart health of men, women and children in North America. Through our partnership with the league and CP Has Heart, we can shine a spotlight on local charities that make a difference in the communities. Since 2014, $500,000 has been raised for local heart charities in host Grey Cup cities as a result of CP's efforts.
CP Has Heart Family:
- Henry Burris, Retired CFL Quarterback
- Wally Buono, Head Coach and GM, BC Lions
- Shamawd Chambers, Wide Receiver, Edmonton Eskimos
- Kavis Reed, GM, Montreal Alouettes
- Henoc Muamba, Linebacker, Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Jamaal Westerman, Defensive Lineman, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Rob Cote, Fullback, Calgary Stampeders
- Andre Proulx, Head Referee, CPFOA
- Zach Collaros, Quarterback, Hamilton Tigercats
- John Ruddy, Owner, Ottawa REDBLACKS
- Chris Van Zeyl, Offensive Lineman, Toronto Argonauts
The Beautiful Hearts campaign will also support the refurbishment of facilities that patients use every day at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and celebrate the resiliency and spirit of the human heart. CHEO is the official beneficiary of the 2017 CP Women's Open at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, August 21-27.
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.
CP Has Heart
At CP, we know that a railroad may serve as the arteries of a nation, but at its heart is community. That's why, through CP Has Heart, we've already committed more than $10 million to help improve the heart health of men, women and children across North America. And along the way, we're showing heart whenever we can. Find out more on www.cpr.ca or @CPhasHeart.
About the Canadian Football League
Today's CFL is more than just our great game of football. It's fans sharing their excitement for what they see on the field, and what they experience off it. Stay up to date on all the non-stop action at CFL.ca. And join all of Canada as we celebrate the 105th Grey Cup, presented by Shaw, next November in Ottawa.
About the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
We are Canada's foremost heart health centre dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national, and international communities as we pioneer a new era in heart health.
SOURCE Canadian Pacific
Jeremy Berry, Canadian Pacific, 403-319-6227, [email protected], [email protected]; Lianne Wand, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, 613-696-7250 / 613-282-5768, [email protected]
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