Schneiders Gives Little Leaguers a Surprise Taste of the Big Leagues

TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Kids who grow up playing baseball dream of making it to the big leagues.  Recently, Schneiders decided to make that dream come true for a few little leaguers years ahead of schedule.

Maple Leaf Foods has released a heart-warming video, A Taste of the Big Leagues, which tells the story of how Schneiders, in partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays, surprised two little league teams, the Scarborough Stingers and the North York Blues, with a once-in-a-life-time big league experience.

With the support of more than 300 volunteers including Maple Leaf employees, food vendors and production staff, the big league experience was made possible. The baseball diamond was upgraded, ACE (the Blue Jays' Mascot) was on-hand, there were play-by-play announcers, scores of fans, and Schneiders hot dogs and sausages.

The video can be viewed on Schneiders' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dPGnaNLDhk

Cam Chee-Alloy, a nine-year-old player with the Scarborough Stingers, described his experience: "Mommy, do you think that's what the Blue Jays players feel like? I mean, everyone cheering for you and wanting you to do well? It makes you feel like a hero, and like you want to try with your whole heart to do well, even though you know you may not win. That was the best sports experience of my life. My whole team felt special."

"The Taste of the Big Leagues video reminds us of the inspirational and heartwarming feeling we get when we see kids' dreams come true," said Adam Grogan, Senior Vice President, Maple Leaf Foods. "We hope it's an experience they'll always remember."

On Aug. 10, 2014, the Toronto Blue Jays and Schneiders invited the two teams to the Rogers Centre to take part in the Toronto Blue Jays game against the Detroit Tigers. The Taste of the Big Leagues video was played on the main videoboard and the little league players were recognized on the field during the pre-game ceremonies.

Maple Leaf Foods is Canada's leading consumer packaged meats company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. We make high-quality, great tasting, nutritious and innovative food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf^®, Maple Leaf Prime^®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections^®, Schneiders^®, Schneiders Country Naturals^® and Mina™. The Company employs approximately 11,500 people in its operations across Canada and exports to more than 20 global markets including the U.S. and Asia.

SOURCE: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

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