UPS Canada and the Toronto Blue Jays™ team up to deliver holiday happiness
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - UPS® (NYSE:UPS), official sponsor of the Toronto Blue Jays, surprised a handful of unsuspecting youth at Rogers Centre™ delivering Toronto Blue Jays first baseman, Chris Colabello.
Four children from Jays Care Foundation's Rookie League program from the Boys and Girls Club of Durham were told they were getting a tour of Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, but it was much more than your average public tour.
Kaylyn Morris guided the children to the Toronto Blue Jays' clubhouse to experience firsthand what it feels like to be in the team's locker room. Just as they were starting to feel like they were part of the team, in walks in Colabello.
"It was so cool to be in the Jays locker room, especially when Chris Colabello surprised us," said Alex Kinsey. "He was so nice and showed us the different parts of the Rogers Centre. I'll never forget it!"
Colabello continued to lead the group on a private behind-the-scenes tour of where the players gear-up, warm-up, and rest-up. The tour went on to include a visit to the Toronto Blue Jays' batting cages - rarely open to the public - where the group played catch and got some first-hand tips from the pro. Next, the group had the chance to be technical operators in the video control room where they got an exclusive look at how television broadcasting and game entertainment work at Rogers Centre. In addition to the VIP tour, the young fans received personalized jerseys and merchandise signed by the star. Colabello stuck around to hang out with the children in the Jays Care Community Clubhouse, a luxury double-suite at Rogers Centre, and challenged them to a digital home run battle.
"I had a great time assisting with such a special experience for the whole group," said Chris Colabello. "I love this city – this country! – and am always thankful for opportunities to give back to those within it."
Participants from Jays Care's Rookie League program were selected due to their athletic and educational achievements through Rookie League's baseball programming. Rookie League operates in 35 Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Canada, made possible through annual grants and training provided by Jays Care, and uses baseball to teach the important life lessons one learns through sport. Additionally, the United Way, a foundation that UPS supports both nationally and internationally, partners with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to make a positive difference to young people in communities across Canada.
"We're thrilled to help provide a unique experience at the Rogers Centre for a special group of children," said Mark Tabor, vice-president of marketing, UPS Canada. "Our sponsorship with the Toronto Blue Jays has always been based on shared values, one of which includes giving back to our communities. We're grateful our partnership allowed us to do just that in time for the holiday season."
The video of the surprise delivery debuted on the Toronto Blue Jays website today and can be viewed here.
Share the experience and follow the conversation on Twitter @UPS_Canada, @BlueJays and @JaysCare using the hashtag #ColabellosClubtour.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the environment and the communities we serve around the world. Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.
Image with caption: "UPS delivers Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Chris Colabello. Chris hangs out with fans from Jays Care Foundations Rookie League program from the Boys and Girls Club of Durham after a special behind-the-scenes tour of Rogers Centre. (CNW Group/UPS Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151216_C6226_PHOTO_EN_565581.jpg
Lisa Canzona, UPS Canada, 905-676-1708, [email protected]
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