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.