Latest news with #JaysCareFoundation
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
MBI Brands Announces Partnership with Jays Care Foundation to Empower Canadian Youth
TORONTO, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - MBI Brands, the parent company of Mary Brown's Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito, is proud to announce their partnership with Jays Care Foundation for 2025. This collaboration underscores MBI Brands' commitment to supporting Canadian youth through inclusive, accessible sports programming that builds confidence, resilience, and community. As part of this partnership, MBI Brands will host the 3rd Annual MBI Brands Golf Day on July 22nd. All net proceeds from Golf Day will be donated to Jays Care. Additionally, Jays Care Day will take place on September 17, where a portion of proceeds from Mary Brown's Chicken sales will be donated to support Jays Care programs. "At MBI Brands, we believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us for over 56 years," said Kala Patel, Vice President of Marketing, MBI Brands. "Our partnership with Jays Care Foundation helps ensure that thousands of kids across Canada have the chance to grow, play, and dream big on the field and beyond. We're honoured to stand alongside Jays Care Foundation to help build a more inclusive future for Canadian youth." With MBI Brands' support, Jays Care Foundation is empowering more than 59,000 children and youth nationwide through baseball programs that build confidence and create lasting opportunities. This includes nearly 15,000 kids living with disabilities in Challenger Baseball, almost 14,000 girls in Girls At Bat, and more than 6,200 Indigenous youth through Indigenous Rookie League. Jays Care has also invested more than $20 million to build or refurbish more than 230 community diamonds, giving kids safe, welcoming spaces to play and grow. "Jays Care is deeply grateful to MBI Brands for their generous support," said Peter King, Acting Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation. "With their partnership, thousands of youth across Canada will gain access to baseball programming that helps build self-esteem, self-confidence, and resiliency. Together, we're creating more inclusive opportunities for kids to thrive on and off the field." MBI Brands invites Canadians to join them in making a difference by supporting Jays Care Day at Mary Brown's Chicken restaurants across Canada on September 17 and help open doors for youth nationwide. About Mary Brown's Chicken: Mary Brown's Chicken has over 280 locations across Canada and is growing. The brand is 100 per cent Canadian-owned, being first established in St. John's Newfoundland in 1969. Mary Brown's is renowned for its Big Mary ®, named Canada's Best Chicken Sandwich, and made-fresh methodology including hand cutting and hand breading its Signature Chicken and Taters from farm-fresh Canadian ingredients. Mary Brown's Chicken has achieved 19 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, earned the Canadian Franchise Association's Franchisees' Choice Designation for 15 straight years, and holds a Platinum designation with Canada's Best Managed Companies. The company's first international locations opened in 2024, and outside of Canada, Mary Brown's Chicken operates in Mexico, the UK, India, and Pakistan. Connect with Mary Brown's Chicken on social YouTube: @marybrownsofficial Instagram: @marybrownsofficial Facebook: @marybrowns TikTok: @marybrownschicken About Jays Care Foundation: Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, runs baseball for development programming for more than 59,000 children and youth across Canada. Jays Care's core programs are focused on reaching kids facing the most significant barriers to sport participation, including children living with disabilities, girls without access to sport, Indigenous youth, and kids living in under resourced communities. Through its Field Of Dreams program, Jays Care has also invested more than $20 million into building or refurbishing more than 230 community baseball diamonds across the country.
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Longue Sault Public School hosts Girls at Bat
Longue Sault Public School hosted a Girls at Bat event, inviting students from Laggan Public School to come learn to play baseball. Jen Carr, principal at Longue Sault P.S. said the program is designed to offer anyone identifying as a girl, and facing barriers to participation in sport, the opportunity to play. 'Baseball/softball is used as the vehicle to enhance four main program objectives: connection, courage, leadership and love of sport,' said Jen Carr. Laggan Public School and Longue Sault Public School were the only two schools participating in the program locally. Laggan Public School offered the program to most of its students, while Longue Sault ran the program for students in Grades 4 to 6. Students taking part had varying degrees of skill playing baseball, but the program is designed to teach children with experience playing or if it's their first time at bat. Studies show that less than 30 per cent of Canadian youth are participating in the daily recommended amount of physical activity and sport, instead spending too much time in front of computer or television screens. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 should be participating in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. While it's easy to find things to do outside in the summer, like play baseball, winter in Canada can include outdoor sports like hockey, skating and skiing. Indoor year-round activities can include yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming and scavenger hunts to help keep kids active. Effects of the pandemic continue to be felt with some youth not returning to their previous activity or sport and even climate-change with rising temperatures, poor air quality & unpredictable weather has affected access to physical activity by limiting outdoor time. Additionally, children of low-income neighbourhoods are more reliant on accessing parks, sidewalks and close-to-home outdoor recreation areas for their physical activities, play and involvement in sports. Without establishing good physical activity habits in children and youth, the risk of developing health issues increases. Obesity, poor heart health, weaker muscles with decreased flexibility and a higher chance of chronic disease in later life are all at risk without being physically active. The Jays Care Foundation, part of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, was established in 1992 to increase youth access to sport through programs & grants as part of the efforts to circumvent the declining physical activity of children. The Jays Care Foundation provided the schools participating in the Girls at Bat program with a kit that included a manual, gloves, bats, helmets, bases, t-ball stand, t-shirts and ball caps for everyone. And while the program is called 'Girls at Bat', in an effort to be inclusive, boys from the schools helped by being umpires and base coaches. To date, there have been 490 Girls at Bat program sites in Canada with over 13,000 girls participating in learning to play baseball. Girls at Bat tries to remove the barriers for girls, and those that identify as girls, from playing baseball. These barriers include the game being too competitive, girls having a perceived lack of skill, a limited access to opportunity and a low confidence level in girls. By creating spaces that empower participants to feel included, schools and communities can increase physical activity and participation. Whatever the skill level of players, positive reinforcement helps to build confidence and encourages a positive attitude towards being involved in sports. According to Jen Carr, principal at Longue Sault Public School, the program fosters collaboration, teamwork and a whole lot of fun for everyone. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
George Springer's bowling fundraiser brings out his Blue Jays teammates
On April 16, Toronto's Ballroom Bowl was the site of George Springer's 3rd Annual Bowling Benefit for the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) and Jays Care Foundation, presented by TD. Guests raised important funds to provide advocacy and life-changing programs for young people who stutter, and to give more than 59,000 kids across Canada access to baseball programs. Along with his teammates, corporate sponsors and guests, Springer is helping to create a future where all young people are celebrated.
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Strathroy Inaugurates Revitalized Baseball Diamond
STRATHROY – Despite a chilly afternoon that felt more like late autumn than spring, spirits were high on Saturday, May 24, as the community gathered at Yorkview Community Park to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new baseball diamond. The event, which included a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial first pitches, marked the completion of a year-long revitalization project made possible through a $125,000 grant from the Jays Care Foundation's Field of Dreams program, with support from TD Bank. Hosted by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, the opening was both a celebration of sport and a tribute to the power of local collaboration. Paul Lattimore, Supervisor of Recreation, Programs and Community Liaison for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the community's enthusiasm and involvement. 'We are here to share an exciting milestone for the Jays Care Foundation Field of Dreams program,' he said, referencing the initiative that helped make the new diamond possible. He also noted the significance of the project in strengthening local recreation opportunities. The improvements at Yorkview Park are the result of a successful grant application submitted by the municipality in 2024. The funding enabled the complete renovation of diamond #3, enhancing both the playability and accessibility of the space for local youth and families. Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham kept his remarks brief but heartfelt. 'This is a great facility. This is commendable to Strathroy, and it just adds to the compliment of recreation that we have,' he said. He also took a moment to thank Jays Care, TD Bank, and the many municipal staff who brought the project to life. Jason Turnbull, President of the Strathroy Royals Minor Baseball Association, underscored the importance of the project for local youth. 'Fields like this one are more than just diamonds, they are safe spaces where kids learn confidence, resilience and teamwork,' he said. Turnbull noted that the association chose to hold its inaugural 'Baseball Day in Strathroy' alongside the ribbon-cutting. TD Bank, the title sponsor of the Field of Dreams program, was represented by Rocco Di Cicco, District Vice President of Three Lakes Counties. 'At TD, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,' he said. 'Congratulations to the municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, its residents and all other baseball and community associations that will benefit from this incredible space.' Although representatives from Jays Care Foundation were unable to attend, their presence was felt through Blue Jays-themed hats handed out to children at the event. The ceremony concluded with three ceremonial first pitches, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for baseball in Strathroy. As players took the field, the message was clear: this diamond is more than a playing surface—it's a home for future memories, teamwork, and community connection.
CBC
09-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
C.B.S. Baseball building accessible ‘Field of Dreams' with help from the Blue Jays
Young baseball players in Conception Bay South are hoping they'll soon have some new teammates and more fans in the stands, thanks to the Toronto Blue Jays. C.B.S. is one of 15 winners of a Jays Care Foundation 'Field of Dreams' grant, which helps make local baseball fields more accessible and inclusive. See the work that's already begun.
