The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are asking fans to “Go Gold” on September 25th by wearing gold jerseys in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Gold is the symbol of the fight to end childhood (pediatric) cancers, which are diagnosed in 1500 kids each year.
This game will mark the third season the Bombers have supported Childhood Cancer Awareness month by partnering with Ribbons for Rylan, a non-profit organization that fundraises for CancerCare Manitoba Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital Foundation and The Dream Factory. This is the first year the team will ask fans to wear gold, while showing their own support through an addition to the Bombers uniform kit.
“For the first time, our team will wear a gold ribbon decal on their helmets to bring awareness to this worthwhile cause. We are thrilled to be able to support Childhood Cancer Awareness month in this way, and are confident fans will ‘Go Gold’ with us on September 25th,” said Hannah Rose Pratt, Winnipeg Blue Bombers Manager of Community Relations.
In addition to wearing gold jerseys, fans can support the campaign by purchasing a gold hat in the Bomber Store, as the Bombers will donate $5.00 from each gold hat purchased to Ribbons for Rylan. Ribbons for Rylan is a group of family and friends raising funds and awareness to help fight childhood cancers; Rylan was a special boy who was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer when he was one year old, and passed away just before his second birthday.
To further support the campaign to cure childhood cancers, the Bombers have donated 200 tickets to the September 25th home game to host families battling childhood cancers and life-threatening illnesses. The team visited the CK5 Pediatric Cancer ward at the Children’s Hospital on September 21st as a part of the Bombers’ regular monthly visits to meet families and sign autographs for children and youth who are hospitalized.
On Friday, The Dream Factory and Ribbons for Rylan will have Childhood Cancer Awareness tables in the Tailgate at the Plaza by Duraco Windows before the game (outside of Gate 2 at the corner of Chancellor Matheson Road and University Crescent), along with volunteers collecting donations throughout the stadium.
