WINNIPEG, MB., June 23, 2017 – Thirty children from Big Brothers Big Sisters across Manitoba are sleeping over at Investors Group Field tonight (Friday) for the fourth annual Dream Big Experience with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Dufresne Furniture & Appliances. Youth from Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Morden & Winkler will have a night of fun on the field, watch a movie on the video boards, and have a pizza party with Bomber players. In the morning, the children will find out they get to keep the beds they’ve slept on.
“We’re so honoured to partner with community members like the Bombers to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity to these 30 amazing kids,” said Kraig Hickel, Vice President, Dufresne Furniture & Appliances. “Our hope is this event will inspire them to dream big and reach towards their full potential as they benefit from a better night’s sleep in their brand new beds.”
The Dream Big Experience includes:
- A sleepover kit complete with a personal Bombers jersey, a Bombers hat, t-shirt and pajamas.
- On-field activities with Bomber players, members of the Cheer & Dance Team, and mascots
- A pizza party and movie night on the video boards
- A sleepover on beds provided by Dufresne Furniture & Appliances
- The surpriseat breakfast the next morning: everyone gets to take home their brand new mattresses, box springs and bedding.
“Our agency is thrilled to once again participate in the Dufresne Dream Big Experience,” said Greg Unger, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg. “We’re also excited to have children and youth from the Portage la Prairie and Morden/Winkler agencies join us for the first time. This event is incredibly special to our mentees and their families in many ways, and we are very thankful for the continued support of Dufresne and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.”
In addition to this event, Dufresne Furniture & Appliances and the Bombers host a Big Brothers Big Sister pair at each home game in the Better Game Seats Experience VIP area at the 55-yard line, and invite all youth attending the Dream Big Sleepover to attend the home opener with their families.
“We are thrilled to host the largest group of youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters across Manitoba since starting this project four years ago,” said Wade Miller President & CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “Providing mentorship and opportunities for youth beyond the perimeter is at the heart of our Blue Bombers Care mission, and this event is an incredibly special one for our team.”
Media are invited to attend all parts of the Dream Big Experience. All of the children will have signed release forms allowing them to appear on camera.
The children will arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with on-field activities starting at 6:15 p.m. At 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Dufresne will make the surprise announcement about the bed donation.
Media wishing to attend any portion of the event should contact Hannah Pratt at 204-612-4941 or by email at hpratt@bluebombers.com to confirm details.
