May 12, 2017, WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce a new partnership with Perimeter Aviation and Exchange Income Corporation, allowing for chartered flights to bring up to 45 youth and members from First Nations communities to enjoy a VIP experience at every Blue Bomber home game this year. This new program supports the Northern Manitoba communities’ Suicide Prevention and Stay in School initiatives as a reward for leadership and favourable school attendance.
“We’re thrilled to launch a program that will eliminate barriers for First Nations youth to take part in positive experiences and opportunities,” said Wade Miller, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “We’d like to thank Perimeter Aviation and Exchange Income Corporation for their leadership and commitment to giving back to the areas they serve in Northern Manitoba, and partnering with us on this initiative.”
The experience will include a dedicated charter flight, private transportation and pick-up by the Bombers at the Perimeter Winnipeg airport, a reserved section of seats at Investors Group Field with video board recognition, meals and snacks during the game, and a meet and greet with Bomber players on the field at the end of the game. For evening games, hotel accommodations will be provided for the youth and chaperones.
As a part of the partnership, Matt Nichols and fellow player ambassadors will also visit one of the communities (selected through a contest) to deliver Blue Bombers Care school programming in the Spring of 2018, modeled after the visit to Thompson and Wabowden earlier this year.
“We are very proud to be a partner in this exciting initiative,” said Nick Vodden, President of Perimeter Aviation. “As part of our corporate social responsibilities, we promote Suicide Prevention, Staying in School and Healthy Living; our partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers aligns perfectly with those values and we feel the youth benefiting from this program will be greatly motivated and inspired. As an organization, we look forward to continuing providing assistance to the communities we serve.”
Participating communities for the 2017 season are: St. Theresa Point, Garden Hill, Red Sucker Lake, Wasagamack, Oxford House, God’s Lake Narrows, Gods River, Shamattawa, Norway House, Cross Lake, Sandy Lake, Lac Brochet, Tadoule Lake and Brochet. All communities will attend a “draft dinner” in May hosted by the Bombers at Investors Group Field to determine the schedule of games and distribution of tickets.
“When I first heard about youth having this opportunity to see a professional football team up close and personal, I thought what a positive event for these young people. They will remember it forever,” said Chief Ted Bland, Chairperson of Keewatin Tribal Council.
