Rogers Wireless helps Jays Care Foundation launch innovative donation campaign

Rogers to match every $5.00 donation made via text message

TORONTO, Sept. 25 /CNW/ – In conjunction with Rogers Wireless and Mobile Giving Foundation, Jays Care Foundation is giving supporters a simple, new option to contribute to its efforts in improving the lives of children and youth in need in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Beginning tonight with Jays Care’s mobile giving campaign launch at Rogers Centre and on Rogers Sportsnet, Blue Jays fans can make a $5.00 donation to Jays Care by sending the text message “CARE” to short code 20222. The donation will appear as a line item on the customer’s next wireless bill.

In addition, Rogers will match every $5.00 donation made by a Rogers Wireless or Fido customer during the September 25th game.

In support of one of the first mobile giving campaigns to take place in Canada, All-Star Second baseman Aaron Hill and a Jays Care Foundation Grand Slam Grant recipient will walk fans through the process of making a donation. In the near future, fans will also have the opportunity to opt in to receiving regular updates about the impact Jays Care is making in the lives of children and youth from across the GTA.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Jays Care to connect with donors” says Danielle Silverstein, Executive Director of Jays Care Foundation. “We’re very thankful to Rogers Wireless and Mobile Giving Foundation for providing this innovative and easy way for donors to get involved with Jays Care.”

“As a company that is committed to investing in our communities, Rogers is thrilled to team up with the Jays Care Foundation to help facilitate fundraising efforts for kids and youth in need,” says John Boynton, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Rogers Wireless. “By enabling mobile giving via text messaging, we are giving Rogers Wireless and Fido customers the power to make a difference right at their fingertips.”

The funds raised by Jays Care Foundation are committed to initiatives and programs that improve the lives of kids in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, including:

-  Encouraging kids to get physically active through youth baseball
       initiatives;
    -  Providing grants to local charities serving children in need;
    -  Funding capital projects that create safe youth spaces where kids can
       play, learn, and grow; and
    -  Partnering to provide important educational opportunities for at-risk
       youth.

For more information about Jays Care Foundation’s mobile giving campaign, visit www.bluejays.com/jayscare or call (416)341-1456. For more information on mobile giving, please visit www.mobilegiving.org.