With the Grey Cup set to kick off in Winnipeg this Sunday, CFL players took time out of their championship preparations to visit children at HSC Children’s Hospital this week.
Eighteen Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) members stopped by the hospital to bring smiles, encouragement, and a touch of Grey Cup magic to kids receiving care. The players appeared on the hospital’s CHTV Good Day Show and made in-person visits to every ward, creating lasting memories for families and staff.
“CFLPA members are committed to Canadian communities and want everyone to feel the energy, excitement and sportsmanship of our game,” said David Mackie, CFLPA Executive Director said in a release. “We are pleased to be able to visit HSC Children’s Hospital in Manitoba, to meet the brave kids here and offer them a special CFL player experience.”
The visit was a collaborative effort between the CFLPA, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, and the hospital’s Child Life department. Hospital staff say the visit brought excitement and comfort to young patients.
“We know celebrations, purposeful activity and a sense of belonging are an important part of a child’s well-being and recovery,” said Laura Ebenspanger, manager of Patient Care – Ambulatory Care at HSC Children’s. “We welcome engaging activities, like this CFL players visit because it brings safe, joyful, meaningful experiences to patients and their families.”
Stefano Grande, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, echoed that appreciation. “We’re so thankful to these CFL sports heroes who have taken their time to show they care about kids in the hospital who can’t be out right now to enjoy the Grey Cup festivities in the community.”
The visit featured players from nearly every CFL team, including Willie Jefferson and Cam Lawson from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Nathan Rourke and Maxime Rouyer from the BC Lions, Reggie Begelton from the Calgary Stampeders, and many more.