$25,000 donation from Scotts, Canada's lawn and garden coach, kicks off chance to get Scotty Bowman as your team's coach for a game
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 31 /CNW/ - Canada's leader in the lawn and garden industry, Scotts Canada, presented a $25,000 donation to Canadian Tire Jumpstart® today at a special skills development session for young hockey players with the most successful coach in NHL history, Scotty Bowman.
Rising registration and user fees, reduced phys-ed classes in schools, a lack of adequate facilities, the increasing cost of equipment and the overall impact of the economy on a family's budget have resulted in an alarming number of children being prevented or limited in their chance to play sports and other organized physical activities. It is a growing concern that many Canadians have expressed; in a recent survey, 89 per cent of Canadians felt that the cost to play hockey needs to be reduced so that more children can play Canada's favourite pastime.
"With one in three Canadian families not able to send their children to a sports or organized physical activity program, we saw an opportunity to work with Canadian Tire and its Jumpstart program and provide an opportunity for more Canadian children to be able to get involved and learn the teamwork, dedication and social skills that comes with playing on a team," said Barry Maynard, Vice President and General Manager, Scotts Canada. "We are thrilled that we can make a difference with this $25,000 donation to Jumpstart."
Canadian Tire Jumpstart® is a community-based charitable program that helps kids aged four to 18 in financial need across Canada participate in sports and organized physical activities by covering costs such as registration fees, transportation and equipment. Beginning in 2005, there are now 290 Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapters in communities across the country and more than 216,500 kids that have been helped by the program.
"We know that children who participate in sport and organized physical activities develop focus and purpose," said Dan Thompson, president, Canadian Tire Jumpstart. "Providing kids with the chance to play today gives them a jumpstart on their future. We are pleased that through this donation, Scotts Lawn and Garden has recognized the value in this program and that they are included in our network of partners."
Today's event kicks off a Scotts - Canadian Tire exclusive "Scotty Bowman As Your Coach Contest" and included Scotty conducting a skills clinic and coaching session with members of the local Don Mills Middle School hockey team at the Don Mills Civitan Arena in Toronto.
"I've been fortunate to work with some of the best hockey players in the world throughout my career," said Scotty Bowman, "and yet the basic factors for success are the same regardless of skill level, age or where you play: dedication, determination, practice and listening carefully and adapting to what you are being told. In some ways, it's even more gratifying to coach youngsters like these 18 players today from Don Mills Middle School, young men that truly want to learn and recognize how fortunate they are to have hockey play such an integral role in their life. They recognize that not everyone has the same opportunity that they do and it's exciting to know that Scotts' donation today will ensure that hockey continues to thrive in this community and others like it across Canada."
Starting on April 5 and running until June 19, Canadians can enter the contest at www.scottscoachingtips.ca. One grand prize winner will win one hour of Scotty Bowman's time as their coach for a hockey game, and an autograph signing session with Scotty Bowman. Fifty secondary prizes of $50 Canadian Tire gift cards can also be won. Full contest details can be found at www.scottscoachingtips.ca when the contest launches.
"Our customers enjoy two things in the springtime: creating a great lawn and garden...and enjoying hockey playoffs. That's why this program is a great fit for Scotts," said Glenn Martin, Director of Marketing for Scotts Canada. "We're thrilled we can offer Canadians the products and advice they need for a great lawn and garden and the chance to have Scotty come coach one of their own hockey games. Imagine the excitement of having the greatest hockey coach of all time coming to coach your son or daughter's hockey team for a game!"
Fans can also visit the site to check out Scotty's thoughts on playoffs presented by The Score, register to receive Scotty Bowman's Twitter feed throughout the playoffs, become a fan of the Scotty Bowman As Your Coach Facebook page and get regular Scotts Lawn Care Coaching Tips sent to their email.
About Scotts Canada
Scotts Canada is a subsidiary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG) based in Columbus, Marysville, Ohio, the world's leading marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. Scotts line up features Canada's favourite brands, including: Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Scotts Turf Builder®, Scotts EcoSense®, Ortho®, Morning Song® Wild Bird Food as well as Roundup*, marketed in North America and most of Europe by Scotts. With a global investment in research and development and innovation in addition to industry leading stewardship initiatives and consumer education, Scotts is committed to developing and enhancing the lawn and garden care practices in Canada.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Scotts Canada provides lawn and garden enthusiasts choices that invite people to ... Grow the World You Want.™
About Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Canadian Tire Jumpstart® is a community-based charitable program that helps underprivileged kids across Canada aged 4-18 participate in organized sports and recreation by covering costs such as registration fees, transportation and equipment. There are 290 Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapters in communities across the country and more than 216,500 kids have been helped by the program.