911 Appreciation Night
On September 16, 2008 the Toronto Blue Jays recognized the valuable services of the local heroes who staff our emergency response teams. A pregame ceremony recognized the Communication Supervisors and media representatives, based upon the actions of Emergency Call Takers in the preservation of life and promotion of safety and security. Members from our local emergency services divisions were also able to purchase tickets on this day at a special discounted rate.
Cops for Cancer
Cops for Cancer was initiated in 1994 when police officers in Edmonton shaved their heads to make a little boy with cancer feel better about his appearance. Officers have continued this fundraising endeavor to show support for those children with cancer, while at the same time raising much needed funds for cancer research.
On May 6, 2008 the Toronto Blue Jays welcomed the top two Cops for Cancer fundraisers from Toronto's Police Services to Rogers Centre for a ceremonial head shave at the hands of a couple of Toronto Blue Jays players.
HoliJays
Each December the Toronto Blue Jays host their annual HoliJays Children's Party. Over 1,000 children from Toronto's Community Housing, Toronto Children's Breakfast Clubs and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Toronto are invited down to Rogers Centre for an exciting day of games, food, gifts and of course ... a visit with Santa and his friends. This event is a special opportunity for these children to forget their troubles and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
Pitch in for Parkinson's
The Toronto Blue Jays and Parkinson's Society Canada hosted the 19th annual Pitch in for Parkinson's event at Rogers Centre on June 26, 2008. The Parkinson's Society Canada is able to raise money for research through ticket sales and other fundraising efforts. All funds raised through the sale of these packages go directly to the Parkinson's Society Canada which funds vital research and community programs for the nearly 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. Fans who donate to the Pitch In for Parkinson's fundraiser have the opportunity to be invited to a pregame reception at Rogers Centre with a Blue Jays player.
Variety Village
For the past 30 years, the Blue Jays have supported the great efforts of Variety-The Children's Charity and Variety Village. In 2008, the Blue Jays once again hosted over 5,000 children and their families for Variety Village Day at Rogers Centre.
Wednesday's Wishes
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest wish granting organization in the world, with affiliates in 32 countries. It exists for one purpose — to fulfill the special wishes of children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illness. Since its inception in 1980, the volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation worldwide have helped make more than 127,000 wishes come true. They provide consistency, credibility, and experience in wish granting worldwide.
In 2008 the Toronto Blue Jays hosted Wednesday's Wishes. Every Wednesday home game in 2008 we hosted families from Make-a-Wish and give these children the opportunity to participate in a pregame batting practice with the players, throw out the first pitch, participate in the 7th inning stretch on-field, and of course, enjoy an exciting game of baseball! The club gave $5 for every Wednesday's Wishes group ticket sold to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help fulfill wishes.
Community