These products are new and so is the competition. Co-op has offered Game Day Approved products with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers the last two years. This season, the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders will also partner with Co-op in their own Game Day Approved product lines. Co-branded products food and merchandise will be sold at Co-op locations in all four markets. A portion of sales from Game Day Approved products will be donated to local children’s hospital foundations in the three Prairie provinces.
“This is a big win for everyone. Not only do football fans and Co-op shoppers get to support their team, they’re contributing to a healthier future for our children and families,” said Vic Huard, Vice-President of Strategy at Federated Co-operatives Limited, on behalf of the Co-operative Retailing System. “Your purchase will help your team win off the field for children’s hospital foundations, and we’ll see who really has the best fans.”
New Co-op/Riders products for 2014 include a specially branded championship cola in commemorative collector cans as well as a bar fridge, hard hat, food cooler, ice cream, apple juice and energy drink. Fans will also have a chance to win a VIP suite for 16 people at one of six Rider home games.
“The Roughriders are leaders on the field and in the community,” said Steve Mazurak, Saskatchewan Roughriders Vice-President of Sales and Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to continue this successful partnership with Co-op and to contribute to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan’s great work.”
The Co-op/Roughriders Game Day approved lineup has set the bar for the three other Game Day Approved teams, raising $95,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan in the 2013 season. A total of $416,000 has been raised since the partnership began in 2010. The sale proceeds are in addition to the $5 million donation over five years to the five western Canadian children’s hospital foundations, of which the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan received $1.7 million.
"Football season is even better when the Co-op’s Game Day Approved items hit the shelves," said Brynn Boback-Lane, Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan President and CEO. "The support that our Foundation receives from the partnership with Saskatchewan Co-ops and our beloved Roughriders truly recognizes that this province has a team of great people and vision. Through this innovative program, we can provide more tools that are needed to help the children and families of Saskatchewan receive even better pediatric equipment and healthcare now and in the future."
Co-op stores in Saskatchewan will also be the exclusive retailer of All In, a DVD highlighting the Roughriders and their 2013 championship season.
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