Nick's Chips headline expanded Co-op/Bombers collaboration

May 21, 2014

Soon it’ll be crunch time for Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans who can buy Nick’s Quick Score Chips, featuring slotback Nick Moore, exclusively at Co-op retail stores across Manitoba.

Moore signed fan autographs Tuesday at the newly opened Red River Co-op food store in Winnipeg’s Southdale neighbourhood to launch the Co-op/Blue Bombers Game Day Approved product line. Through the Game Day Approved collaboration between Co-op and the Blue Bombers, a portion of sales from 12 co-branded food and general merchandise items products is donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

“This is a big win for everyone. Not only are football fans and Co-op shoppers buying quality products and showing their team pride, they’re also contributing to a healthier future for our children and families with their Game Day Approved purchases,” said Doug Wiebe, Red River Co-op General Manager, on behalf of Co-ops across Manitoba.

This year’s Game Day Approved lineup includes specially-packaged sunflower seeds, ice bags, chocolate bars, sliced bread, hamburger buns, peanuts in shell, trail mix, reusable cups, picnic coolers and collector’s edition footballs.

For the first time, Bombers fans can also purchase specially priced game ticket vouchers at participating Co-op stores and go online to Ticketmaster.ca to redeem them. Buddy two-packs for $60 and family four-packs for $125 will be available. Fans will also have a chance to win a five-ticket package to one of six Blue Bomber home games.  

“We are very excited to work with Co-op in their efforts to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation through their Game Day Approved program,” said Blue Bombers President and CEO, Wade Miller. “In addition, we are so pleased our fans will be able to purchase game day vouchers for tickets at Co-op locations throughout the province.”

The Co-op/Bombers collaboration is entering its third season. In its first two years, Co-op donated $40,000 to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba as a result of the Game Day Approved promotion. The money raised in support of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba through the Game Day Approved collaboration is in addition to Co-op’s $1.1 million gift over five years to the Foundation announced last year.

“We are thrilled to be part of this great team,” said Lawrence Prout, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “Co-op and its members have been tremendous supporters of the 120,000 sick children that come to the hospital each year while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a long and illustrious history and we are grateful to them in workinging with us and Co-op to help children in their time of medical need.”

“When an individual purchases these products, they will help the Children’s Hospital obtain vital medical equipment, support ground-breaking research at the Manitoba Institute of Child Health, and offer programs that bring comfort to families and their loved ones during difficult times.”

The Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders will be joined in the Game Day Approved lineup by the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders. Later this week announcements will be made in Calgary and Edmonton on which players will be featured on chips and other Game Day Approved products.