WINNIPEG — Students at Churchill High School and their football program received a generous surprise on their Homecoming Day Saturday.
Nissan Kickoff Project came to town and donated $10,000 worth of new jerseys, cleats, and helmets for the high school’s football program. All this in an effort to make the sport look more attractive to new and existing students.
Organizers said Churchill has the lowest school population in the area already and has seen an increase in new immigrant and refugee families who aren’t familiar with the sport of football.
Fundraising takes place to help pay for the football program fees for those that sign up, but that means the funds can’t go towards areas like new equipment and uniforms. This is where Nissan Kickoff Project came in.
This kickoff event is in its third year and project leads said it gives people the ability to appreciate the benefits surrounding the sport of football. This year alone the project is expected to help nearly 1,200 students in 26 schools from 21 cities and eight provinces from BC to Nova Scotia.