CFLPA Members bring Grey Cup spirit to kids at HSC Children’s Hospital in Manitoba

Football stars from across Canada made a special stop with the Grey Cup trophy in advance of 2025 Grey Cup game

Winnipeg, MB (Nov 13, 2025) – Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is deeply grateful to the Canadian Football League Players Association (CFLPA) for making a special stop with several CFL stars at HSC Children’s Hospital to visit kids who need healthcare support.

CFLPA joined the Children’s Hospital Foundation and HSC Children’s Child Life department staff today in helping kids make meaningful memories by sharing some Grey Cup spirit in hospital. Players were special guests on the Good Day Show on CHTV (closed circuit hospital TV) and visited with children on every ward.

“CFLPA members are committed to Canadian communities and want everyone to feel the energy, excitement and sportsmanship of our game,” says CFLPA Executive Director, David Mackie. “Whether on or off the field, CFL players want to give fans a great experience. We are pleased to be able to visit HSC Children’s Hospital in Manitoba, to meet the brave kids here and offer them a special CFL player experience.”

Eighteen players representing nearly every team in the CFL attended, including:

Kids and families at HSC Children’s were thrilled to meet these Canadian football stars. Child Life staff say special visits like this help families create positive memories while in hospital, as well as provide distraction and motivation for kids receiving treatment.

“We know celebrations, purposeful activity and a sense of belonging are an important part of a child’s well-being and recovery,” says Laura Ebenspanger, manager of Patient Care – Ambulatory Care at HSC Children’s. “We welcome engaging activities, like this CFL players visit because it brings safe, joyful, meaningful experiences to patients and their families.”

“We’re so thankful to these CFL sports heroes who have taken their time to show they care about kids in the hospital who can’t be out right now to enjoy the Grey Cup festivities in the community. Thanks for bringing some Grey Cup spirit to our hospital,” says Stefano Grande, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Kids in hospital can face some extremely tough days, but moments like this with these CFL players offer an opportunity to make positive memories in hospital.”