Former Blue Jays Players Support Youth Projects at Rogers Charity Classic

Former Blue Jays players Mike Pillar and Carlos Estrada are teaming up at the Rogers Charity Classic golf tournament in Calgary to support Alberta youth. For every birdie sunk on hole No. 16 across the three tournament rounds, Calgary Herald reports that $1,000 will be donated to the Jays Care Foundation through the Rogers Birdies for Kids program presented by AltaLink.
The funds will support Calgary-area baseball projects, including Fish Creek Little League and the McKenzie Lake Diamond, through Jays Care's Field of Dreams program. Edmonton Journal notes the Rogers Charity Classic has a long track record of supporting Alberta charities, having raised over $164 million to date.
Pillar and Estrada bring their baseball background to the golf course in a unique twist on the classic charity event. Calgary Sun reports that both former players believe baseball's success in Canada has helped grow the sport among young players. The partnership connects professional athletics with grassroots youth development in Alberta communities.
The tournament features an innovative fundraising mechanism centered on one specific hole. Every birdie on hole No. 16 triggers a $1,000 donation from Rogers to the Jays Care Foundation. Paris Star Online explains this creates multiple opportunities across three rounds to boost charitable giving for youth baseball programs in the region.
The money raised supports specific baseball infrastructure projects in Calgary neighborhoods. Chatham Daily News indicates that Fish Creek Little League and the McKenzie Lake Diamond are among the projects receiving funding through Jays Care's Field of Dreams initiative. These investments help introduce young Albertans to organized baseball opportunities.
The tournament has established itself as one of Canada's premier charity golf events over many years. Ottawa Citizen reports the event has raised more than $164 million for Alberta youth charities throughout its history. By adding the Blue Jays connection, organizers continue expanding the tournament's reach and impact on young players across the province.
Publishers
15
Articles
15
Reach
15