Jays Care Foundation donates $300,000 to Canadian youth programs
Former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Scott Richmond (Vancouver, B.C.) was one of the six Canadian Blue Jays alumni on hand for the pre-game Canada Day ceremony held on Rogers Centre yesterday. Richmond directed a $50,000 donation from the Jays Care Foundation to BC Baseball. Photo: Jays Care Foundation.
July 1, 2026
Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release
Announced Wednesday during the pregame ceremony for Canada Day presented by Rogers, the Toronto Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation will donate $300,000 across six youth baseball organizations in Canada, each selected by Canadian Blue Jays alumni.
In honour of the club’s 50th season, John Axford, Matt Stairs, Michael Saunders, Paul Quantrill, Russell Martin and Scott Richmond have each selected an organization that holds personal significance for them and each of those organizations will receive a $50,000 donation.
“At Jays Care, we’re committed to growing the game across the country, building lifelong fans, and ensuring young Canadians have access to meaningful opportunities through baseball,” said Peter King, executive director, Jays Care Foundation. “Celebrating Canada Day in our 50th season alongside Canadian Blue Jays alumni makes this donation especially meaningful, as we champion organizations inspiring the next generation of baseball players from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Canadian Youth Baseball Donations:
Born and raised in Port Dover, John Axford has selected Port Dover Minor Baseball as the recipient of the $50,000 donation to support field improvements at Misner Park in his hometown. The organization, which has honoured Axford’s legacy with a team named the “Axemen,” remains an important part of his connection to the community.
The pride of New Brunswick, Matt Stairs has selected the Fredericton Minor Baseball Association to receive the $50,000 donation for infrastructure improvements to Royals Field and Johnston Field. Stairs remains actively involved in the Fredericton Minor Baseball Association, and this donation will help enhance the experience for athletes and ensure the continued growth of baseball in the community.
Giving back to his hometown of Victoria, B.C. and the school he remains involved in, Michael Saunders has selected Lambrick Park Baseball and Softball Academy to receive the $50,000 donation from Jays Care’s First Pitch Fund for its new scholarship program. Beginning this year, the scholarship will be offered to deserving baseball and softball players who have the skills to compete but face financial barriers to participate in baseball and softball programming.
Paul Quantrill has selected Kendal Minor Baseball in Ontario to receive the Jays Care donation, with funds directed toward the refurbishment of the baseball field at Harvey Jackson Memorial Park. This organization holds special significance for Quantrill as the home association of both his father and grandfather.
Academie de Baseball du Canada and Baseball Canada have been named co-recipients of the $50,000 Jays Care donation on behalf of Russell Martin. The donation will contribute to programming that supports the development of pre-draft and college eligible players across Canada and specifically Quebec. An alumnus of both programs, the two organizations played an integral role in Martin’s placement at Chipola Junior College and his professional baseball career.
Scott Richmond has selected Baseball BC as the recipient of the donation, which will support grassroots girls’ programs and high-performance initiatives, including new uniforms for British Columbia’s provincial team. For the first time in several seasons, the provincial team will feature brand-new uniforms as they compete at baseball’s Canada Cup in summers to come.