What does it take to win three Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals? Nutritious food such as fresh veggies and whole grains, and knowing healthy ways to prepare them, says NHL star Jonathan Toews.

“I really started to understand the difference of what I put in my body, and the types of things I was eating, and how it could help me have energy and not only perform on the ice, but be able to… enjoy my life off the ice. In so many ways it changed my life to start focusing eating healthier,” says Toews,

a Winnipegger and Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.

That’s why Toews is lending his name to help build the Nourishing Potential Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation this summer. He’ll be the face of a ten-week campaign – which starts today and runs until September 7 – to promote the endowment fund that supports healthy food and nutrition education for local kids.

“We’re thrilled to have Jonathan get behind this initiative as a donor and ambassador,” says the Foundation’s CEO Rick Frost. “He’s a sports superstar and an inspiring figure in our community. He sends a great message about the power of healthy eating.”

Toews will be featured in short videos, print ads and multi-pronged social media promotions, all aimed to help build the Nourishing Potential Fund to $5 million. Thanks to gifts from individuals and lead sponsors, the fund has reached $4 million.

“I think Nourishing Potential is doing a great job of giving kids the chance, the knowledge or the understanding of how healthy food can impact not only them, but the people around them as well,” says Toews.

From now until Labour Day, people can support the Fund online at www.wpgfdn.org, in person at the Foundation office or any branch of Assiniboine Credit Union, or by texting GOAL to 45678.

Nourishing Potential has huge impact for thousands of Winnipeg kids. Since 2011, it has granted more than $885,000 to help community organizations provide healthy meals as well as and hands-on cooking training and food information to young Winnipeggers.

More than 70 groups have received support, including: Resource Assistance for Youth, Inner City Youth Alive and Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg. The Fund’s Lead Sponsors are: Assiniboine Credit Union, City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation and Wawanesa Insurance.

The Winnipeg Foundation, Canada’s first community foundation, was established in 1921. Built by people from all walks of life, the Foundation pools and invests gifts entrusted to it in order to generate grants that benefit a variety of local charitable needs.