The Calgary Stampeders, a professional Canadian football team, have taken on a new goal off the field – tackling hunger. This comes as a new report reveals that one in four Canadians are living in poverty.
According to the report, released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, approximately 9.5 million Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. This includes individuals and families who are unable to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.
The Stampeders have partnered with the Calgary Food Bank to raise awareness and funds for those in need. They have launched a campaign called “Tackle Hunger” which encourages fans to donate non-perishable food items at their home games. The team has also pledged to donate a portion of their ticket sales to the food bank.
In a statement, Stampeders President and General Manager, John Hufnagel, expressed the team’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community. He stated, “As professional athletes, we have a platform to raise awareness and make a difference. We are proud to support the Calgary Food Bank and their efforts to alleviate hunger in our city.”
The Calgary Food Bank, which serves over 170 agencies in the city, has seen a significant increase in demand for their services in recent years. In 2018, they distributed over 100,000 hampers to individuals and families in need.
The “Tackle Hunger” campaign has already seen success, with over 1,000 pounds of food collected at the Stampeders’ first home game of the season. The team hopes to continue this momentum and make a meaningful impact in the fight against poverty and hunger.
In addition to their partnership with the Calgary Food Bank, the Stampeders have also committed to volunteering at the food bank and other local organizations throughout the season.
As Canadians, it is important to recognize the issue of poverty and take action to support those in need. The Stampeders’ efforts to tackle hunger serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable society.